By Berk Kutay Gokmen
ISTANBUL (AA) – Namibia held the official handover of a China-funded Satellite Ground Data Receiving Station, Chinese state media Xinhua News reported.
The project is designed to boost the country’s space science capabilities, disaster response, and innovation-led growth.
Situated at the Telecom Earth Station outside Windhoek, the facility will allow Namibia to directly receive and process remote-sensing satellite data.
Speaking on behalf of Naimbian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare thanked China for its assistance.
“I express gratitude to the People's Republic of China for the generous support provided through the construction of this satellite ground data receiving station," Ngurare said Thursday.
Ngurare noted that China’s funding and technical expertise have enabled Namibia to join a small group of African nations with modern ground stations capable of receiving real-time satellite data.
Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping said the initiative reflects China’s commitment to advancing science and technology in Africa.
"The satellite ground data receiving station is the first high-technology development assistance project undertaken by China in Namibia," Zhao said.
"It vividly demonstrates China's strong commitment to supporting African countries in advancing science and technology development," he added.
Zhao stressed that the station will be entirely owned and operated by Namibia, and Chinese specialists have trained local technicians for independent management and will continue offering technical support.