China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) has announced plans to construct Namibia’s largest seawater desalination plant, according to The Namibian. This ambitious project will be a joint venture with NamWater and has received approval from the Namibian government.
The project will be financed by Swakop Uranium, CGN’s Namibian subsidiary, alleviating the need for NamWater to independently raise the estimated N$2.5 to N$3 billion required for construction. According to CGN, building will commence this year, and the facility is expected to be fully operational by late 2026. Upon completion, the plant will produce up to 25 million cubic meters of water annually.
This agreement follows a June 2024 announcement by Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, confirming the government’s approval of a second desalination plant in the Erongo region. This new facility, which will also produce between 20 and 25 million cubic meters of water annually, is a key component of Namibia’s long-term strategy to combat water shortages.
Listed as a significant project under the China-Namibia Belt and Road Initiative, the desalination plant aims to mitigate water scarcity, particularly in Namibia’s central and coastal regions. In addition to addressing immediate water needs, the facility is expected to bolster industrial sectors such as mining, while contributing to job creation and economic growth.
Initially, the plant’s focus will be on supplying water to the coastal regions, but NamWater has outlined future plans to extend its services to the capital, Windhoek, and even to Gaborone, Botswana.
Currently, Namibia’s coastal regions rely on the Erongo desalination plant, operated by Orano Mining Company. This new facility will complement existing water infrastructure, enhancing the reliability of water supplies in the region.
CGN is already a key player in Namibia’s economy, with its Husab Mine being China’s largest investment in Africa. Last year, the Husab Mine, which is one of the world’s most significant uranium extraction sites, contributed N$8.6 billion to Namibia’s GDP, approximately 3.6%. As the world’s third-largest producer of natural uranium, Namibia holds a vital role in global uranium exports.
The new desalination plant, scheduled to be operational by early 2027, will further support Namibia’s economic growth and strengthen water security for the wider Southern African region.