Namibia-China State Visit Spurs Wide-Ranging Cooperation Deals

On 10 July 2026, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia concluded a seven-day state visit to Beijing. During meetings with President Xi Jinping, the two leaders signed eight cooperation agreements covering energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, agriculture, digital technology and economic partnership. The accords were formalised at the Great Hall of the People and were accompanied by side meetings with Chinese firms, notably Huawei and the China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN).

The Straits Times

Namibia, which gained independence in 1990 under the South West Africa People’s Organisation, faces persistent high unemployment and inequality. President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who took office in 2025, has pledged a “green revolution” and diversification away from reliance on raw-material exports. Recent discoveries by Shell and TotalEnergies of an estimated 2.6 billion barrels of offshore oil could make Namibia Africa’s fourth-largest oil producer by 2030. Simultaneously, the country is one of the world’s leading uranium exporters, with most of the metal currently shipped abroad for processing. The visit aimed to attract Chinese investment to support these emerging sectors and to advance a nascent nuclear-energy strategy.

Oil PriceNamibia moves toward nuclear energy strategy as uranium wealth drives push for greater energy independenceThe Straits TimesChina funds Namibia digital infrastructureChina–Africa partnership advances trade, infrastructure and sustainable development

• Chinese firms have invested roughly US$4.2 billion in Namibia, ? 99 % of which is in the metals sector.

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• In 2025, China purchased about US$1.3 billion of Namibian goods; uranium accounted for 85 % of those exports.

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• China buys roughly 25 % of Namibia’s total exports.

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• The Smart City pilot received ¥98 million (? US$14.4 million) from China to fund digital infrastructure, AI capabilities and skills development.

China funds Namibia digital infrastructure

• Namibia’s projected oil output could reach 1 million barrels per day by the end of the decade.

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President Xi praised Namibia’s decision to make China its first state visit outside Africa, interpreting it as evidence of a “significant relationship.” The joint statement highlighted mutual interest in “critical minerals such as uranium, lithium and rare earths” and emphasized local processing, technology transfer and skills development. President Nandi-Ndaitwah affirmed an “unwavering commitment” to the long-standing friendship and outlined Namibia’s intent to build a secure, inclusive, knowledge-based economy. Huawei’s senior vice-president, Leo Chen, noted that Namibia’s development goals align with Huawei’s expertise in AI, cloud technologies and digital infrastructure. CGN representatives discussed the nuclear fuel cycle, positioning the partnership as a pathway for Namibia to move up the value chain from uranium export to domestic nuclear electricity generation.

The Straits Times

Analysts expressed skepticism about the ruling party’s electoral prospects, citing growing public frustration over unemployment and inequality. Some observers warned that deepening economic ties with China could increase Namibia’s dependence on a single partner, potentially limiting policy autonomy and raising concerns about debt sustainability and technology control.

Namibia moves toward nuclear energy strategy as uranium wealth drives push for greater energy independence

• “Your decision to make China your first state visit outside of Africa after assuming the presidency demonstrates the importance you attach to this significant relationship, for which I express my appreciation,” — Xi Jinping, President of China

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• “In Namibia, we affirm (an) unwavering commitment to this longstanding friendship between Namibia and China,” — Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia

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• “In partnership with Huawei, Namibia is championing digital inclusion while preparing its workforce to thrive amid AI-driven market shifts,” — Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia

China funds Namibia digital infrastructure

• “Leo Chen, senior vice president, sales, Huawei Enterprise, says Namibia's development goals align with Huawei's expertise in AI, cloud technologies and digital infrastructure.” — Leo Chen, Senior Vice President, Sales, Huawei Enterprise

China funds Namibia digital infrastructure

• “President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the country’s uranium resources should generate greater economic benefits for Namibians by supporting energy security and industrial development.” — Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia

Namibia moves toward nuclear energy strategy as uranium wealth drives push for greater energy independence

The Smart City arrangement, signed at the end of June 2026, will be implemented over a ten-year period ending in 2036. Namibia plans to draft legislation to establish a national nuclear-energy policy, with technical input from CGN, before committing to any plant construction. Oil production is slated to commence before the close of the decade, while the eight cooperation agreements provide a framework for ongoing Chinese investment in infrastructure, mining and renewable-energy projects.

Namibia moves toward nuclear energy strategy as uranium wealth drives push for greater energy independence