China expands grants to Namibia and investment outreach to Botswana

Following President Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah's seven‑day state visit to Beijing, China pledged additional grant funding, expanded market access for Namibian exports and increased scholarship opportunities. The agreement includes a phytosanitary protocol for Namibian table grapes, approval for wild aquatic product exports, and a memorandum of understanding on technical and vocational education, aiming to boost agriculture, mining, healthcare and industrialisation in Namibia.

Separately, Botswana launched an investment promotion mission targeting Chinese companies to deepen industrial partnerships and develop renewable‑energy manufacturing. Led by Permanent Secretary Joel Ramaphoi and Presidential Envoy Miles Nan, the delegation highlighted Botswana's stable political climate and supportive regulatory framework, with a focus on establishing local photovoltaic production facilities to create skilled jobs and attract technology transfer.

Both initiatives reflect an expanding China‑Africa cooperation agenda, combining financial assistance, trade facilitation and investment promotion across the southern African region.