Namibia attracts competition from China and EU over critical minerals

Namibia is becoming a focal point in a strategic competition between China and the European Union over critical minerals, including uranium, lithium, and rare earths. During a state visit to Beijing, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah signed eight cooperation agreements with China covering energy, mining, infrastructure, agriculture, and technical training.

China maintains a significant presence in Namibia’s economy, with uranium accounting for 85% of Namibia’s exports to the country in 2024. This concentration provides Namibia with leverage to negotiate for local processing, infrastructure development, and skills transfer to ensure more economic value remains within its borders.

The European Union is also competing for access to these strategic minerals through its Global Gateway strategy. The EU has mobilized over $1.5 billion in loans and grants for in-country projects and aims to leverage more than $23 billion in private investment over the medium term. Namibia’s ability to manage these competing interests may set a precedent for mineral beneficiation and investment frameworks across the African continent.