This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Namibia a milestone that reflects decades of strong bilateral cooperation. As we celebrate this enduring partnership, the focus must now shift toward deepening development collaboration, particularly in skills transfer, infrastructure, and sustainable growth, ensuring that Namibia’s economic aspirations are fully realized.
A Foundation of Shared Progress
Since 1990, China and Namibia have built a relationship anchored in mutual respect and shared development goals. China is now forging its own path to modernization, offering not only inspiration to other developing countries but also tangible opportunities for growth.
Trade between the two nations has expanded significantly, with China emerging as one of Namibia’s key economic partners. China has remained Namibia’s largest source of foreign direct investment and its second-largest trading partner for several consecutive years.
Chinese investments in critical infrastructure roads, energy projects, and telecommunications have played a pivotal role in Namibia’s modernization. Yet, the true measure of this partnership lies not just in financial exchanges but in long-term capacity building.
Skills Development as a Catalyst for Growth
For Namibia to achieve its Vision 2030 goals, a skilled workforce is indispensable. China’s advancements in technology, vocational training, and industrial expertise present a valuable opportunity for Namibia to accelerate human capital development.
Strengthening cooperation in technical education, apprenticeship programs, and digital literacy can empower Namibian youth, reducing unemployment and fostering innovation. Additionally, as Namibia seeks to diversify its economy beyond mining, partnerships in agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing backed by Chinese technical training can create sustainable job opportunities. Imagine a future where Namibian engineers, agronomists, and green energy specialists are trained through joint initiatives, driving local industry forward.
Expanding Cooperation for Mutual Benefit
The next phase of China-Namibia relations should prioritize knowledge exchange and private-sector collaboration.
Encouraging Chinese firms to establish training centers in Namibia, supporting start-ups through incubator programs, and enhancing research partnerships between universities can solidify a legacy of self-reliance and innovation.
Moreover, as global challenges like climate change and digital transformation reshape economies, Sino-Namibian cooperation must adapt. Joint ventures in solar and wind energy, smart agriculture, and e-commerce infrastructure can position Namibia as a regional leader in sustainable development.
A Call for Inclusive Engagement
This anniversary should serve as a catalyst for broader dialogue between governments, businesses, and civil society, were discussions should include how to ensure inclusive implementation of climate-related projects.
This could involve engaging local communities in renewable energy projects in Namibia, similar to the inclusive models promoted at COP28, to ensure that the benefits of sustainable development are shared equitably.
By fostering open discussions on development priorities, both nations can ensure that cooperation aligns with Namibia’s needs whether in healthcare, education, or industrial policy.
As we look to the next 35 years, the China-Namibia relationship must evolve from one of aid and trade to one of co-creation.
By investing in skills, technology, and equitable partnerships, the two nations can write a new chapter of shared prosperity, thereby promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Peya Junior Mushelenga
A National Development Advisor: National Planning Commission (NPC) and fulltime student of Master of Public Administration (National Development), Peking University, China and holds a B-tech Economics (Polytech), Bachelor Degree Economics Honors (NUST), MBA-Strategy (UNAM-NBS). The views expressed in this opinion piece are his own views.