🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
China pledges support for Namibian industrialization and economic development
via The Namibian2 min read
China has committed to supporting Namibia's economic development plans, according to a joint press statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Namibian Ministry of International Relations. This announcement follows a week-long visit to China by Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, who focused on promoting value addition within Namibia. The statement highlighted the importance of cooperation in enhancing the value of natural resources, including critical minerals like uranium, to foster employment and industrialization in Namibia. The two ministries emphasized efforts to integrate Namibia into global industrial chains, particularly in green hydrogen, oil and gas, mining, and tourism. Minister Ashipala-Musavyi addressed the business community in Shenzhen, stating that the relationship between China and Namibia needs to evolve to promote Namibian industrialization and local beneficiation, shifting from an asymmetry where Namibia exports raw materials and imports finished goods. Trade between the two nations reached N$23 billion in 2024, with Namibia primarily exporting uranium, copper, and other minerals to China while importing high-value manufactured goods. The ministers also discussed cultural exchanges through the 2026 China-Africa year of people-to-people exchanges, and Namibia reaffirmed its support for the one-China principle. During her visit, Minister Ashipala-Musavyi met with her counterpart, Wang Yi, and t
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
A bill proposing amendments to public enterprise governance in 2025 has caused division among National Assembly members. The bill aims to give Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare authority over state-owned enterprises, including the power to appoint and remove board members in consultation with relevant line ministers. Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Isra Kanyemba opposed the bill, calling it a "power grab" that weakens accountability and risks turning public enterprises into tools of political convenience. Kanyemba argued the proposal creates a fragmented system with increased Cabinet and State House involvement, leading to poor governance and excessive political control. Parliamentarian Vilho Ihemba also expressed concern about the centralization of power. Conversely, Swapo parliamentarian Clemencia Coetzee defended the bill, stating it would clarify reporting structures and improve coordination, addressing service delivery challenges in underperforming entities. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ruth Masake also supported the bill, believing it would enhance accountability by distributing ownership and oversight responsibilities to line ministries.
Must ReadWorkers at Lucky Star and Amawandle canning factories in South Africa face uncertainty as the facilities are set to close at the end of June. Employees, some with decades of service, express concern over potential job losses and lack of income for several months. The Food and Allied Workers Union Fawu has engaged the minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, Willie Aucamp, highlighting the need for industry intervention and value-chain analysis to improve the fisheries sector's economic contribution and employment. Fawu emphasizes the importance of job security for its members. The Oceana Group, which owns the factories, confirmed a temporary consolidation of operations due to challenges with fish supply, with Amawandle's operations shifting to Lucky Star. Oceana Group communications manager Rolf Carelse stated that the full quota of fresh pelagic fish has been caught, and the company is struggling to secure sufficient imported frozen fish. Carelse added that procurement teams are working to secure frozen products and that no employees, including permanent, contract, and seasonal workers, will be affected by this decision, which was made to protect jobs. Oceana acknowledges its critical role as a major employer in the Laaiplek and Velddrif communities.
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Edelweiss airline inaugurated its direct flight service between Zurich, Switzerland, and Windhoek, Namibia, with 285 passengers arriving at Hosea Kutako International Airport. The Namibia Airports Company NAC reported that 261 passengers also departed for Zurich on the return flight. NAC spokesperson Dan Kamati highlighted that this non-stop commercial air service signifies growing connections between Namibia and Europe, aiming to enhance tourism and investment. Switzerland is already a key market, with about 22,000 two-way passengers recorded in 2024. The new route will initially operate twice weekly, with plans to increase to three flights per week from mid-July. NAC chief executive Bisey /Uirab stated that the route is a bridge between Europe and Namibia, strengthening Namibia's position as a globally connected tourism and investment destination. Edelweiss, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, will utilize its Airbus A350 aircraft for this route. NAC is also exploring cargo-handling developments at Namibian airports to diversify revenue streams.