China and Namibia are set to strengthen their economic partnership as Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah begins a state visit to China from July 5 to 11, with both countries seeking to deepen trade, investment and development cooperation.

The visit comes shortly after China extended zero-tariff access to exports from all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, a move expected to create new opportunities for Namibian businesses.

Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, said the country is working to diversify its exports so it can take full advantage of the tariff-free access to the Chinese market. Agricultural products such as beef, mutton, fish, oysters, grapes and blueberries are expected to benefit, while Namibia also plans to increase exports of processed food products, including sausages and dried meat.

According to the Namibian government, the policy aligns with its efforts to promote industrialisation by encouraging more value-added production for export.

Economic ties between the two countries have continued to expand in recent years. Bilateral trade reached $1.85 billion in 2025, representing a 35.7 per cent increase compared with the previous year.

Infrastructure development has also remained a major area of cooperation. Chinese-backed projects in Namibia include the Dr. Hage G. Geingob Freeway, which links central Windhoek with Hosea Kutako International Airport. The highway has significantly reduced travel time between the city centre and the airport while helping to ease traffic congestion.

In northern Namibia, the Chinese-built John Mutorwa Road has improved transportation in the Kavango East Region, while also creating jobs and supporting local businesses during construction.

Agricultural cooperation has also grown. Namibia secured access to the Chinese market for sheep and goat meat in 2024, opening another export channel for its livestock sector. Chinese agricultural specialists have also been working with local farmers, sharing expertise in dryland farming, livestock feed production, crop cultivation and disease control to improve productivity.

Chinese officials say President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and reinforce cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, with both countries aiming to expand trade and support long-term economic development.