President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent state visit to China is expected to usher in a new phase of bilateral relations, with increased development assistance, investment, and trade opportunities expected to benefit Namibia.
Speaking at his first media briefing of the year yesterday, Chinese ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping described the visit as a “complete success”.
He said the two countries agreed to elevate ties to a China-Namibia community with a shared future for “the new era”.
The visit resulted in the signing of eight bilateral agreements covering education, agriculture, trade and economic cooperation, while strengthening political and people-to-people relations.
According to Zhao, China has pledged additional grant funding for development projects in Namibia, with a focus on improving socio-economic development and the welfare of citizens.
He said youth development would also receive greater attention through scholarships, technical training and vocational education.
“This year, China’s ministry of commerce awarded scholarships for master’s and doctoral studies to 87 Namibian students, while both countries signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in technical and vocational education,” he said.
Agriculture emerged as another key area of cooperation, with Zhao adding that Namibia will now be able to export fresh table grapes and wild aquatic products to China following the signing of new trade protocols.
He said China has extended zero-tariff treatment on all imports from African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, creating additional opportunities for Namibian exporters.
Both countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in healthcare, including medical training, disease control and pharmaceutical production, while encouraging more Chinese companies to invest in Namibia.
Zhao praised Nandi-Ndaitwah for leading “the largest Namibian business delegation ever” to visit China, saying her engagements with more than 30 Chinese companies had boosted investor confidence.
He said the two governments have already begun implementing agreements reached during the visit, with Chinese provincial delegations expected in Namibia later this year to advance cooperation in agriculture, trade and investment.
“Nothing will stay on paper. There will certainly be concrete actions,” Zhao said.
During her state visit, Nandi-Ndaitwah said bilateral cooperation must move beyond basic trade volumes to focus on investment, technology transfer, and shared prosperity.
Trade between China and Namibia reached N$14.79 billion during the first four months of 2026, following a record total of N$40.64 billion in 2025.
This represents a 158% increase in cumulative trade growth over a six-year period since 2020.
However, the Independent Patriots for Change recently criticised the government’s acceptance of a N$245-million Chinese smart city grant, raising concerns over digital sovereignty, data safety, and a lack of domestic manufacturing commitments.
