China and Namibia deepen partnership across space, infrastructure, green energy and more

From the skies to highways, solar farms and oyster farms, China and Namibia have translated their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership into a growing portfolio of tangible projects, delivering practical benefits while supporting Namibia's long-term development goals.

Advancing satellite data capability

In November 2025, China and Namibia signed the handover and takeover certificate for a China-aided satellite ground data receiving station and processing system in Windhoek. In February 2026, the project was officially handed over to Namibia, marking a milestone in strengthening the country's space science capacity, disaster response and innovation-driven development.

Namibian Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said the station will enhance evidence-based decision-making across key economic sectors. With China's support, Namibia has joined a select group of African countries equipped with modern ground stations capable of receiving real-time satellite data.

The project is China's first high-tech development assistance project undertaken by China in Namibia, said Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping, adding that it "vividly demonstrates China's strong commitment to supporting African countries in advancing science and technology development."

The station contains two phases, with the first focusing on the construction of a ground station and processing systems with technical training, and the second on industry application systems and related capability training.

Faster mobility, stronger connectivity

Infrastructure cooperation has delivered visible changes in Namibia's transport sector.

The China-aided Dr. Hage G. Geingob Freeway, connecting Hosea Kutako International Airport and downtown Windhoek, opened to traffic in November 2025. The project has transformed travel efficiency, cutting the travel time from about an hour to around 30 minutes and greatly easing congestion.

Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi hailed the project as a milestone in Namibia's national development and community upliftment. Roads Authority CEO Conrad Lutombi commended China for its continued support, saying it demonstrates China's commitment to Africa's infrastructure transformation and "all-weather friendship."

The construction also generated around 850 local jobs and involved 54 Namibian companies, contributing to skills transfer and employment.

This follows other projects such as the John Mutorwa Road project in northern Namibia. Constructed by China Henan International Cooperation Group, the road opened to traffic in March 2025, and has improved regional connectivity, supported small and medium-sized enterprises, and enhanced local livelihoods.

Powering green energy transition

Green energy cooperation is becoming a cornerstone of China-Namibia relations, supporting Namibia's shift from resource dependence to technology-driven sustainable development.

In southern Namibia's Karas Region, the 100-megawatt Sores Gaib Power Station, jointly developed by China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd. and Zhejiang Chint Green Energy, is the country's largest solar photovoltaic power plant. Once operational, it is expected to generate over 300 million kilowatt-hours annually, supplying nearly one-tenth of national electricity demand.

Cooperation has also been extended to green hydrogen. The Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project, signed in 2025, is expected to produce green hydrogen and green ammonia at scale.

Namibia has positioned green hydrogen as a strategic growth area, leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources to develop large-scale renewable energy-based industries, and Chinese enterprises have already played an increasingly visible role in this process, said Zivayi Chiguvare, acting director of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute at the University of Namibia.

While Namibia possesses abundant resources, it still lacks key components of the hydrogen value chain, including electrolysers, desalination and water purification systems, ammonia synthesis units, and hydrogen storage infrastructure. Chinese participation has helped bridge these gaps while accelerating deeper bilateral cooperation, said Chiguvare.

He also emphasized that large-scale solar deployment, an area where Chinese firms have extensive experience, is essential for achieving economically viable green hydrogen production, positioning cooperation as mutually beneficial and forward-looking.

Science-driven aquaculture growth

Beyond infrastructure and energy, cooperation is also reshaping Namibia's agricultural and marine sectors.

In Walvis Bay, Chinese-invested oyster farms are applying scientific aquaculture methods tailored to local conditions. Benefiting from cold Atlantic currents, stable salinity and nutrient-rich waters, oysters cultivated there reach export size – over 40 grams – in just eight to 10 months, significantly faster than in many other regions.

The farms use standardized nursery systems imported from China, replacing the local method of cultivating oyster spats in discarded plastic bottles. The shift has improved survival rates, stabilized production, and supported both domestic supply and international exports to markets in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Automation and AI-based sorting systems are expected to further upgrade the production processes to drive the industry's long-term development.