Premier Li Qiang Meets Namibian President in Beijing
Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 9, as the two nations moved to deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership during the Namibian leader’s first state visit to China since taking office.
The meeting, attended by State Councilor Wu Zhenglong, focused on expanding bilateral trade, strengthening infrastructure and energy cooperation, and aligning development strategies, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Context of the Visit
President Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s first female head of state, arrived in China on July 5 for a seven-day state visit. Before arriving in Beijing, she toured Guangzhou in Guangdong Province and Sichuan Province, where discussions covered trade and investment, renewable energy, digital innovation, and science and technology, as reported by CGTN.
China and Namibia have maintained diplomatic relations since Namibia’s independence in 1990, with China having provided significant support to the Namibian liberation struggle. The relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in recent years, and Namibia is a key participant in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
Premier Li Qiang described Namibia as “an important partner of China in Africa” and noted that the friendship between the two countries “has a long history and has grown stronger over time,” according to the Chinese government’s official English report. He emphasized that China is willing to work with Namibia to carry forward traditional friendship, firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation.
Li called on both sides to enhance alignment of development strategies and expand cooperation in infrastructure construction, mining, oil and gas, and new energy. China stands ready to import more high-quality agricultural and fishery products from Namibia and encourage the country to fully leverage China’s zero-tariff policy and upgraded “green channel” for exports to China.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed Namibia’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and expressed gratitude for China’s historical support during Namibia’s struggle for national independence. She noted that the current momentum in bilateral ties is strong and looked forward to deepening cooperation in trade, agriculture, mining, infrastructure, transportation and logistics, healthcare, and renewable energy.
Economic Significance
China is one of Namibia’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching over $1.85 billion in 2025, up more than one-third year-on-year, Africanews reported. Namibia, rich in uranium, diamonds, gold, and fisheries, has become an increasingly important economic partner for China in Southern Africa.
The zero-tariff policy extended to Namibia is part of China’s broader effort to boost imports from developing nations, offering Namibian exporters preferential access to the Chinese market.
Broader Diplomatic Context
The visit comes as part of China’s sustained diplomatic outreach to African nations under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Li called for implementing the four major global initiatives proposed by China — the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative — and advancing an equal and orderly multipolar world.
President Xi Jinping was scheduled to hold talks with President Nandi-Ndaitwah on July 10 to make new strategic plans for deepening bilateral relations, according to the People’s Daily report.
Analysis and Outlook
The meeting underscores China’s continued focus on strengthening ties with resource-rich African nations amid broader geopolitical shifts. For Namibia, the visit represents an opportunity to secure Chinese investment in infrastructure and renewable energy — sectors critical to addressing the country’s economic challenges, including high unemployment and inequality.
As both nations look to implement the agreements reached during this visit, the key areas to watch include specific Chinese investment commitments in Namibia’s mining and energy sectors, the expansion of Namibian agricultural exports under the zero-tariff framework, and the outcomes of President Xi’s talks with President Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The state visit is expected to conclude on July 11, with further announcements on cooperation agreements anticipated.