Namibia views Russia as a dependable partner and seeks to collaborate in multiple sectors, including nuclear energy, according to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia (UNAM). His remarks, as reported by the African Initiative news agency, come at a time when Russia’s engagement in Africa continues to expand.
Frednard Gideon, Vice Chancellor of UNAM, expressed Namibia’s interest in deepening ties with Russia during the Russia-Africa: Nuclear Education—Potential for Successful Regional Development forum, held at the Peoples’ Friendship University (RUDN) in Moscow.
“Namibia is the world’s fourth-largest producer of uranium. We started mining it in 1976. Uranium is produced, but it is immediately exported. Many foreigners come to Africa and take everything,”
he stated, highlighting the country’s long-standing role in uranium production.
Gideon emphasized that Namibia is keen to develop local expertise and retain more value from its natural resources. He underlined the potential for a mutually beneficial relationship with Moscow, adding:
“Russia is a reliable and equal partner. That is why we are interested in cooperation.”
The two nations established diplomatic relations on March 21, 1990, and have since fostered cooperation across political, economic, trade, and humanitarian fields.
Namibia and Russia have been working towards expanding trade and investment opportunities across various sectors. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, following discussions with Namibian Foreign Minister Peya Mushelenga last March, stressed the importance of strengthening economic collaboration. Lavrov noted that both nations have identified key areas for partnership, including mineral resources, energy, agriculture, tourism, and healthcare.
In a further step towards resource exploration, Mushelenga stated in November during the Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum that a technical team has been established to assess geophysics and geochemistry in Namibia. This initiative aims to uncover new mineral deposits and leverage them for national development.
Russia’s engagement in Africa has grown considerably in recent years. Many African nations have described Moscow as a trusted ally, despite allegations from some Western countries, including France, that Russia’s involvement on the continent is driven by self-interest.
This increasing cooperation is not limited to Namibia. On February 19, the Russian government confirmed an agreement with Ethiopia to advance collaboration on the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Such partnerships align with Russia’s broader strategy of fostering nuclear education and technology transfer in Africa.
The nuclear education forum in Moscow underscored the importance of nuclear technology beyond its conventional associations. Speaking at the event, South African lawyer Nkazimulo Moyeni addressed the common misconceptions surrounding nuclear energy, stating:
“The topic of nuclear energy is stigmatized. We must show that it is not only a weapon but also a tool for peaceful development that can save lives and improve the quality of life for people across the African continent.”
Moyeni further emphasized Russia’s role in sharing knowledge and technological expertise with African nations, reinforcing Moscow’s growing influence in shaping the continent’s energy landscape.
The forum, organized by RUDN in collaboration with the Russian nuclear energy giant Rosatom, has been held annually since 2020. Its primary objective is to encourage nuclear education in partner countries, fostering greater interest and trust in nuclear technology. As Namibia continues to explore avenues for local energy development, nuclear energy could play a significant role in its future energy strategy.
