This Monday, Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba met with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and China’s Foreign Minister, in Swakopmund, Namibia.
Wang Yi’s visit, from January 5 to 11, covers the Republic of the Congo, Chad, Namibia, and Nigeria. This is Wang Yi’s 35th visit to Africa.
Last month, Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba stated that the Chinese Government’s relationship with the Global South is based on establishing “win-win cooperation without historical baggage” and emphasized that China has never adopted a colonial attitude toward Africa. The bilateral ties between the two countries are rooted in cultural cooperation, academic exchange, and political understanding.
China’s investments in Namibia, particularly in the Husab Uranium Project and the Rossing Uranium Mine, account for approximately 7% of Namibia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
During the previously held FOCAC summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Republic of the Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso. At the summit, Xi Jinping praised the Congo’s progress in peace and development.
The First Ladies of both countries held discussions to improve healthcare, education services, and the welfare of women and children in Africa. China and the Congo signed bilateral agreements in the areas of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and digital economy.
Thanks to China’s development projects, the Congo has benefited economically and the well-being of its local people has improved. One of the major projects resulting from FOCAC is the road linking Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, often referred to as the “Dream Road” by the Congolese.
This project has improved transportation of major products, ensuring that 90% of these goods are transported. It has also created employment opportunities.
China has not only invested in Congo but also in Chad. Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno believes that China’s sustainable development offers opportunities for his country, Africa, and the world at large.
Additionally, during the FOCAC summit, several Chinese companies signed memorandums of understanding with Chad in areas such as water, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, contributing to the country’s development.
The relationship between China and Nigeria is also strong. The friendly relations between the two countries, which have lasted for over 50 years, are reflected in their trade volume, which has reached $1.31 billion.
Furthermore, a currency swap deal worth over $2 billion has been renewed, with the goal of easing pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves and reducing transaction costs.
While the world faces challenges such as the economic crisis in Europe and the U.S. and conflicts in the Middle East, the relationship between China and Africa continues to strengthen over time.
China’s investments are crucial for Africa’s sustainable development. This growing relationship promises long-term gains for both Africa and China in several key areas.