China-Namibia ties reach a new height
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is making her first state visit to China since taking office in March 2025, underscoring the importance that Namibia attaches to its relationship with China.
The week-long visit, from 5 to 11 July, is expected to deepen bilateral cooperation, advance shared development and bring bilateral relations to a new level.
Before holding high-level talks with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders in Beijing, President Nandi-Ndaitwah is visiting Guangdong and Sichuan provinces.
It is common practice for Namibian presidents to include both a coastal and an inland province in their China itineraries, reflecting an interest in the diversity of China's development model.
As the frontier of China's reform and opening-up, Guangdong Province has built one of the world's most comprehensive manufacturing ecosystems.
Namibia is seeking greater investment in manufacturing, technological innovation and digital infrastructure as it pursues industrialisation and economic diversification.
China's zero-tariff treatment for products from African countries also offers Namibia an opportunity to develop its export-oriented industries and integrate more deeply into global value chains.
Sichuan, meanwhile, demonstrates how China's inland regions have combined advanced manufacturing with modern agriculture, energy development, logistics and regional connectivity.
As Namibia accelerates the development of renewable energy, including solar, wind and green hydrogen, Sichuan's experience offers valuable lessons in balancing industrial growth with sustainable development.
China and Namibia have enjoyed long-standing diplomatic relations, established just one day after Namibia gained independence in 1990.
Over the past decades, cooperation has expanded across agriculture, mining, education, healthcare, transport and fisheries, while new areas such as green energy and the digital economy are gaining increasing momentum.
Namibia possesses abundant resources, while China brings technology, capital and industrial expertise. Their cooperation has the potential to create more jobs, add value locally and contribute to Namibia's long-term transformation.
Namibia also offers one of Africa's most attractive investment environments. Political stability, a sound legal framework, abundant natural resources and a strategic Atlantic location have made it an increasingly attractive destination for investors.
Its Port of Walvis Bay serves not only Namibia, but also as a vital logistics gateway for neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As China's zero-tariff policy opens broader market access for African countries, Namibia is positioning itself as a regional trade and logistics hub. By combining port infrastructure, regional transport corridors and value-added manufacturing, it hopes to connect more African products with Chinese and global markets.
On the global stage, China and Namibia share a strong commitment to multilateralism and to amplifying the voice of the Global South. China's four global initiatives, aimed at promoting global development, security, civilisation and governance, resonate with Namibia. President Nandi-Ndaitwah's visit is also expected to reinforce these shared commitments.
This year has been designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, highlighting another pillar of the bilateral partnership.
Namibia's breathtaking deserts, dramatic coastlines and extraordinary wildlife have made it one of Africa's most distinctive travel destinations.
Described as a place whose landscapes seem "from another planet", the country is attracting a growing number of Chinese travellers seeking distinctive experiences.
As direct exchanges continue to expand, tourism, education, culture and youth engagement will bring the two countries' peoples closer together.
Strong political trust and economic cooperation have laid a solid foundation, while people-to-people exchanges will further strengthen the China-Namibia partnership in the years ahead.
Gao Junya produces the China-Africa Talk podcast.
