The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) questions the government’s acceptance of a N$245 million grant from China for a smart city pilot project, warning that it could undermine Namibia’s digital sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Thursday, IPC shadow minister of international relations and trade Rodney Cloete says the party is concerned the grant announced during president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s state visit to China comes with long-term risks that outweigh its value.
The party argues that the N$245 million grant is insignificant compared to the more than N$40 billion in annual trade between Namibia and China, saying the country risks giving up control over critical digital infrastructure while continuing to export raw minerals.
“Smart city projects often rely on foreign-owned technology and surveillance systems, raising questions about where citizens’ data will be stored, who will own the technology and whether Namibia could become dependent on external service providers,” he says.
The party further dismisses the government’s celebration of zero-tariff access for Namibian exports to China, saying the benefits will remain limited as long as the country exports mainly raw minerals instead of value-added products.
IPC calls on president Nandi-Ndaitwah and the Ministry of International Relations and Trade to publish the full terms and conditions of the grant, including provisions on data ownership, infrastructure control and procurement.
It says Namibians deserve transparency on whether public digital infrastructure could be placed under foreign control through the agreement.
