WINDHOEK, July 10 – China and Namibia have signed a series of cooperation agreements aimed at expanding collaboration in energy, critical minerals, infrastructure and agriculture, reinforcing economic ties as Namibia seeks greater foreign investment to diversify its economy.
The agreements were signed during talks in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who has been on a seven day state visit to China focused on attracting investment to support job creation and economic transformation.
Addressing the meeting, President Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to its long standing partnership with China, highlighting the importance of strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
“In Namibia, we affirm our unwavering commitment to this longstanding friendship between Namibia and China,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah said, noting that her delegation included dozens of business leaders.
President Xi welcomed Namibia’s decision to prioritise China for its first state visit outside Africa since President Nandi-Ndaitwah assumed office.
“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 said.
According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, the two countries signed eight agreements, including cooperation on green minerals and a framework agreement covering broader economic partnership.
China said it is prepared to expand cooperation with Namibia across infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture, education, youth development, science and technology.
According to a joint statement released after the talks, both countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the development of strategic minerals, including uranium, lithium and rare earth elements, recognising their growing importance to the global energy transition and advanced manufacturing industries.
The statement further emphasised promoting local mineral processing, technology transfer and skills development, reflecting a broader shift across several African resource producing countries toward capturing greater value from their natural resources rather than exporting raw materials.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s visit comes as Namibia pursues policies aimed at creating employment opportunities and reducing dependence on a narrow range of economic sectors. Since taking office in 2025, she has pledged to attract investment while accelerating industrial development and economic diversification.
Namibia’s growing strategic importance has also been reinforced by major offshore oil discoveries made by Shell and TotalEnergies, with industry estimates suggesting the country could become Africa’s fourth largest oil producer by 2030 as new petroleum projects move toward production.
The latest agreements underscore China’s continued expansion of its economic footprint in Africa while positioning Namibia to attract investment into sectors expected to play a central role in the country’s long term economic development.
