Namibia and China enhance cooperation on green energy production
- Namibia is collaborating with China to advance its green transformation initiatives, focusing on new energy vehicles and hydrogen production.
- Official discussions for developing renewable energy projects, including a potential nuclear power plant, are in the early stages.
- This growing partnership is part of a broader historical context established under the Belt and Road Initiative, leading to significant infrastructure improvements and future investments.
Namibia, under the leadership of Elia George Kaiyamo, its ambassador to China, is exploring significant collaboration opportunities with Chinese companies in green transformation. During an exclusive interview with the Global Times, Kaiyamo emphasized the existing alignment between Namibia and China in advancing green initiatives, particularly in the realm of new energy vehicles (NEVs) and hydrogen production. Namibia aims to position itself as a regional supplier of hydrogen in Southern Africa while seeking partnerships with Chinese firms to bolster its energy independence and enhance its energy infrastructure. In addition to exploring NEVs, Namibia's Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, Kornelia Shilunga, highlighted the nation's efforts to engage Chinese companies in renewable energy projects. This includes discussions surrounding potential nuclear power plant development, which remain in their formative stages. Namibia has previously benefitted from partnerships with Chinese companies in the energy and mining sectors, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and infrastructure development. Historically, Namibia's relationship with China received a substantial boost in March 2018 when the two nations established a comprehensive strategic partnership, signing a Memorandum of Understanding related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This collaboration has led to various infrastructure improvements in Namibia, such as road constructions that have significantly cut down travel times. Recent road projects, undertaken by Chinese firms, have showcased the tangible benefits of the partnership, and further investment is anticipated, as articulated by Zhao Weiping, the Chinese ambassador to Namibia. In the coming years, Chinese investment in Namibia is expected to expand dramatically, potentially impacting sectors such as agriculture, education, oil and gas, and information technology. Both Namibian officials have openly invited Chinese enterprises to participate in renewable energy developments and contribute to the country's green transition while expressing appreciation for past support received from China.