By Dr Elia Kaiyamo
As a former Namibian Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, I am genuinely encouraged by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s official visit to China.
In my view, it is one of the most significant foreign policy engagements since she assumed office.
The visit is important for several reasons. First, it is her first official visit outside the African continent as President.
That decision alone sends a powerful message about the strategic importance that both SWAPO and the Republic of Namibia attach to China.
It also reaffirms Namibia’s steadfast commitment to the One China Policy.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah travelled to China in her dual capacity as President of the Republic of Namibia and President of the SWAPO Party.
It is equally significant that her visit coincided with the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), underscoring the enduring political ties between the two governing parties.
This visit should also be seen as a continuation of the strong relationship forged by our Founding President, Dr Sam Nujoma, and strengthened by every Namibian President who followed.
I was particularly pleased that the President chose to begin her visit in Guangzhou.
For many years, the city served as the commercial hub for countless Namibian entrepreneurs— our “Zulu boys and girls”—who travelled there to source affordable goods and create business opportunities back home before changes in customs regulations made that trade more difficult.
It was a thoughtful acknowledgement of the vibrant people-to-people ties that have long complement- ed our diplomatic relations.
To fully appreciate the significance of this visit—especially for Namibia’s younger generation—we must understand the history that shaped the friendship between our two countries.
As the saying goes, to understand today, one must first understand “the yesterday of yesterday.”
When the People’s Republic of China was established on 1 October 1949 under the leadership of Mao Zedong, the country emerged from years of war and widespread poverty.
At the time, China was poorer than many African countries.
Yet despite its own immense challenges, the Chinese leadership remained committed to supporting liberation movements across Africa, including Namibia.
In 1965, the late President Sam Nujoma travelled to China to seek assistance for SWAPO’s liberation struggle.
Many Namibian freedom fighters who had reached Zambia were living under extremely difficult conditions.
President Nujoma requested food, medicine, military equipment and military training.
Chairman Mao responded positively, recognising the importance of international solidarity among peoples fighting for freedom and self-determination.
Providing that assistance was far from straightforward.
Supplies had to be transported by sea from China to Tanzania, a voyage that took several months.
Even then, there was no railway linking Tanzania and Zambia.
Recognising this challenge, leaders including Sam Nujoma, Kenneth Kaunda and Julius Nyerere appealed to China to help construct the Tanzania- Zambia Railway—famously known as the Freedom Railway.
China accepted the challenge, providing financing, engineering expertise, equipment and thousands of workers.
The conditions were harsh.
Sixty Chinese workers lost their lives during construction and were buried in Zambia.
Their graves remain a lasting testament to the sacrifices made in support of Africa’s liberation.
Many Namibians who later became national leaders, including Nahas Angula and Nangolo Mbumba, benefited directly or indirectly from the support that this historic partnership made possible.
History also reminds us that until 1971, the People’s Republic of China did not occupy China’s seat at the United Nations; it was held by Taiwan.
African countries, together with liberation movements such as SWAPO, supported the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s seat at the United Nations.
The Chinese people have never forgotten that solidarity.
Today, however, the relationship has evolved.
We are no longer united solely by the struggle for liberation.
We are partners in development, trade and economic transformation.
Over the past 36 years of Namibia’s independence, China has trained thousands of Namibians, invested in infrastructure and contributed significantly to our national development.
Namibia, in turn, has supplied valuable natural resources and remained one of China’s trusted partners in Africa.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah has made it clear from her first day in office that she is focused on delivery.
Guided by the objectives of NDP6, she is seeking practical outcomes that will accelerate industrialisation, create employment and improve the quality of life of ordinary Namibians.
That is why the time has come for frank and constructive discussions.
While China has benefited from Namibia’s natural resources, Namibia must increasingly benefit through value addition, technology transfer, skills development, manufacturing and greater investment in productive sectors of our economy.
The often-repeated principle of “win-win cooperation” should now be translated into measurable and mutually beneficial outcomes.
I was also encouraged to see the President engaging with Chinese automobile manufacturers.
Brands such as GWM, Chery and BYD are becoming increasingly popular in Namibia because they offer affordable mobility to many young people.
Such engagements could pave the way for investment in vehicle assembly, component manufacturing and broader industrial cooperation in Namibia.
Another encouraging aspect of the visit is the President’s uncompromising stance against corruption.
Her commitment closely mirrors President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on combating corruption and strengthening governance.
If both countries are genuinely committed to transparency, accountability and good governance, these principles must be reflected not only in policy but also in practice.
Ultimately, this visit is about positioning Namibia and China as equal partners in a rapidly changing global economy.
It marks an opportunity to move beyond the bonds of historical solidarity towards a future founded on shared prosperity, mutual respect, mutual benefit and sustainable development.
As Namibians, we should support President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s efforts to elevate this important partnership to a new level. History has brought our two nations together.
The challenge before us now is to transform that shared history into tangible opportunities that improve the lives of our people and secure a more prosperous future for generations to come.
- Dr Elia Kaiyamo is Namibia’s former Ambassador to China, Member of the Politburo and Central Committee of the SWAPO Party. Views shared are in his personal capacity.
