IPC questions Namibia's N$245 million smart city grant from China, citing digital sovereignty concerns

Rodney Cloete, IPC shadow minister of international relations and trade, stated that the party believes the grant, announced during President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s state visit to China, carries long-term risks that could outweigh its benefits. The IPC argues that the grant is insignificant compared to the over N$40 billion in annual trade between Namibia and China, and that the country risks losing control over critical digital infrastructure while continuing to export raw minerals. Cloete highlighted that smart city projects often depend on foreign-owned technology and surveillance systems, prompting questions about data storage, technology ownership, and potential dependence on external service providers.

The party also dismissed the government's celebration of zero-tariff access for Namibian exports to China, asserting that benefits will remain limited if the country primarily exports raw minerals instead of value-added products. The IPC has called on President Nandi-Ndaitwah and the Ministry of International Relations and Trade to release the full terms and conditions of the grant, including provisions on data ownership, infrastructure control, and procurement, to ensure transparency for Namibians regarding potential foreign control over public digital infrastructure.