Namibia pitched its reserves of lithium, cobalt, copper, zinc, uranium, and rare earth minerals to investors from China’s Shandong Province, during a business forum in Windhoek last Friday.
The Namibia-China Business Forum brought together delegates from Shandong Province and the Namibian business community under the theme ‘Strengthening Namibia-Shandong Economic Cooperation and Investment Partnerships.’
Charles Joseph, Acting Head of Department for Bilateral Relations and Cooperation at the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, read a statement on behalf of Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.
“Namibia is open for business and ready to deepen economic cooperation with reliable and forward-looking partners such as Shandong Province,” the statement read. The minister said the minerals were “essential for renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and battery production,” and that the government was encouraging investment in mineral beneficiation, manufacturing, and technology partnerships. Beyond minerals, the statement pointed to opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, including irrigation development, livestock production, meat processing, and food value chains.
It also cited fisheries, aquaculture, cold chain logistics, tourism, infrastructure development, and green hydrogen as sectors open to Shandong investors.
“Today’s business engagement is not simply about discussions, but about building practical partnerships that can translate into trade, investment, production, and employment opportunities for our people and those of China,” the statement read.
Sakeus Kapenda, Deputy Director for Trade Promotion, delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of Executive Director Ndiita Nghipondoka-Robiati of the Ministry of International Relations and Trade
Kapenda said Namibia offered “a stable macroeconomic environment, a predictable regulatory framework, and strategic access to regional markets through SACU, SADC, and the African Continental Free Trade Area,” positioning the country as an entry point for investors seeking access to the broader African market.
He said the forum provided “a practical platform for our private sector to directly engage with international counterparts on issues of market access, technology transfer, and joint production.”
Kapenda said the government expected the forum to yield results beyond talk.
“It is our sincere expectation that the discussions today will move beyond intent and towards actionable outcomes that support trade expansion, industrial cooperation, and sustainable economic growth for both sides,” he said.
–Nampa