China and Namibia have agreed to expand cooperation across critical minerals, energy, infrastructure and agriculture, with President Xi Jinping pledging deeper economic ties during talks in Beijing with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is on a seven-day state visit to China, is seeking greater Chinese investment to support her government’s plans to create jobs and diversify Namibia’s economy.
During their meeting, Xi welcomed her decision to make China her first state visit outside Africa since taking office, calling it a reflection of the importance both countries attach to their longstanding relationship.
“In Namibia, we affirm our unwavering commitment to this longstanding friendship between Namibia and China,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, noting that her delegation included dozens of business leaders.
The two countries signed eight cooperation agreements, including deals covering green minerals and a broader economic partnership framework.
According to Chinese state media, Beijing will deepen cooperation with Namibia in infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture, education, youth development, science and technology.
A joint statement also highlighted plans to strengthen collaboration in the development of uranium, lithium and rare earth minerals, while promoting local processing, technology transfer and skills development.
Namibia is emerging as one of Africa’s most promising resource economies. The country holds significant reserves of uranium, lithium and rare earths, while major offshore oil discoveries by Shell and TotalEnergies could make it Africa’s fourth-largest oil producer by 2030.
China is already Namibia’s largest export market, purchasing around a quarter of the country’s exports. According to the International Monetary Fund, uranium accounted for 85 per cent of China’s imports from Namibia last year.
Chinese companies have invested an estimated US$4.2 billion in Namibia, with the overwhelming majority directed towards the country’s mining and metals sector.
The latest agreements underscore Beijing’s continued efforts to strengthen its economic footprint in Africa by securing access to strategic resources while supporting infrastructure and industrial development across the continent.
(with inputs from Reuters)
