Says Namibia wishes to add value to its uranium resources
Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA’s fourth President, Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, today delayed an official visit to Ghana for what he termed a “most important meeting” with Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi.
During the talks, the President revealed massive developmental projects in cooperation with China, including the construction of the N$3 billion Husab desalination plant to enhance water security and efforts to add value to Namibia’s uranium resources in collaboration with China.
In September last year, Mbumba attended the 9th China-Africa Forum in Beijing, where he shared that he had excellent bilateral discussions with His Excellency President Xi Jinping, Secretary General of the CPC, to further deepen Namibia-China relations, especially through the full implementation of the existing Namibia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Cooperation Agreement.
He added that Namibia supports the adopted FOCAC Declaration and the Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) to expand China-Africa relations through tangible development measures.
The two countries have agreed to participate in initiatives covering education and training, infrastructure, health, digital economy, trade and investment facilitation, poverty reduction, food security, agriculture, financing, talent development, women and youth empowerment, cooperation on international affairs, and other areas.
Mbumba said that Namibia has expressed interest in cooperating on energy projects, including the development of green hydrogen, solar, hydro, wind, and nuclear energy.
“We want to add value to our uranium for the peaceful development of nuclear energy and other energy sources. As part of the new areas of cooperation, Namibia seeks partnerships in technology-based smart cities, 5G technology, and similar digitalization platforms for the future. The emphasis on smart technology cooperation is based on urban security, crime prevention, and intelligent traffic management. Namibia, through the relevant ministry, has submitted a proposal for collaboration with China,” the Namibian President said.
He further elaborated that Namibia is determined to tap into the Chinese tourism market, one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative globally.
“In this regard, our officials are working hard to ensure that the groundwork is laid for citizens to travel freely for tourism purposes between our two countries. I am sure that soon we will see some new developments in this area. Additionally, to serve world-class tourism, Namibia is ready to resume cooperation for the upgrading and construction of an international airport,” Mbumba said.
The President also shared that some of Namibia’s interests have already received favourable responses, and the country is profoundly appreciative of China’s support, including the construction of a national police residential complex in Windhoek and other towns to provide dignified living conditions for police forces.
Regarding drought assistance, Mbumba said that President Xi Jinping announced N$50 million in aid during a bilateral meeting. A ship carrying food donations departed China in December 2024 and is expected to arrive in Namibia by January 2025.
“Furthermore, about 14 industrial boreholes are to be drilled throughout Namibia as part of the drought assistance this year.
In the area of education and culture, in November 2024, Namibia received four schools in the Zambezi and Kavango West regions from China, each comprising hostels for 336 students at a total cost of over N$300 million. Similarly, the University of Namibia signed an agreement with the China University of Geosciences Beijing and the Confucius Headquarters in China to establish a Confucius Institute at UNAM to enhance cultural and socioeconomic cooperation between our two countries,” the President summarized.
He further said that Chinese investments, mainly through Rössing Uranium and Swakopmund Uranium, play a significant role in developing Namibia’s uranium sector, one of the world’s largest.
Mbumba explained that the uranium sector employs hundreds of Namibian workers and fulfills its corporate social responsibility toward Namibian citizens.
Additionally, he mentioned that the government approved a joint venture between NamWater and the China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) to invest and raise the required N$3 billion for the establishment of the Husab desalination plant, with an annual projected production of 20 million cubic meters of water. This project, included under the China-Namibia Belt and Road Initiatives, will significantly alleviate water shortages in Namibia’s central and western areas.
“In conclusion, as I mentioned to President Xi Jinping during my visit to the 9th FOCAC, I would like to reiterate Namibia’s unequivocal support for the People’s Republic of China’s One China Policy and its sacrosanct territorial unity, including Taiwan and the offshore islands; the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics; the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and the Global Security Initiative (GSI), among others,” Mbumba concluded.
