China and the EU are competing for Namibia’s minerals, but the Southern African country now has to decide who gets the value

Namibia has signed nine cooperation agreements with China covering energy, mining, infrastructure, agriculture, technical training and green minerals.

The agreements were signed during President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s state visit to Beijing. They put uranium, lithium and rare earths at the centre of Namibia’s latest push to attract investment and expand local industry.

China is Namibia’s largest trading partner and a major lender. The new agreements come as African governments seek a bigger role in the processing of minerals used in energy, batteries and advanced technology.

China already dominates Namibia’s export relationship. African Business estimates that uranium accounted for about 85% of Namibia’s exports to China by value in 2025. The figure highlights the country’s dependence on mineral exports and its exposure to a single major buyer.

China and Europe target strategic minerals