Namibia, located on the western part of the Southern Africa, gained independence from South Africa in 1990. The Namibian economy depends on the extraction and processing of mineral resources for export. Mining accounts for 11.5% of Namibia’s GDP and 50% of foreign exchange in-flows. The country’s major exports include diamonds, copper and gold, while imports include foodstuffs, petroleum products, machinery, equipment and chemicals.

Most imports come from South Africa, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and China. Currently, the country plans to expand railways to neighbouring countries, and also to expand the Walvis Bay Port. The economic policy of Namibia has recently strengthened state controls of investment in mineral exploitation and restricted foreign investment in these areas.