Trade between Namibia and China reached N$14.79 billion during the first four months of 2026, extending a record-breaking surge in bilateral commerce that saw trade climb to N$40.64 billion in 2025, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has revealed.
Speaking in Beijing during her state visit to China, the President said bilateral trade has expanded by 158% over the past six years, rising from N$15.75 billion in 2020 as economic ties between the two countries continue to strengthen.
“Trade between Namibia and China has expanded significantly, increasing from N$15.75 billion in 2020 to a record N$40.64 billion in 2025, representing cumulative growth of 158% over a period of six years. It continues to grow and, in the first four months of 2026, reached N$14.79 billion,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She said the rapid growth in trade provides a platform to deepen Chinese investment in Namibia, with government seeking to shift the relationship beyond trade towards industrialisation, manufacturing and value addition.
According to the President, Namibia wants to attract investment into agriculture, energy, technology, infrastructure and skills development as part of efforts to diversify the economy and create employment.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the state visit is intended to strengthen political and economic relations while securing new investment partnerships that support Namibia’s long-term development agenda.
She noted that China has made significant contributions to Namibia’s development through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and human resource development, while providing education and training opportunities for many Namibians.
The President said Namibia also plans to leverage China’s Zero Tariff Policy and the Belt and Road Initiative to expand exports and attract additional investment.
She stressed that increasing domestic production capacity and expanding value addition would be essential if Namibia is to maximise the benefits of preferential access to the Chinese market.
Nandi-Ndaitwah added that Namibia’s ports and transport corridors position the country as a strategic trade and logistics gateway for Southern Africa, creating opportunities for Chinese companies seeking access to regional markets.
