Namibian ambassador calls China’s smart city experience a model for the country
Namibia’s Ambassador to China, Tonata Itenge-Emvula, said during an event in Shanghai that advanced digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence technologies, and China’s experience in creating “smart cities” could become a practical development path for Namibia. ECNS reports.
Event in Shanghai
The event, “Exploring People-Centered Cities: China’s Governance and Global Engagement,” was organized by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for foreign diplomatic representatives. It was attended by 30 envoys and diplomats from 20 countries, including Belarus, Bangladesh, and Namibia.
Participants visited the “People’s City” Practice Exhibition Hall in Shanghai, where they learned about the city’s achievements in creating a modern, people-centered urban environment. According to Itenge-Emvula, Namibia seeks to build a “smart, safe, and inclusive” economy, while the development of “smart cities” in the country is accelerating.
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Bilateral cooperation
The ambassador noted that China’s experience in data-based planning and the provision of digital public services could be used in Namibia. She also described Chinese practices of long-term state planning and bilateral exchanges on policy monitoring and evaluation as valuable for the country.
In July 2026, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah paid a state visit to China. According to ECNS, the sides signed nine cooperation documents and elevated bilateral relations to the format of a China-Namibia community with a shared future for a new era. Particular attention among the areas of cooperation was given to smart city pilot projects.
