Niël Terblanché
Namibia and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), following an official visit by Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and Member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese CPC Central Committee, to Namibia on a two-day mission.
A statement issued by the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said that during a courtesy call at the old State House in Windhoek on Monday with Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice President and President-Elect of Namibia, discussions with the Chinese foreign affairs minister focused on enhancing practical cooperation across various sectors.
“The strong and ever-growing friendship between our countries, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018, continues to support Namibia’s developmental aspirations,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The visit comes on the heels of the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC, where President Nangolo Mbumba pledged Namibia’s support for the adopted FOCAC Declaration and the Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027).
Nandi Ndaitwah reiterated Namibia’s readiness to implement resolutions in key areas, including education, trade, infrastructure, renewable energy, and agriculture.
Wang Yi lauded the excellent bilateral relations between the two nations and reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Namibia’s socio-economic goals.
He spoke about noteworthy achievements, including cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, and renewable energy, as well as Namibia’s increasing engagement with China in mineral value-addition and job creation.
President Nangolo Mbumba, who hosted Wang Yi in Swakopmund later on Monday, stressed Namibia’s dedication to the partnership.
“Namibia supports the One China Policy and remains committed to our ‘all-weather friendship’ built on mutual respect, trust, and win-win principles,” he said.
Key outcomes of the discussions included a focus on green hydrogen and other renewable energy projects, as Namibia seeks to leverage its vast natural resources to contribute to sustainable energy solutions.
The countries also explored partnerships in technology-based smart cities and 5G infrastructure, aimed at enhancing urban security and intelligent traffic management.
Tourism was another area of focus, with Namibia keen to tap into China’s rapidly growing tourism market.
Efforts are underway to facilitate easier travel between the two nations, with plans for upgraded international airport infrastructure to support world-class tourism services.
Concrete progress in cooperation was evident, including China’s commitment to constructing a national police residential complex and providing drought relief through N$50 million in assistance and the drilling of industrial boreholes.
Education also featured prominently, with the completion of four schools in Namibia’s Zambezi and Kavango West regions and the establishment of a Confucius Institute at the University of Namibia.
Chinese investment in Namibia’s uranium sector remains a significant pillar of their partnership.
The recent approval of a joint venture between NamWater and the China General Nuclear Power Group to establish the Husab desalination plant promises to alleviate water shortages in central and western Namibia, producing 20 million tons of water annually.
According to President Mbumba, Namibia’s support for China’s global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI), further cements this strong partnership.
Minister Wang Yi’s visit, part of a four-nation African tour, underscores China’s strategic interest in fostering closer ties with Africa.
As he continues to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, and Nigeria, the outcomes of his Namibian engagements are expected to further solidify the long-standing all-weather friendship between the two nations.
