Niël Terblanché
Namibia is preparing to play a key role in this year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), as its delegation will host a business forum aimed at enhancing strategic economic partnerships with China.
The forum, to be held during the event in Beijing from 4 to 6 September, will provide numerous opportunities for business collaborations and at the same time, strengthen bilateral ties between Namibia and China.
At the end of last week, Jerobeam Shaanika, the Deputy Executive Director of Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, reiterated the importance of the event, noting that it presents a unique occasion to deepen business cooperation with China.
He said that Namibia has already established itself as a key trading partner by being the only African nation that exports beef to China.
“Plans are underway to expand this trade relationship to include other Namibian products such as mutton, grapes, and aquatic goods, which are expected to enter the Chinese market soon,” he said.
According to Shaanika, Namibia’s participation in FOCAC 2024 is part of a broader strategy to align with China’s development goals while leveraging Chinese expertise in critical areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology transfer.
He added that it is expected that the Namibian delegation will be led by President Nangolo Mbumba.
“It is expected that the Namibian delegation will engage in high-level discussions focused on maximizing these opportunities to drive Namibia’s economic growth,” he added.
FOCAC, established in 2000, has grown into a major platform for China-Africa relations, with 55 members, including China, 53 African nations, and the African Union Commission.
The forum has become a cornerstone for Sino-African diplomacy, fostering cooperation across various sectors including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.
This year’s summit, themed “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” comes at a crucial time for Africa as the continent is still navigating post-pandemic recovery and seeks to strengthen its development strategies through international partnerships.
Shaanika indicated that Namibia will be focusing on securing investments that align with its Vision 2030 objectives, particularly in areas like agriculture and renewable energy, where China’s expertise can significantly contribute to sustainable development.
In addition to economic cooperation, the FOCAC summit will also address broader geopolitical issues, with discussions likely to cover Africa’s role in the Global South and its participation in international affairs.
Namibia, alongside other African nations, is expected to advocate for a more equitable global order and seek stronger alignment with China on issues of mutual interest.
According to Shaanika, Namibia, by hosting the business forum at FOCAC, is not only reinforcing its bilateral relations with China but also positioning itself as a key player in the ongoing dialogue between China and Africa.
