STAFF WRITER
Namibia has formally engaged China in the need to push for value addition of its natural resources.
According to a combined communique released by the two counties, the discussions were an integral part of the meeting between Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party, Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.
Ashipala-Musavyi is on an official visit to China from 11 to 18 April 2026.
“Namibia underscored the importance of such cooperation in enhancing the added value of natural resources, including critical minerals such as uranium. This is to be achieved by promoting processing, conversion and related downstream cooperation, thereby extending the value chain for local benefits,” she communique said.
The two countries said such efforts are aimed at promoting industrialisation, strengthening local processing capacity, creating employment, and increasing Namibia’s integration into the global industrial chains.
Namibia’s push for maximum value will cover key sectors such as green hydrogen, oil and gas, mining, and tourism.
“China firmly supports Namibia’s economic and social development aimed at propelling industrialization and agricultural modernization, and stands ready to do its best to provide assistance to Namibia for its implementation of the Sixth National Development Plan and realization of Vision 2030. Namibia values the opportunities brought by China’s economic development, and appreciates China’s announcement of implementing zero tariff measures,” the communique said.
It said Namibia will continue to regard China as a strategic economic partner, welcome Chinese companies to invest and operate in Namibia, and work with China to promote the smooth development of major economic cooperation projects.
Both sides also committed to leveraging the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges to promote cultural exchanges, people-to-people exchanges and friendship among the youth.
Both sides reiterated their strong commitment to multilateralism, particularly in promoting international cooperation and strengthening global governance. They emphasized that global challenges should be addressed collectively through inclusive dialogue rather than unilaterally.
They pledged to deepen collaboration on areas of interest at multilateral platforms, to amplify the voice and influence of developing countries in global decision-making, and promote south-south cooperation.
China commended Namibia’s efforts in upholding multilateralism, calling for international fairness and justice, safeguarding international law and free trade system, and promoting the process of Africa’s continental integration.
Both sides recalled the profound traditional friendship between China and Namibia, spoke highly of the development of bilateral relations, and noted with satisfaction the continued progress of bilateral and practical cooperation.
COMMENTS