Namibia teams up with Russia to boost uranium processing
Namibia, one of the world's leading uranium producers, has partnered with Russia to process this resource. This is another step in the Kremlin's efforts to strengthen its African presence.
Namibia, responsible for about 10% of the world's uranium production, has chosen to enhance its cooperation with Russia, which controls 40% of the global uranium enrichment capabilities. 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 visited Namibia to discuss uranium resource utilization 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 $300 million annually.
Russia aims to secure 25% of the global uranium supply by 2030. With its high-quality uranium, Namibia is a key partner in this plan. Moreover, the country is not subject to Western sanctions, making it an attractive partner for Russia. Encouraged by the World Bank, Namibia views uranium refining as an opportunity to advance into upper-middle-income countries.
Russia and other African countries
Besides Namibia, Russia has partnered with Uganda and signed a preliminary nuclear agreement. The Russian corporation Rosatom is in talks with Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Zambia regarding the development of nuclear energy. Cooperation with African countries allows Russia to maintain its leadership position in nuclear energy.
The Kremlin leverages Africa's disappointment with the West and the continent's growing energy demand to strengthen its influence on Africa.
