China is set to send an expert team to Namibia next month to inspect local grape production areas. This move aims to facilitate the export of fresh Namibian table grapes to the Chinese market. The inspection is part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries, which were elevated during President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's state visit to China in July.
Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping announced the planned inspection during a press briefing at the Chinese Embassy. He stated that both countries are actively implementing agreements reached during the state visit. The visit led to the elevation of bilateral relations to a China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era. Zhao emphasized that this is a landmark year for China-Namibia relations.
The two countries have reached extensive consensus on advancing cooperation across various sectors. Economic and trade cooperation are among the key priorities. In addition to the grape inspection, Chinese delegations from Guangdong and Sichuan provinces visited Namibia in September and October. They held discussions with Namibian counterparts on strengthening economic and trade relations, expanding agricultural cooperation, and exploring other areas of collaboration.
Several Chinese companies are advancing investment projects in Namibia. On development cooperation, Zhao said the two governments are expected to sign an implementation agreement for a police housing project soon. The two sides have already signed an exchange of letters on the Smart City Pilot Project. A Chinese technical team has completed an on-site inspection for a feasibility study into a borehole drilling project.
China is also expected to send another expert team to Namibia this month. They will conduct a feasibility study for Phase II of the Satellite Ground Data Receiving Station and Processing System. Zhao said discussions on additional development assistance projects are ongoing. China has provided 442 Namibians with opportunities to study or participate in training programs since the beginning of this year.
Of the 442 Namibians, 97 received Chinese government scholarships to pursue master's degrees in China. This represents a 27.6% increase compared to last year. A further 111 Namibians participated in bilateral training programs, while 234 attended multilateral training programs in China. Zhao also mentioned that cooperation has expanded into sports following the signing of a four-year memorandum of understanding between the Chinese Olympic Committee and the Namibia National Olympic Committee.
The memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation in athlete development, high-performance sports, sports science, and sports medicine. Zhao outlined new policies announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping to strengthen China-Africa relations. These include a zero-tariff policy covering 100% of tariff lines for all 53 African countries with which China maintains diplomatic relations. The policy took effect on 1 May 2026 and aims to improve African countries' access to the Chinese market.
Key points
- China to send expert team to inspect Namibian grape production for export
- China and Namibia to strengthen economic and trade cooperation
- China announces new policies to strengthen China-Africa relations
