Namibia minerals race: China and EU compete
Namibia signs 8 deals with China as the EU commits $1. 5bn+ — Windhoek is leveraging uranium, lithium & rare earths for industrial value, not just export flows. #Namibia #CriticalMinerals #Africa #Mining #GlobalGateway
The Namibia minerals race has shifted decisively towards value capture, as eight new cooperation agreements with China sharpen a contest between Beijing and Brussels over uranium, lithium and rare earths. China deepens its positionNamibia and China signed eight cooperation agreements during President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s state visit to Beijing. The agreements span energy, mining, infrastructure, agriculture, technical training and green minerals. They place uranium, lithium and rare earths at the centre of Namibia’s investment push. China already holds deep commercial ties with Namibia. Uranium accounted for 85% of Namibia’s exports to China in 2024, according to Reuters. That concentration gives Namibia leverage, but it also signals the country’s continued reliance on a single dominant buyer. The central question is not geological — it is contractual. Namibia now has a stronger platform to demand local processing, shared infrastructure and skills transfer. Those terms determine how much value stays inside the country’s borders, rather than leaving with the ore. The distinction is stark: Namibia can sell raw access, or it can sell industrial capacity. Brussels is still in the contestTheEuropean Unionis also pursuing Namibia’s strategic minerals through its Global Gateway strategy. The EU has mobilised more than $1. 5 billion in loans and grants for in-country projects. The bloc also aims to leverage more than $23 billion in private investment over the medium term. That places Namibia in a stronger bargaining position than most African mineral suppliers. Both China and the EU want secure access to the same mineral streams. Both need credible, stable partners as global supply chains face increasing strain. For Namibia, the gain extends beyond attracting higher interest. It is the opportunity to shape project design from the outset. Mining deals can include processing plants, training programmes, power supply commitments and local procurement requirements. They can also lock in royalties and long-term export revenue for the state. What does this mean for African mining policy?The policy direction carries significance well beyond Namibia’s borders. Other African governments are watching Windhoek’s agreements for signals on beneficiation requirements and infrastructure conditionality. Investment frameworks that lift state revenue and local participation are becoming the regional standard. Namibia’s mineral value will not be decided at the signing ceremony — it will be decided in the project term sheets that follow. The Namibia minerals race now turns on execution: whether new agreements produce processing capacity and skilled jobs, or remain limited to raw export flows. Investors and policymakers alike should track the next round of project disclosures closely. Quick answersWhat minerals are at the centre of the China-EU competition in Namibia?Uranium, lithium and rare earths are the primary focus. Uranium alone accounted for 85% of Namibia’s exports to China in 2024, according to Reuters. How much has the EU committed to Namibia’s mineral sector?The EU has mobilised more than $1. 5 billion in loans and grants for projects in Namibia, with an ambition to leverage over $23 billion in private investment through its Global Gateway strategy. How many agreements did Namibia sign with China during the state visit?Namibia signed eight cooperation agreements with China during President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s state visit to Beijing, covering energy, mining, infrastructure, agriculture, technical training and green minerals. FurtherAfricaFounded in 2015 FurtherAfrica is an online platform centralising news and content focusing on the development and growth story of the African continent.