Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping has highlighted the need for a skilled workforce in various fields, as Namibia advances its industrialisation and agricultural modernisation programmes.
Speaking at a recent reception in Windhoek to celebrate 2024 China-Namibia Training Cooperation, Zhao said major projects in oil, gas and green hydrogen development offer new opportunities for Namibians to gain exposure, and form partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
“In future, we can host more bilateral programmes tailored to Namibia’s specific needs. These programmes can be held in China or Namibia, with an emphasis on increasing programmes within Namibia so that more people can benefit,” he said.
As part of its training assistance in diverse sectors, from which numerous Namibians have benefitted, the Chinese embassy sponsored several Namibians from various institutions to travel to China for a two-week training course. The course covered sectors such as health, education, and management.
“As China and Africa are both members of the Global South and long-time friends, we are always happy to witness the great achievements of our African friends in their social and economic development, and we will always be there to help wherever needed,” Zhao said.
He added that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has introduced initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative to guide China’s efforts in supporting international development goals.
Zhao emphasised that human capital development is critical for both countries. China has heavily invested in creating an efficient public sector and a skilled workforce.
The country has established party and administration schools at all levels, and by 2020, its vocational education system included 11 500 vocational schools, producing around 10 million skilled technicians annually. “These achievements have undoubtedly contributed to China’s economic success over the past four decades,” he added.
He gave an assurance that the Chinese embassy would continue working closely with Namibia’s National Planning Commission (NPC) and other government agencies to promote China-Namibia training cooperation.
Also speaking at the event, NPC’s Ned Sibeya emphasised the strength of the bilateral relationship, and the shared commitment of both countries towards Namibia’s vision for sustainable development and prosperity.
“China’s dedication to empowering Namibians through short- and long-term training programmes, covering bilateral and multilateral platforms, has directly benefitted more than 200 of our citizens this fiscal year — a significant contribution deserving of our highest appreciation,” he said.
Sibeya noted that these initiatives align with Namibia’s Vision 2030, the Fifth National Development Plan (NDP5), and the Harambee Prosperity Plan II, all of which prioritise human capacity as the foundation of socio-economic development.
“Beyond tangible skills, cooperation with China extends beyond technical knowledge. It strengthens the bonds of friendship, trust and collaboration between our two nations,” he added.