Malaysia, Namibia Move to Deepen Ties in Minerals, Energy Value Chain Development

Malaysia and Namibia have agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in the mineral and energy sectors, with both countries set to commence negotiations on a memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing sustainable industry development.

This was disclosed in a statement by Malaysia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which noted that the proposed agreement would focus on enhancing the value chain across the mining and energy industries.

According to the statement, both parties have agreed to initiate technical-level engagements between relevant agencies to facilitate the drafting of the MoU.

The ministry stated that the framework would support technology transfer, capacity building and the exchange of expertise in areas such as geosciences, resource management and mine rehabilitation.

It added that the initiative would also be driven through industry-to-industry collaborations aimed at strengthening a sustainable investment ecosystem.

The agreement followed bilateral talks between Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, and Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.

The discussions centred on opportunities for collaboration in the energy sector and industrial materials processing, particularly in the context of the global energy transition and mineral development.

Namibia, which is endowed with significant mineral resources including lithium, uranium and rare earth elements, is seeking to leverage Malaysia’s expertise to develop its industrial value chain and reduce reliance on raw material exports.

The statement noted that the partnership aligns with both countries’ policy objectives of shifting towards midstream and downstream processing to generate higher economic value from natural resources.

Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance principles, emphasising the need to balance mining development with environmental sustainability and responsible practices.

In addition, the meeting reflected shared positions on broader geopolitical issues, including support for self-determination and the Palestinian cause.

The ministry expressed confidence that the engagement would foster a balanced and practical partnership between the two countries.