Why China backs Namibia’s nuclear fuel rod production

China has pledged to support Namibia's efforts to process critical minerals and uranium domestically, aiming to transform its natural resources into higher-value products. The move follows a joint communique issued after talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Namibian counterpart Selma Ashipala-Musavyi in Beijing. Namibia seeks to end decades of exporting unprocessed minerals and instead capture more value from the mineral supply chain. In 2023, Namibia banned the export of unprocessed lithium and other critical elements, a move mirrored by Zimbabwe earlier that year. China's investment will focus on processing lithium, cobalt, and uranium, key fuel for nuclear energy reactors. The partnership aims to support Namibia's economic diversification and development.