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Minister Musavyi Leads Namibian delegation to China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo.

By John Disho

WINDHOEK,June 12,The Namibian Minister of International Relations and Trade,Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, are currently in Hunan province at the invitation of H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China,will lead the Namibian delegation, which is drawn from the public and private sectors.

According to the media statement issued by Executive Director of the ministry,Ambassador Penda Naanda last week said that the Namibian delegation will seek to deepen strategic partnerships with China, by promoting economic diversification, infrastructure development, sustainable resource management, and regional integration.

While in China, Ashipala-Musavyi will also engage with her counterparts on bilateral and multilateral initiatives and future collaborations and will also participate at the ministerial meeting of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE),both to held in Changsha,Hunan Province ending this coming Sunday,15 June 2025.

This expo will offers Namibian entrepreneurs and investors the opportunity to connect with Chinese business leaders, showcase Namibia’s investment opportunities in sectors such as mining, tourism, agriculture and agribusiness, manufacturing renewable energy, and fisheries, as well as exploring new avenues for economic cooperation and private sector collaborations,said the statement of the ministry.

“We are keen to engage with our Chinese partners and fellow African nations to share knowledge,explore investment possibilities in the line with our national priorities” – senior diplomat Naanda said.

Namibian delegation are interested in areas such as renewable energy, transportation infrastructure and capacity building and the group is expected back home next week Monday – Namibia Daily News.

June 12, 2025 0 comment
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China’s Zero Tariffs Welcomed and Came On Right Time.

By John K WaDisho

While majority of countries in the world complain about unjustified tariffs imposed by President of United States of America Donald Trump which he surprisingly enacted as series of steep protective tariffs affecting nearly all goods imported into the United States which rose from 2.5% to an estimated 27%, the highest level in history.

China’s zero -tariff initiative is regarded as manna for Namibia and the African continent at large.

In an ambitious move aimed at strengthening trade relations, China has declared its readiness to scrap tariffs for all 53 African nations with which it shares diplomatic ties. This announcement, made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a recent meeting in Hunan province, is set to reshape the economic landscape of Africa, fostering greater integration and development across the continent.

For Namibia and its fellow African nations, this initiative comes at a pivotal time,by eliminating tariffs on a wide range of goods, China is opening up vast markets for African exports, allowing local industries to compete more effectively on a global scale. This zero-tariff policy, which notably excludes Eswatini for its support of Taiwan, creates a unique opportunity for Namibian products, particularly raw materials and agricultural goods, to gain access to one of the world’s largest economies.

The integration of such trade measures aligns seamlessly with the goals of the African Union (AU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Both initiatives focus on fostering intra-African trade, encouraging member states to reduce trade barriers, and thereby enhancing economic cooperation. Namibia stands to benefit significantly from these developments; not only can it increase its exports to China, but it can also attract investment from Chinese businesses looking to capitalize on tariff-free access to African markets.

Moreover, China’s commitment can stimulate job creation within Namibia and across the continent. As local industries ramp up production to meet newly expanded demand, more employment opportunities will emerge, leading to improved livelihoods for many Namibians.

China’s zero-tariff initiative represents a transformative opportunity for Namibia and African nations. It promises to bolster trade, enhance economic resilience, and promote sustainable development, reinforcing the continent’s position on the global stage. As African nations unite in leveraging this opportunity, the long-term implications for socioeconomic growth, stability, and integration are indeed promising.

(John K WaDisho is a political correspondent of Namibia Daily News and wrote on his personal capacity)

June 12, 2025 0 comment
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China remains Namibia’s top export market in April

WINDHOEK, June 12  — China remained Namibia’s leading export destination in April 2025, accounting for 29.7 percent of the country’s total exports, according to the latest trade bulletin released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).

The report shows that Namibia exported goods valued at 11 billion Namibian dollars (about 618.1 million U.S. dollars) in April, up 9.1 percent from March 2025 and 16.1 percent higher than the same month in 2024, Statistician General Alex Shimuafeni said in the report released on Thursday.

Imports stood at 12.9 billion Namibian dollars, reflecting an increase of 1.0 percent month-on-month and 2.3 percent year-on-year, he said, adding that this resulted in a narrowed trade deficit of 1.9 billion Namibian dollars, compared to a deficit of 2.7 billion Namibian dollars in the previous month.

“China’s position as Namibia’s top export market was largely driven by uranium shipments, which made up 26 percent of the total export basket,” the report said.

According to the report, other key exports included non-monetary gold (15.4 percent), fish (11.5 percent), precious stones such as diamonds (10.5 percent), and ores and concentrates of base metals (5.8 percent).

On the import side, South Africa remained Namibia’s largest source of imports, supplying 35.2 percent of total imports, while India followed with a share of 16.1 percent, the report said. Petroleum oils led the import list at 22.4 percent, followed by motor vehicles for commercial purposes, nickel ores and concentrates, motor cars for passenger transport, and ores and concentrates of base metals, according to the report.

Sea transport remained the dominant mode for exports, handling 55.5 percent of outbound goods, while road transport accounted for 57.4 percent of imports.

The NSA noted that while Namibia’s mineral exports continue to support export growth, diversification efforts remain important to ensure long-term economic stability. (Xinhua)

June 12, 2025 0 comment
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China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South

We, the representatives of the People’s Republic of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission, guided by the consensus reached by our leaders during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), gathered in Changsha to advance the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.

I. We agree that the rise and growth of the Global South represents the trend of the times and the future of development. China and Africa are both important members of and staunch forces in the Global South. We call on all countries, especially countries in the Global South, to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. We commend the initiative of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era for its positive significance in safeguarding solidarity and cooperation of the Global South and defending multilateralism.

II. We agree that the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying has created severe difficulties for the economic and social development and the improvement of livelihood in African countries and other developing countries. This is a pressing challenge that members of the Global South including China and African countries must address.

III. Given that certain countries’ attempt to disrupt the existing international economic and trade order by tariffs undermines the common good of the international community, we call on all countries, the United States in particular, to return to the right track of resolving trade disputes through consultation based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. The international community should give prioritized attention to the economic difficulties and development challenges faced by African countries. Development assistance to African countries should be effectively increased, not unilaterally slashed, to provide continued support to help African countries improve people’s livelihood, reduce poverty and boost economic and social development.

IV. The African side commends China’s courage and resolve to defend international equity and justice and safeguard international economic and trade order. China highly commends African countries’ commitment to the basic principles of sovereignty, equality and justice and to upholding a common position in the face of external pressure. Unilateral concession cannot earn mutual respect. We resolutely oppose any party reaching a deal of compromise at the expense of the interests of other countries.

V. We call on the international community to uphold true multilateralism in accordance with the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, safeguard the U.N.-centered international system, defend the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and make economic globalization more open, inclusive, mutually beneficial and balanced, so as to foster a better trade, investment and financing environment for the Global South.

VI. We will join hands in cementing the foundation of sovereign equality, maintaining that all countries, regardless of their size or strength, are equal members of the international community, and resolutely upholding international justice and order. We will continue to safeguard each other’s legitimate rights and interests, stand side by side with mutual understanding and support amid chaos and changes, stabilize this uncertain world with the certainty of the China-Africa relationship, establish a benchmark for sincere friendship and equality in the Global South, and advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world.

VII. We will unite to support and put into practice the vision of openness, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, stay committed to the six-point proposition on the joint endeavor to advance modernization, make solid progress in implementing the ten partnership actions for modernization, and support the implementation of the Second Ten Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 of the African Union. We will build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, set an example of solidarity, cooperation, independence and self-reliance of the Global South, and call for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

VIII. China is ready to, through negotiating and signing the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China, or all African countries except Eswatini, to welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market. For the least developed countries in Africa, on top of the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC, China will roll out measures on market access, inspection and quarantine, and customs clearance to boost trade in goods, enhance skills and technical training, and expand the promotion of quality products.

IX. China is ready to work with Africa to deepen the implementation of the ten partnership actions for modernization, prioritize cooperation in such key areas as green industry, e-commerce and e-payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, and enhance cooperation in security, finance and the rule of law, so as to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.

X. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has become a fine example of solidarity and cooperation of the Global South. The List of the Outcomes of the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation provides a comprehensive, quantitative and tangible presentation of progress achieved. China and Africa will carry out the plans outlined in the Concept Paper of 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges to contribute to the solidarity of the Global South.

June 11, 2025 0 comment
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Xi, Sassou send congratulatory letters to FOCAC ministerial meeting of coordinators

BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso sent congratulatory letters separately to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, on Wednesday.

Noting that the current international situation is marked by changes and turmoil, Xi said China is committed to providing new opportunities for the world with the new achievements of Chinese modernization and offering new impetus to the Global South partners, including Africa, with its huge market.

China is ready to negotiate and sign the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development to implement the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China, Xi said, adding that China will provide more convenience for the least developed countries in Africa to export to China.

He said China is ready to work with Africa to deepen the implementation of the 10 partnership actions for modernization, strengthen cooperation in such key areas as green industry, e-commerce and e-payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, and enhance cooperation in security, finance and the rule of law, to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.

June 11, 2025 0 comment
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Namibia’s “Debmarine Desert Jewels” head for inaugural women’s UAE Netball Tournament

WINDHOEK, June 11 — Namibia‘s national women’s netball team, known as the “Debmarine Desert Jewels,” will depart on Thursday for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the inaugural UAE Netball Tournament, scheduled to be held from June 15 to 21.

The tournament forms part of the official ranking calendar and represents a crucial milestone in Namibia‘s journey toward international netball excellence, the country’s netball governing body announced Tuesday during a send-off event held in Namibia‘s capital, Windhoek.

The event brings together six national teams ranked between 18th and 30th in the world, namely the UAE, USA, Ireland, Singapore, Kenya, and Namibia.

According to the Namibia Netball Federation, the team and coaching staff have been preparing intensively and are ready to represent the nation with pride, skill, and determination.

Speaking at the official send-off, Namibia‘s national team captain, Anna Kaspar, said she looks forward to the competition and is eager to showcase what they have trained.

“As for the girls, I think they are ready, from the first day to the last day of training,” she said. According to the Namibia Netball Federation, the team’s participation in this event is a testament to their commitment, growth, and the strong support from sponsors, stakeholders, and the Namibian netball community at large.

“We believe in the power of sport to unite and inspire, and we are confident the Debmarine Desert Jewels will make Namibia proud,” Netball Namibia President, Juanitha Witbeen, said.

Meanwhile, according to the UAE Netball Federation website, the new female international netball tournament is set to energize Dubai’s sporting scene and spotlight the growing momentum behind women’s sport in the region. (Xinhua)

June 11, 2025 0 comment
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Namibia to seek greater aviation connectivity at AviaDev Africa 2025

WINDHOEK, June 10  — Namibia is set to deepen its aviation partnerships and advance its national vision for a connected, accessible, and thriving transport network through active participation in AviaDev Africa 2025, an industry insider said Tuesday.

The 2025 edition of the summit, scheduled from Wednesday to Friday in Tanzania’s Zanzibar, will provide a platform for Namibia to promote its strategic potential as a key gateway to the African continent, said Bisey Uirab, chief executive officer of the state-owned Namibia Airports Company (NAC), in a statement.

The event is expected to bring together more than 400 high-level stakeholders from across the aviation and tourism industries to shape the future of air connectivity on the continent.

Namibia hosted the 2024 edition of AviaDev Africa. “Participating in AviaDev Africa allows us to showcase Namibia’s potential,” Uirab said, adding that NAC’s vision is to transform Namibia into a logistics and aviation hub for Southern Africa.

“Engaging with global stakeholders helps us strengthen existing routes, attract new airlines, and identify investment opportunities to enhance our airport infrastructure and contribute meaningfully to national economic growth,” he noted.

In 2024, NAC handled 1.1 million passengers. The Hosea Kutako International Airport, the country’s main international gateway in the capital of Windhoek, has an annual capacity of two million passengers, Uirab noted.

“Therefore, it is imperative to maximize capacity utilization across NAC airports, starting with Hosea Kutako International Airport, to drive revenue, economic, and employment growth for NAC and Namibia,” he added.(Xinhua)

June 10, 2025 0 comment
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Namibia announces squad for Uganda warm-up ahead of World Cup qualifiers

WINDHOEK, June 10  — The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) on Tuesday unveiled the starting 15-man squad for the match against the Uganda Cranes on Saturday in Walvis Bay.

This crucial warm-up match is vital in Namibia’s preparations for its 2025 Rugby Africa Cup campaign. The Rugby Africa Cup, scheduled for July in Uganda, holds significant weight as it doubles as the primary qualification tournament for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Prince Goaseb will lead the Namibian squad as captain, with Danco Burger named as his vice-captain. Ten additional players will be on the bench, ready to provide support and impact during the match.

The clash against Uganda is just one of the warm-up fixtures for the Namibian squad. It’s also slated to play an international test match against Italy on June 27 in Windhoek, further honing its skills and strategies before the critical World Cup qualifiers. (Xinhua)

June 10, 2025 0 comment
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NICE, France, June 9 — Countries must respect science and international law when it comes to seabed exploitation, which must not become a lawless “Wild West”, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday at the opening of the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, southeastern France.

There must be a balance between justified concerns about environmental impact and the legitimate interest in harnessing resources to support a sustainable ocean-based economy and the transition to green energy, Guterres said.

He stressed that future actions must be “grounded in science, guided by precaution, and in line with the rights and obligations enshrined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

“I support the ongoing work of the International Seabed Authority on this important issue. The deep sea cannot become the Wild West,” he added.

Jointly organized by France and Costa Rica, UNOC3 seeks to advance the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14): conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.

Speaking at the opening session, French President Emmanuel Macron also opposed deep-sea exploitation, warning that much of the seabed remains largely unexplored.

“It is madness to exploit the deep sea before exploration has even begun… The moratorium on deep-seabed exploitation is an international necessity,” Macron said.

“The deep sea is not for sale, no more than Greenland is to take, or Antarctica or the high seas,” he said. In April, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order authorizing deep-sea mining — a unilateral move that drew criticism from the International Seabed Authority. (Xinhua)

June 9, 2025 0 comment
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China committed to building South China Sea into sea of peace, friendship, cooperation: report

BEIJING, June 9 — Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, on Sunday released a report highlighting China’s commitment to building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.

The report, titled “Making the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation: China’s Actions” and published in both Chinese and English, noted that China has always been a steadfast advocate, promoter, and guardian of peace and stability in the South China Sea.

According to the report, China has long maintained that peace and stability in these waters depend on collaborative efforts between China and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Through deepened trust and cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres, this partnership has created lasting mutual benefits. Consequently, China has emerged as a reliable force for maintaining regional peace and stability while promoting cooperation and development in the South China Sea.

The report stated that China has always adhered to the principles of building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation: equal-footed consultation, rule-based comanagement, mutually-beneficial cooperation, and a constructive role.

The report called on China and ASEAN countries to ensure that the solutions of the South China Sea issues remain in their own hands, to adhere to sound principles and direction in addressing the issues, and to continue upholding the notion of a maritime community with a shared future.

The report also called for joint efforts by China and ASEAN countries to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation that benefits the people of all regional countries. (Xinhua)

June 9, 2025 0 comment
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