Namibia, one of the world’s leading producers of uranium, is turning to China for investment to advance its nuclear power sector as part of a broader strategy to play a larger role in the global transition to clean energy. The country aims to not only enrich its uranium resources but also contribute to the peaceful development of nuclear power.
Speaking on Monday during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba outlined the nation’s ambition. “We want to add value to our uranium resources for the peaceful development of nuclear energy,” Mbumba said, underscoring Namibia’s commitment to pursuing nuclear energy as a key component of its future energy strategy.
The discussions come amid growing economic cooperation between Namibia and China. As China seeks to strengthen its influence in Africa, Wang Yi’s week-long tour across the continent is a clear signal of Beijing’s intent to increase investments and offer more favorable trade terms to African nations. This engagement follows the successful 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which set the stage for enhanced Chinese involvement in various sectors across the continent.
In a move designed to bolster Namibia’s mining industry, China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) and NamWater, the Namibian state-owned water utility, recently announced a $3 billion Namibian dollar desalination project. This facility will provide much-needed water to uranium mines in the arid southwest region, ensuring the continued operation of mining activities while also addressing water scarcity issues in the surrounding areas.
Chinese companies have established a dominant presence in Namibia’s uranium sector, with ownership of two of the world’s largest uranium mines—Husab and Rossing, which rank as the second and sixth largest globally. These ventures are a part of China’s broader investment strategy in Namibia, which also includes participation in the country’s gold mining industry.
Looking beyond uranium, Namibia is expanding its partnership with China in emerging technologies such as smart cities, 5G networks, and digital platforms designed to improve urban safety, crime prevention, and traffic management. The country’s government is eager to modernize its infrastructure and harness innovative solutions to manage its growing urban challenges.
Additionally, Namibia is seeking to tap into China’s burgeoning outbound tourism market, which has seen an increase in Chinese visitors traveling abroad in recent years. As part of its tourism strategy, Namibia is looking for investment to upgrade its international airport and build new facilities to accommodate growing tourist arrivals.
Through these initiatives, Namibia hopes to leverage its strategic partnership with China to not only advance its energy and technological sectors but also to diversify its economy, enhance its infrastructure, and ensure long-term sustainable development.