China Tightens Its Grip on Namibia's Next Energy Boom

China isn't waiting for Namibia to become an oil producer.

It's getting in early.

During a state visit to Beijing this week, Namibia and China signed eight cooperation agreements covering energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic development, as China attempts to secure a front-row seat to what could become Africa's next major energy story.

Namibia's first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, spent the week courting investment as her government looks to diversify an economy still grappling with high unemployment.…