Although geographically distant, China and Namibia share a deep historical connection. The two countries formally established diplomatic relations in 1990.
In recent years, guided by the strategic vision of both countries’ leaders, China-Namibia relations have reached new heights, and cooperation in various fields has flourished. In 2018, the two nations established a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a memorandum of understanding under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The fruitful cooperation between the two countries owes much to the proactive involvement of Chinese enterprises and their collaboration with local communities. Since China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) set foot in Namibia in 2019, it has supported the Rössing Uranium mine with Chinese technology and innovation, continuously contributing to Namibia’s socio-economic development.
A win-win miracle of China-Africa cooperation
Since acquiring Rössing Uranium, CNNC has driven innovative development, providing comprehensive support in technology, funding, procurement and sales. This has ensured the safe and efficient operation of the mine.
“Last year, Rössing’s uranium production accounted for about five percent of global output, making Namibia the third-largest uranium producer in the world after Kazakhstan and Canada,” said Johan Coetzee, the mine’s managing director.
At the same time, China National Uranium Co., Ltd. has, through the acquisition and operation of Rössing, entered the ranks of the world’s top five uranium mining companies. The success of CNNC at Rössing is a testament to the win-win results of China-Africa cooperation.
One team, one dream
More than 90 percent of Rössing’s employees is local, yet there are significant differences in cultural perspectives and core corporate values compared to the CNNC culture.
“We implemented a series of cross-cultural integration initiatives,” said Chang Jingtao, general manager of CNNC’s Namibia Mining Division.
“We established an emotional bond between the major shareholders, management and employees, built on a shared destiny, to unite everyone toward common goals. This has ensured stable operations and the sustainable development of the company.”
More than a Marathon
The Rössing Marathon is one of Namibia’s longest-running sporting events, embodying a spirit that resonates with many Namibians’ dreams of “running towards the future”.
A participant in the Rössing Marathon [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
“Since CNNC took over Rössing Uranium, the company has prioritized the health of local citizens and has shown great dedication to this traditional event,” said Andre Ross, a member of the Swakopmund Athletics Association.
“The marathon has become more inclusive, with over 2,000 Namibian participants and approximately 4,000 runners from China competing virtually this year.”
The strength of women at Rössing
Although mining is traditionally seen as a male-dominated industry, Rössing Uranium is home to many female employees whose unique strengths and aspirations are embraced.
Women employees at the Rössing Uranium [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
In addition to offering career platforms for women, Rössing is committed to supporting local women. In early 2020, the mine selected a group of experienced female volunteers from its 300 women employees to mentor female high school and university students through career development programs.
For many locals, Rössing Uranium has transformed their lives. The mine operates the Rössing Foundation, a platform for fulfilling its corporate social responsibility and benefiting the local community.
“Our projects have profoundly impacted the lives of Namibians, especially the youth, women, people with disabilities and marginalized groups,” said Uparura Kuvare, executive director of the Rössing Foundation.
Since CNNC’s acquisition of the mine, annual investments in the foundation have increased, making its aid programs more impactful and sustainable.
Since acquiring Rössing Uranium in 2019, CNNC, through the Rössing Foundation, has been actively engaged in public welfare in Namibia across education, healthcare, environmental protection, sports and urban development, investing over NAD 140 million (56.80 million yuan).
These efforts are part of CNNC’s broader mission to build a China-Africa community with a shared future and contribute to the vision of a harmonious and united world.
(Executive editor: Zhu Zeya)
