Namibia–China relations at 35: Ambassadors reflect on a transformative partnership

This year marks 35 years of diplomatic relations between Namibia and China, a partnership that has evolved from solidarity during Namibia’s liberation struggle to a strategic, multifaceted cooperation. Few have witnessed this transformation more closely than ambassador Elia Kaiyamo, Namibia’s ambassador to China from 2016 to 2025.Reflecting on his tenure, Kaiyamo described his posting as “an honour and a privilege, marked by significant achievements across diplomacy, economics and culture. I do not claim individual credit but rather see my role as building upon the excellent foundation laid by my predecessor, the late Comrade Peter Mweshihange, and all ambassadors who came before me.”For Kaiyamo, diplomacy extended beyond high-level engagements. “I devoted considerable effort to creating opportunities for Namibian students to study in China and to expanding cultural exchanges. These human connections are the bedrock of a lasting bilateral relationship,” he said.Milestones in the partnershipSeveral landmark achievements defined his tenure. The elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018 deepened cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure, signalling a forward-looking phase in bilateral relations. Namibia became the first African country to export beef to China and later secured agreements on goat and sheep meat. High-level visits, including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s tour in January this year, underscored Namibia’s strategic importance on the continent.The 35th anniversary itself was celebrated with the launch of the first corporate social responsibility report by Chinese enterprises operating in Namibia, alongside a major trade and investment fair – a showcase of tangible progress in both economic and social spheres.Economic and development impactKaiyamo highlighted the practical outcomes of the partnership: “China has become Namibia’s largest trading partner, and significant investments in mining, energy and agriculture have created thousands of jobs while contributing substantially to our tax base.”Infrastructure projects such as the Walvis Bay port expansion and the planned Trans-Kalahari Railway have enhanced Namibia’s position as a regional logistics hub, providing long-term economic benefits.Speaking from China’s perspective, ambassador Zhao Weiping, China’s ambassador to Namibia, noted that Chinese investments in the Husab and Rössing uranium mines account for 6 to 7% of Namibia’s GDP and provide nearly 6 000 jobs. Zhao added that China is Namibia’s second-largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment, with bilateral trade reaching US$2.08 billion in 2024.Cultural, educational and people-to-people tiesKaiyamo emphasised the enduring impact of human exchange: “The most lasting achievement has been fostering understanding between Namibians and Chinese through education, culture and business. Student exchanges, the Confucius Institute, and the Chinese Bridge competition have all built meaningful, lasting connections.”Ambassador Zhao reinforced this point, noting that China provides over 200 training opportunities and 50 scholarships annually, alongside development assistance in education, health, agriculture and infrastructure. “These initiatives reflect China’s commitment to friendship, mutual benefit and South-South cooperation,” he said.Challenges, balance and strategic outlookKaiyamo acknowledged challenges but emphasised careful diplomacy: “Even when difficult discussions arose, they were handled in the spirit of Sam Nujoma and Mao Zedong, with respect and understanding.” Namibia’s approach remained pragmatic, balancing deepening ties with China alongside partnerships with Western nations. Zhao reaffirmed that Chinese cooperation comes without political conditions, rooted in equality and mutual respect.Looking ahead, both ambassadors see new opportunities. Kaiyamo stressed: “Industrialisation and value addition are key – we must move beyond exporting raw materials. China’s role in technology transfer will be crucial.” Zhao highlighted ongoing projects in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, space technology and green hydrogen, alongside the satellite ground station in Windhoek, demonstrating China’s support for Namibia’s modernisation goals.A partnership for the futureAs Namibia and China mark this milestone, both ambassadors emphasise that the partnership rests not only on shared interests but also on enduring friendship.“We must keep the legacy of Sam Nujoma and Mao alive,” Kaiyamo concluded. “It will serve as a strong foundation for the years ahead.”“China has always been, and will continue to be, a reliable and close partner of Namibia,” Zhao added. “Our cooperation brings tangible benefits to our peoples and strengthens the solidarity of the Global South.”

Namibia–China relations at 35: Ambassadors reflect on a transformative partnership

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-29

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Namibia–China relations at 35: Ambassadors reflect on a transformative partnership

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-29

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