Namibia partners with Russia to boost uranium processing
Namibia, one of the world's leading producers of uranium, has partnered with Russia in processing this resource. This is another step in the Kremlin's efforts to strengthen its presence in Africa.
Namibia, responsible for about 10% of the world's uranium production, has decided to enhance its cooperation with Russia, which controls 40% of the global enrichment capabilities of this resource. This decision aims to transform Namibia from a raw material supplier into a key producer of processed uranium, ready for use in nuclear reactors.
Russia is strengthening its presence in Africa and investing in the oil, gas, and nuclear energy sectors. In April, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev arrived in Namibia to discuss uranium resource utilisation with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Namibia hopes to create over 5,000 jobs in the nuclear sector by 2030 and increase tax revenues by approximately £233 million annually.
Russia aims to secure 25% of global uranium supply by 2030. With its high-quality uranium, Namibia is a key partner in this plan. Additionally, the country is not subject to Western sanctions, making it an attractive partner for Russia. Encouraged by the World Bank, Namibia sees uranium refining as a chance to advance to the group of upper-middle-income countries.
Russia and other African countries
Besides Namibia, Russia has partnered with Uganda, signing a preliminary nuclear agreement. The Russian corporation Rosatom is in talks with Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Zambia on the development of nuclear energy. Cooperation with African countries allows Russia to maintain its leadership position in nuclear energy. The Kremlin uses, on one hand, Africa's disappointment with the West, and on the other, the continent's growing energy demand to strengthen its influence on the African continent.
