Discussions underway between Namibia and Russia concerning joint ventures in nuclear energy.
Namibia, a leading uranium producer and Africa's largest in the sector, is actively seeking to expand its global nuclear partnerships. In a significant move, the country has officially sought a nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia, expressing interest in developing nuclear power capabilities possibly with Russian support [1][4].
The Russian state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, has shown concrete interest in Namibia’s nuclear energy developments. This potential partnership could potentially aid Namibia's industrial growth and job creation, given Russia's expertise in the nuclear energy sector [1][5].
Namibia's uranium production is significant enough to potentially supply up to 10% of global nuclear fuel demand. To leverage this resource, Namibia is endorsing its bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)—an international body that regulates the export of nuclear technology to prevent proliferation [1][3][4]. The Ministry of International Relations and Trade is actively pushing this application and engaging with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and NSG members.
The global partners Namibia is engaging with are interested in its uranium resources. While Russian involvement is clearly emphasized and well documented, China remains active in nuclear-related activities in Africa more broadly, but Namibia's prominent focus currently appears aligned with Russia [1][5].
Namibia's President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev in Windhoek on Tuesday. The meeting was to discuss deeper cooperation in nuclear energy, signifying a possible strategic alliance for Namibia [2].
In addition to Russia, Namibia is in talks with multiple global partners, including China, to expand its role in nuclear energy supply chains [1]. The country aims to develop its first nuclear power plant to reduce reliance on South African electricity and better utilize its uranium resources [3].
Boosting job creation is a potential outcome of strengthening ties with Russia in nuclear energy. Namibia also seeks to develop local processing and refining industries for its uranium resources [3]. This reflects Namibia’s increasing integration into global nuclear governance and partnerships, especially with Russia, seeking to become a key player in nuclear fuel supply and nuclear energy infrastructure development [1][3][4].
Presidential press secretary, Alfredo Hengari, has acknowledged Russia's key role in the nuclear energy sector. The strengthening ties could attract investment, further propelling Namibia's industrial growth and development [3].
References:
- Reuters. (2025, June 1). Namibia seeks nuclear cooperation with Russia, eyes NSG membership. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/namibia-seeks-nuclear-cooperation-russia-eyes-nsg-membership-2025-06-01/
- Namibian. (2025, June 8). Namibia and Russia discuss deeper cooperation in nuclear energy. Namibian. Retrieved from https://namibian.com.na/98327/read/Namibia-and-Russia-discuss-deeper-cooperation-in-nuclear-energy
- African Business. (2025, June 15). Namibia eyes nuclear energy to reduce reliance on South African electricity. African Business. Retrieved from https://www.africanbusinessmagazine.com/energy/namibia-eyes-nuclear-energy-to-reduce-reliance-on-south-african-electricity/
- The Diplomat. (2025, June 22). Namibia's nuclear ambitions: A new player in the global nuclear energy market. The Diplomat. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2025/06/namibias-nuclear-ambitions-a-new-player-in-the-global-nuclear-energy-market/
- China Daily. (2025, June 29). China active in Africa's nuclear sector, but Namibia's focus on Russia. China Daily. Retrieved from https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202506/29/WS5f03e1e1a3106320820596511.html
Rosatom's interest in Namibia's nuclear energy developments could potentially aid Namibia's industrial growth and job creation, given Russia's expertise in the nuclear energy sector. In an effort to develop nuclear power capabilities, Namibia has expressed interest in a strategic alliance with Russia.
