Staff Reporter
THE Minister of International Relations, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has called on Chinese businesses to deepen their investment in Namibia, urging them to partner with the country in mineral beneficiation, critical minerals processing, hydrocarbon exploration, renewable energy and infrastructure development.
“China and Namibia are strategic partners. You have the capital, the technology, and the manufacturing know-how. Namibia has the resources, the strategic location, and, above all, a stable political environment. Together, we can build a model of South-South cooperation that defies the current global economic headwinds,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
She made these remarks during the Namibia–China Business Forum, which recently took place in Shanghai, China, where she highlighted several sectors in which Chinese companies could invest in Namibia.
The minister highlighted Namibia’s ambition to move beyond exporting raw materials and encouraged Chinese investors to establish mineral beneficiation and processing facilities in the country.
“Shanghai is the hub of the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry. You need lithium, rare earths and copper to sustain that industry, and Namibia holds some of the richest deposits of these critical minerals. We are moving beyond the ‘extract and ship’ model, and we invite our Chinese partners to establish beneficiation and processing plants at the source, in Namibia. What we are saying is: Let us process our lithium into battery precursors. Let us smelt our copper into wire. Let us create value where the ore is mined,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
She also promoted Namibia’s emerging oil and gas sector, pointing to recent offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin as evidence that the country is becoming a major destination for hydrocarbon exploration. Ashipala-Musavyi invited Chinese energy companies and service providers to participate through joint ventures that support both economic development and environmental sustainability.
The minister also urged Chinese firms to partner with Namibia in building roads, bridges and power interconnectors.
“We are currently developing the Kavango-Zambezi Transboundary Corridor. This initiative aims to integrate infrastructure and trade between our four nations. We invite Chinese infrastructure firms to partner with us in building roads, bridges and power interconnectors that enhance sub-regional economic integration and bind our economies together,” Ashipala-Musavyi continued.
She noted that Namibia has some of the highest levels of solar radiation and some of the strongest winds on the planet. She emphasised that the country’s flagship Tsau //Khaeb Green Hydrogen Project is not a pipe dream but a reality that is attracting billions of dollars in investment.
“We aim not just to export energy; we are planning and developing to export a new paradigm of clean manufacturing, including green ammonia, sustainable aviation fuel and green steel,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
The minister emphasised that Namibia is the safest and most strategically located destination for investment.
“Allow me to be direct. As global supply chains realign, as the world races towards green energy, and as Africa rises as the next frontier of consumption and production, investors are asking one question: Where is the safest, most strategic location? I submit to you that Namibia is not only safe and strategic but also a friendly and profitable destination for your investments. We are not just a country; we are a logistical spine. We are an energy hub. We are a mineral resource hub. And, most importantly, we are a stable democracy in a region that demands predictability,” Ashipala-Musavyi added.
Ashipala-Musavyi added that Namibia is simplifying the investment process by reducing bureaucracy, establishing a one-stop investment centre, digitising visa services and improving access to industrial land. She therefore urged Chinese companies to explore opportunities across a broad range of sectors.
“To Chinese enterprises, we invite you to visit Namibia and explore trade and investment opportunities in agriculture, sports, creative industries, health and education, housing and sanitation, mining, energy, infrastructure, fisheries, aviation, logistics and e-commerce,” Ashipala-Musavyi urged.
Source: Informanté
