China has officially handed over a satellite ground data receiving station to Namibia, marking a major step forward in the country’s space science and remote‑sensing capabilities, according to Xinhua News Agency. The facility, located at the Telecom Earth Station near Windhoek, was formally transferred during a ceremony attended by Namibian and Chinese officials.
The ground station will allow Namibia to directly receive and process real‑time satellite data, including from the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS‑4). Reuters said the facility will support monitoring of environmental conditions, natural resources, disaster risks, and other key sectors. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare described the handover as a significant boost to Namibia’s technological and innovation agenda.
Access to satellite data is expected to inform national planning and policymaking in areas such as climate change adaptation, drought and flood management, water resource allocation, and land-use planning. The government also intends to draft a space science and technology bill to provide a legal framework for future space activities, according to reports by The Namibian.
Chinese Ambassador Zhao Weiping said the project reflects China’s commitment to supporting science and technology development in Africa. Namibia will fully own and operate the station, with local technicians trained for independent management, while occasional technical support from China will continue as needed.
