By Sostenus Wilherm
Namibia has secured fresh commitments from China to expand cooperation in critical minerals, energy, trade, infrastructure and technology following President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s state visit to Beijing from 5 to 11 July 2026.
The commitments were announced in a joint statement issued after talks between President Nandi-Ndaitwah and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the two countries agreed to deepen economic ties and broaden cooperation across strategic sectors expected to drive Namibia’s industrialisation and economic growth.
Among the key outcomes is an agreement to strengthen cooperation in Namibia’s critical minerals, including uranium, lithium and rare earth elements. The two countries pledged to promote local processing, beneficiation and value addition instead of exporting raw materials, while supporting technology transfer, skills development and industrial capacity building.
China also committed to supporting Namibia’s industrialisation agenda, agricultural modernisation and implementation of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and Vision 2030 through technical cooperation, development partnerships and technology transfer.
The joint statement outlines plans to expand cooperation in oil and gas, green and renewable energy, battery value chains, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, science and technology, tourism and education.
The two countries also agreed to work together in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, e-commerce and telecommunications as Namibia seeks to build a knowledge-based economy.
China encouraged more of its companies to invest in Namibia and pledged to support local procurement, employment creation and skills transfer. Both governments also committed to creating a stable and secure investment environment for businesses from both countries.
Namibia welcomed China’s zero-tariff market access for African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing, saying the arrangement presents new opportunities to increase exports, attract investment and create jobs.
The two countries also agreed to improve customs cooperation and facilitate trade under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The leaders further agreed to strengthen cooperation in healthcare, education, peace and security, culture and tourism, while China pledged continued support through scholarships, technical training and medical assistance.
