Namibia officially received a China-aided Satellite Ground Data Receiving Station, marking a significant milestone in the country's science and technology advancement.

The facility was handed over on Wednesday.

The station, constructed with the support of the People's Republic of China, will enable Namibia to receive real-time satellite data, enhancing evidence-based decision-making across critical economic sectors.

In his address, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, who spoke on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said the project strengthens Namibia's capacity in remote sensing and data processing.

He described it as a strategic investment in national development.

"The official handover of the satellite ground data receiving station represents a concrete step towards realising our national development objectives and our long-term industrialisation agenda. This agenda is driven by knowledge, innovation and modern technologies supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure. Director of ceremony, on behalf of the government and the people of Namibia, I express our sincere gratitude to the government of the People's Republic of China for the generous support provided through the construction of this satellite ground data receiving station."

China's Ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, said the ground station is the first high-tech development assistance project China has implemented in Namibia and reflects their concrete bilateral ties.

"Once the second phase of the project is accomplished, Namibia will acquire the complete capabilities of receiving and processing remote-sensing satellite data and using it for various applications and research activities, which will bring tangible benefits to Namibia by accommodating the extensive needs of monitoring, surveillance, planning, and management."

The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, said the facility will enhance research capacity and innovation in the country.

"This achievement reminds us that investment in science and innovation is an investment in national resilience, in knowledge and opportunity, not just for our people, but that will stretch beyond the borders of Namibia."

China and Namibia have maintained diplomatic relations for 36 years, with both countries pledging to deepen their cooperation in technology, education, and infrastructure development.

The Namibian government will now fully operate the ground station.