R&J Steytler targets China trade

R&J Steytler Management Consultants has signed a strategic partnership with the Chinese Africa Economic Trade and Culture Promotion Association of Namibia to expand trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement follows a state visit to China by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in July, during which the two countries renewed commitments to deepening cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, energy and critical minerals. Bilateral trade reached a record N$40.6 billion in 2025, making China Namibia's second-largest trading partner.

Despite this growth, R&J Steytler said significant opportunities remain untapped. The consultancy argues that Namibia-China trade is heavily weighted towards raw material exports, masking the potential for value-added processing and industrial development. Chinese investment in local manufacturing could help Namibia move up the value chain in critical minerals, agriculture and fisheries.

The partnership seeks to tap into China's Belt and Road Initiative, its infrastructure and investment programme. For Namibia, this extends beyond conventional infrastructure to include digital systems, industrial development and skills transfer.

Namibia's geographic position, Atlantic coastline, access to major shipping routes and regional markets position it as a strategic gateway for Chinese trade and investment across Southern Africa, according to R&J Steytler.

China's recent Joint Statement with Namibia highlighted trade facilitation, agricultural exports, critical minerals processing and local manufacturing as priority areas, aligning with Namibia's own industrial strategy and the government's push to reduce dependence on raw resource extraction.

The agreement covers trade promotion, investment facilitation, renewable energy, critical minerals processing, agriculture, manufacturing, technology transfer, logistics and skills development. R&J Steytler said it will identify credible projects and enterprises, connect them with Chinese and Namibian partners, and facilitate the processes needed to move opportunities from concept to implementation.

The consultancy will act as an intermediary for Namibian businesses seeking Chinese partners or investment, and help Chinese firms navigate Namibian regulatory frameworks and market conditions.

The partnership signals Namibia's intent to deepen engagement with a major source of foreign investment beyond traditional Western partners. It comes as the country grapples with currency depreciation and commodity price volatility. Chinese capital and technology, particularly in renewable energy and industrial processing, could help offset these pressures.

The Association brings connections to Chinese government agencies, state enterprises and private investors. R&J Steytler's involvement adds the strategic and commercial expertise needed to structure cross-border investment deals.