China on Friday said it would step up cooperation with Namibia in the Southern African State's energy, farming, infrastructure, and minerals sectors during talks in Beijing between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Nandi-Ndaitwah has been on a seven-day visit to China since Sunday, seeking investment from the world's top lender and second-largest economy to help implement election pledges to create jobs and diversify the Namibian economy.
"In Namibia, we affirm (an) unwavering commitment to this longstanding friendship between Namibia and China," said Nandi-Ndaitwah, noting that her entourage included dozens of business people.
"Your decision to make China your first state visit outside of Africa after assuming the presidency demonstrates the importance you attach to this significant relationship, for which I express my appreciation," Xi said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah took office in 2025, extending the 34-year rule of the South West Africa People's Organisation that led the country to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990, despite analysts' doubts over its electoral prospects amid growing frustration over high unemployment and inequality.
