• The United States plans to increase uranium imports from Namibia and support local production.

• Namibia ranks as Africa’s top uranium producer and the world’s third-largest, with 7,333 tonnes in 2024.

• China maintains a strong presence in key uranium mines, highlighting geopolitical competition in the sector.

The United States plans to increase uranium imports from Namibia while supporting local production through partnerships with American companies. John Giordana, the U.S. ambassador to Namibia, outlined this strategy. He highlighted Washington’s growing focus on a sector still largely dominated by Chinese capital.

In an interview with Bloomberg on Friday, April 17, the diplomat justified this interest by citing the expanding role of uranium amid the global growth of nuclear reactors. However, he did not announce any specific projects or investments. He added that he has worked since taking office in October 2025 to align U.S. interests with Namibia’s mining sector.

“Uranium represents a major issue for both our countries […]. People even contact us to ask whether we can connect them with the DFC or Exim,” he said, referring to potential projects in Namibia and to U.S. federal agencies.

A sector shaped by global competition

This position reflects a broader trend in recent years. It echoes a memorandum of understanding signed between NANO Nuclear Energy and Namibia, which aims to “power the future of nuclear energy in the United States.”

Namibia’s appeal stems largely from its resource base. The country leads uranium production in Africa and ranks third globally, supported by major mines such as Rossing Mine, Langer Heinrich Mine, and Husab Mine. Chinese groups, including China National Nuclear Corporation and China General Nuclear Power Group, hold stakes in these operations, underscoring Beijing’s entrenched position in the sector.

Uncertain outcomes amid strategic rivalry

It remains unclear how U.S. ambitions will translate into concrete investments and what impact they will have on Namibia’s mining sector. The sector accounted for 14.4% of gross domestic product in 2023, highlighting its economic importance.

Beyond uranium, Namibia produces gold and diamonds while developing critical mineral industries such as lithium, rare earths, and copper. These resources also sit at the center of intensifying strategic competition between Washington and Beijing across Africa.

This article was initially published in French by Aurel Sèdjro Houenou

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum