China and Namibia: Building roads, mining riches, sharing knowledge

Namibia's long-standing relationship with China continues to strengthen as the two nations focus on trade, infrastructure, mining and education. The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), currently underway in Beijing, has seen high-level officials from Namibia express optimism about the future of their bilateral ties.

Elia Kaiyamo, Namibian ambassador to China, said that FOCAC provides a strategic platform for deepening economic cooperation. "What I'm expecting is the relationship will improve. We expect the implementation to be harmonious in terms of a win-win situation," Kaiyamo said, underscoring the potential for Chinese investment to bolster local industries. Namibia, he added, is focused on building manufacturing sectors that produce goods "Made in Namibia," reducing dependence on imports and fostering homegrown industries with China's support.

One sector where Chinese investment has had a profound impact is mining. Namibia's Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo praised China's role in developing the country's uranium industry. Speaking at a press conference in June 2024, Alweendo noted that Chinese investment has been crucial in establishing Namibia as one of the world's largest uranium producers. The mining sector now accounts for 14.4 percent of Namibia's GDP, a figure largely attributed to the contributions of the China National Uranium Corporation Limited (CNUC).

In 2019, CNUC took over the Rossing uranium mine, one of the world's largest and longest-operating open-pit uranium mines, from Rio Tinto. "I hope you will continue to operate for another 40 years," Alweendo said, highlighting the mine's enduring role in Namibia's economic growth.

Chinese companies have also contributed significantly to Namibia's infrastructure. The recent rehabilitation of the B1 highway, a critical route connecting Namibia to South Africa, was completed ahead of schedule by China Henan International Cooperation Group. This project has improved the movement of goods and people across the border, enhancing trade and regional connectivity.

"The contribution of Henan International has set a new benchmark for road infrastructure in Namibia," said Aletha Frederick, governor of the Karas Region, at the road's commissioning ceremony. With 800 local workers employed and 500 trained during construction, the project also brought much-needed jobs and skills development to the region.

Namibia's leaders are keen to expand educational cooperation with China. Namibian Ambassador to China Elia Kaiyamo has made it a priority to send more Namibian students to China to study innovation, medicine and trade. "My focus now is to bring in more students to study on innovation, to study on medicine and to study on trade," he said.

During a recent visit to China, Speaker of Namibia's National Assembly Peter Katjavivi explored opportunities for agricultural research cooperation between the two nations. At the Jinzhong National Agriculture High-tech Zone Smart Farm Demonstration Base in Shanxi Province, he initiated efforts to connect Namibian and Chinese agricultural research institutions. Additionally, after visiting the Tianjin Public Vocational Training Center, he advocated for the establishment of a vocational training facility at the Namibian University of Science and Technology, aiming to apply China's successful vocational education model in Namibia.

This educational cooperation, supported by FOCAC, aims to ensure that Namibia builds the human capital necessary for its economic development. By equipping students with knowledge in strategic fields, Namibia can enhance its capacity for innovation and reduce its reliance on foreign expertise.

Tourism also holds great potential for bilateral cooperation. Kaiyamo hopes to attract more Chinese tourists to Namibia, promoting the country's unique wildlife and natural beauty. "We also need to take more Chinese people to Namibia to enjoy our area, especially our wildlife, lions, etc.," he said.

Looking ahead, Namibia aims to become a regional trade hub, with Chinese investment helping to drive this transformation. Kaiyamo outlined plans to attract Chinese car manufacturers to establish operations in Namibia, positioning the country as a focal point for the African automotive market. "Namibia can be the focal point for taking cars to Africa," he said, indicating a broader ambition to integrate Namibia into Africa's industrial supply chain.

With growing trade, investment and educational ties, Namibia and China are poised to further strengthen their relationship. As the FOCAC summit progresses, Namibia's leaders are optimistic that their partnership with China will continue to deliver substantial benefits across multiple sectors, from infrastructure to mining to education.

(Cover: People attend a ceremony celebrating the commissioning of the B1 highway, which was completed ahead of schedule by China Henan International Cooperation Group, in Tses, Kharas Region, Namibia, September 3, 2024. /Xinhua)