China's smart city achievements a model to learn from: Namibian Ambassador to China

By Xue Lingqiao

(ECNS) -- "China's advanced digital infrastructure, mature artificial intelligence technologies, and rich practical experience in smart city implementation provide Namibia with a viable and practical development path," said Tonata Itenge-Emvula, Namibian Ambassador to China, on Monday in East China's Shanghai. 

The "Explore People-Centered Cities: China's Governance, Global Engagement (Shanghai and Jiangsu)" event, organized by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for foreign diplomatic envoys, was launched in Shanghai the same day. 

During the event, 30 envoys and diplomats from 20 countries, including Belarus, Bangladesh, and Namibia, visited the Shanghai People's City Practice Exhibition Hall to gain insights into the city's achievements in building a modern people-centered city. 

Emvula said that Namibia is currently striving to build a "smart, safe, and inclusive" economy, with smart city development entering a fast track. China's pioneering efforts in data-driven planning and digital government services offers replicable experience and pathways for Namibia, and the prospects for bilateral cooperation are broad. 

She added that Namibia, like many other countries, is committed to establishing an efficient, responsive, and accountable public service system. Meanwhile, China's outstanding capacity for long-term national development planning provides a highly valuable reference model for Namibia. Moreover, the multidimensional exchanges between the two countries on policy monitoring and evaluation have contributed valuable ideas for improving Namibia's administrative system. 

"These experiences will effectively consolidate Namibia's institutional foundation and provide solid support for our country's sustainable development," she said. 

In July 2026, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah paid a state visit to China. During the visit, bilateral relations were elevated to a China-Namibia community with a shared future in the new era. The two sides signed nine cooperation documents, outlining a blueprint for future exchanges. Among them, cooperation on smart city pilot projects between the two countries drew particular attention.

Speaking of bilateral cooperation, Emvula expressed the hope that this event would further enhance people-to-people and institutional mutual trust between the two countries, writing a new chapter in Namibia-China relations.

She concluded by saying that Namibians need not only to understand China's development story, but also to learn how to draw on its experience in order to forge their own path of people-centered sustainable urban development, and build inclusive, prosperous, and warm future cities.