Namibia has reported N$66.85 billion in investment across 28 projects, but how much has materialised from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s international trade missions?
Elvis Mboya
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made economic diplomacy a prominent feature of her presidency, leading international engagements aimed at attracting foreign investment, opening export markets and strengthening Namibia’s commercial relationships.
Since taking office in March 2025, she has pursued partnerships across Africa, Asia, USA and other international markets, accompanied by government officials and business representatives seeking opportunities in mining, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and infrastructure.
The engagements have produced cooperation agreements, business forums and new market-access opportunities.
However, the investment realised and jobs created directly from these missions remain difficult to establish without a consolidated government account.
“I have some of my targets, and it’s only you, Namibian businesspeople, who can make me meet those targets,” the president had told her delegation.
Figures presented by international relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi in September 2026 provide a broader picture of the government’s investment facilitation activities.
The ministry reported facilitating 28 projects attracting N$66.85 billion in investment and associated with 9 343 permanent jobs across sectors including agriculture, mining, renewable energy, tourism, real estate and digital services.
These figures cover the ministry’s reported project portfolio and do not establish how much investment has been disbursed or what proportion resulted directly from presidential missions.
China: Moving beyond mineral exports
During her July 2026 state visit to China, Nandi-Ndaitwah pursued partnerships in mining, agriculture, infrastructure, energy and technology.
The visit resulted in eight cooperation agreements covering areas including green minerals, economic cooperation and skills development.
China remains an important commercial partner for Namibia, particularly in the mining sector.
Government-reported figures put bilateral trade at N$40.64 billion in 2025, with Namibia recording a trade surplus of N$4.8 billion.
The engagements sought to expand cooperation beyond mineral extraction towards beneficiation, technology transfer and skills development.
For Namibia, the potential gains extend beyond export earnings. Local processing of minerals could support industrial development, while partnerships in agriculture and technology could create opportunities for domestic businesses.
However, the individual investment values, implementation schedules and additional jobs expected from the agreements require clarification.
Existing Chinese investments must also be distinguished from new commitments arising from the presidential visit.
Vice President leads Nairobi delegation
In May 2026, Vice President Lucia Witbooi led a Namibian delegation to Nairobi, representing the president in engagements intended to strengthen economic relations between Namibia and Kenya.
The visit provided a platform for discussions on trade, investment and private-sector cooperation.
Kenya offers opportunities in financial services, technology, logistics and access to East African markets.
Namibia, meanwhile, has established industries in mining, energy, tourism and agriculture, alongside access to the Southern African Development Community market.
Closer commercial relations could help businesses in both countries diversify their markets and identify new investment partners.
The mission also reflected the administration’s broader approach of using senior political leadership to advance economic engagement.
However, a breakdown of investment commitments, business agreements and transactions resulting directly from the Nairobi visit would help establish its commercial impact.
India, Tanzania and Angola
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Namibia in July 2025, with the two countries signing agreements covering health and medicine and strengthening cooperation in entrepreneurship, technology and agriculture.
The engagement offered opportunities to expand commercial relations with one of the world’s largest economies, particularly in pharmaceuticals, digital services, skills development and agricultural technology.
In June 2026, Nandi-Ndaitwah engaged with Tanzania on trade, agriculture and cooperation involving small and medium-sized enterprises.
Tanzania’s position within East Africa makes it a potential partner in regional logistics and market access, particularly for businesses seeking to expand trade between eastern and southern Africa.
Her October 2026 visit to Angola focused on strengthening bilateral economic relations, including cooperation in mining, energy, agriculture, infrastructure and logistics.
The engagement also addressed implementation of existing bilateral agreements and the reduction of obstacles to cross-border trade.
Angola and Namibia share opportunities in energy, fisheries, agriculture and transport. Improved trade procedures and infrastructure links could help businesses increase cross-border commerce.
Nevertheless, the economic value of these engagements will depend on projects implemented and commercial transactions completed.
Investment and trade opportunities
The administration has also pursued engagement with American and South African business interests in critical minerals, energy, manufacturing and infrastructure.
These sectors align with Namibia’s ambitions to develop its natural resources, expand renewable energy, attract industrial investment and create employment.
Presidential missions can help establish government-to-government relationships and bring investors into direct contact with policymakers.
Business forums also provide opportunities for local companies to identify partners, suppliers and export markets.
However, expressions of interest and cooperation agreements do not necessarily translate into immediate investment.
Projects must progress through financing, regulatory approvals, procurement and construction before their economic benefits become measurable.
