Africa-Press – Namibia. China has thrown its weight behind Swapo’s election manifesto implementation strategy, signalling not only strong political backing but also a resolute commitment to helping Namibia realise its bold goals.
This support was ventilated by the Chinese ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping.
He was addressing local journalists on a buffet of issues yesterday, ranging from bilateral relations and geo-politics to US tariffs impact.
The implementation plan outlines a structured approach to executing strategic objectives, incorporating best practices in project management and governance.
The Swapo Party Manifesto outlines a transformative agenda to advance Namibia’s development by 2028.
The implementation plan consists of key priorities that will yield high results impact, starting with the agricultural which aims to enhance food security by reducing imports by 80%, supported by N$2.5 billion for agri-infrastructure and the establishment of super farms and value chains. The ambassador said this includes implementing the outcomes of the Beijing Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) summit and the bilateral meetings held by former president Nangolo Mbumba and China’s Xi Jinping.
The agreement saw the Chinese government commit to funding the construction of housing for Namibian police officers through a generous N$1 billion grant. In addition, Xi’s administration pledged N$500 million for future development projects and a further N$50 million to support Namibia’s drought mitigation efforts.
These contributions form part of a broader financing package exceeding US$50 billion earmarked for Africa over the next three years, as China seeks to deepen cooperation with the continent in areas such as infrastructure, trade and sustainable development.
These plans will be implemented through the provision of US$50 million. This includes the police housing project, which will be fully funded by the Chinese government. Another project will be the drilling of boreholes and the smart city pilot project,” he indicated yesterday during his quarterly press briefings with local media.
Zhao said these grand projects will not only improve infrastructure but will also create several jobs, which will void the issue of unemployment.
“The police housing jobs are estimated to create 2000 jobs because we are talking about units. The majority of the labour will be hired locally,” said Zhao. Swakop and Rossing Uranium combined have already employed more than 3000 Namibians, and additional jobs will be created, says Zhao.
“We highly appreciate the reaffirmation by the new Namibian government to deepen China-Namibia cooperation, and the Chinese side also attaches great importance to the bilateral relationship. We hope and believe that, with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Namibia relations will achieve even greater development in the next five years and bring even bigger benefits to our two peoples,” said the diplomat.
He noted that good progress had been made in advancing key projects funded by the Chinese government grant, including the borehole drilling initiative and social housing development.
Zhao further stated that the first batch of Chinese food assistance had arrived in Namibia in January and had already been distributed to affected communities, while the second batch was expected to arrive soon.
“Wang Lingjun, Vice Minister of the General Administration of China Customs, visited Namibia and signed an agreement with Namibia Revenue Agency to boost cooperation in customs operations and promote trade facilitation,” he said.
Wang also signed the agreement with the minister of agriculture, Inge Zaamwani, on the inspection, quarantine and hygiene requirements for mutton and chevon to be exported from Namibia to China. The two sides are also actively discussing the export of Namibia’s other agricultural and aquatic products to China.
Zhao had an engagement with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah last month, and the head of State was equally impressed with the partnership. “On our side, we are ready to strengthen the cooperation, which has always been a mutual benefit between the two countries,” she said. Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia will continue to endeavour to make contributions to the international agenda and see how best the people of Namibia can benefit.
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