Russia-Namibia trade to hit $500m

Representatives of the Rosatom State Corporation participated in the 11th meeting of the Russian–Namibian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Windhoek last week. 

The high-level talks focused on the development of uranium projects, the localisation of production, and potential collaboration in education and agriculture. The meeting was co-chaired by Yury Trutnev, the deputy prime minister of the Russian Federation, and Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia’s trade minister, 

“Russia firmly supported Namibia during its liberation struggle, and today we are consistently strengthening our business ties," said Trutnev. "The 11th meeting and the associated business forum represent an important step towards translating political trust into concrete projects in subsoil use, energy, and industrial cooperation.”

Headspring’s proposed project 

A central feature of the forum was the presentation of a comprehensive development programme for the Headspring Investments project. 

Presented by MD Kirill Egorov-Kirillov and Alexey Semenov, advisor and head of business development for Rosatom Central and Southern Africa, the plan outlines a 25-year horizon for uranium production.

The plan outlines a 25-year horizon for uranium production. The strategy includes a phased increase in uranium production volumes through geological exploration and field development. It also prioritises the establishment of production facilities within Namibia to reduce reliance on imports and the creation of long-term employment for Namibian citizens.

Trade matters. 

“Namibia is already a global leader in uranium mining," said Egorov-Kirillov. "For Rosatom and Uranium One, this partnership is an opportunity to implement high-tech projects while contributing to sustainable, low-carbon energy in Namibia. We expect these initiatives to elevate our joint efforts to a new level.”

By the end of 2024, trade turnover between the two nations had grown by 82.8% to US$11.7 million. In 2025, growth reached $18.4 million. Projections suggest that the successful implementation of the joint uranium project could increase annual trade turnover to $500 million and create over 600 direct jobs in Namibia. Beyond the mining sector, the Russian delegation confirmed its readiness for broader cooperation, reflecting a long-term interest in collaborating with partners across the African continent to foster industrial and economic independence.