China-Africa economic and diplomatic cooperation

China is deepening its economic and diplomatic engagement with Namibia and Zambia through various developmental and trade initiatives.

In Namibia, cooperation began with a two-week feasibility study conducted by a Chinese delegation to assess groundwater availability, water quality, and borehole drilling requirements across all 14 regions. This technical assessment aimed to provide a foundation for future water provision projects without imposing a financial burden on the Namibian government.

Following a state visit by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to China, bilateral relations with Namibia were elevated to a “China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era.” This framework expands cooperation into trade, infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture, supported by zero-tariff policies.

Simultaneously, China has strengthened ties with Zambia, focusing on mining, energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. Discussions have highlighted the use of China’s zero-tariff treatment for Zambian tariff lines and priorities such as the expansion of solar power and the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority.