Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in Namibia on 9 July.
This will be the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country in 27 years.
The visit is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in diamonds, uranium, critical minerals, trade, and investment.
It comes as India moves to expand its access to strategic resources needed for its energy transition, electric vehicle production, and nuclear energy plans.
Namibia, known for its reserves of marine diamonds, uranium, lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, is becoming an important partner in India’s Africa strategy.
Modi’s schedule includes one-on-one talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, high-level delegation discussions, and an address to the parliament.
India is already a major buyer of Namibian diamonds, but current trade is routed through hubs like Antwerp and London.
The visit is expected to lay the foundation for direct diamond trade between Namibia and India, cutting out intermediaries and increasing returns for both countries.
In the broader mining sector, discussions are expected to cover long-term uranium supply deals.
India has shown interest in securing uranium from Namibia to support its nuclear energy programme.
India has invested over US$800 million in Namibia, covering mining, diamond processing, manufacturing, and services.
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) said Modi’s visit could lead to new partnerships in green industrialisation and mineral processing.
Questions sent to presidential press secretary Alfredo Hengari were not answered by the time of publication.
Modi’s stop in Namibia forms part of a five-nation tour that includes Ghana, Brazil, Argentina, and Trinidad & Tobago.
