Canada-Namibia relations

On this page

• Bilateral relations
• Trade relations
• Development
• Partnerships and organizations

Bilateral relations

Canada established diplomatic relations with Namibia following its independence in 1990. In Namibia, Canada is represented by a High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, and an Honorary Consul in Windhoek. In Canada, Namibia is represented from its Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Canada and Namibia have a history of collaboration on shared priorities. Canada strongly supported Namibia’s transition to independence, providing military peacekeepers, police monitors, election supervisors and technical experts. Canada and Namibia are members of the Commonwealth and the United Nations. They have a shared commitment to advancing important multilateral issues, notably climate change action, human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Trade relations

In 2023, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Namibia totaled $171.3 million, with $10.7 million in exports from Canada and $160.6 million in imports from Namibia. In 2023, Canadian direct investment in Namibia totalled $1.1 billion. For the same year, figures on Namibia's direct investment in Canada are not currently available.

Namibia presents numerous investment opportunities for Canadian companies, particularly in the natural resources and clean technology sectors. Canada has significant mining investments in Namibia.

Related links

• Trade and investment agreements
• Import / Export controls
• Doing business in Namibia

Development

Namibia benefits from Canadian international assistance through Canada’s support to key multilateral and regional organizations active in the country, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the African Union. In 2022 to 2023, Canada provided $3.8 million in international assistance to Namibia, primarily through long-term institutional support to multilateral organizations and regional programs. Local organizations can also receive assistance from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, which has provided support for projects focused on the empowerment of women, environmental protection and green economic growth.

Related links

• The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives

Partnerships and organizations

To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Namibia work closely in multilateral fora, such as:

• Commonwealth
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• International Criminal Court (ICC)
• United Nations (UN)
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• World Trade Organization (WTO)