Namibia is setting its sights on lithium battery manufacturing, with Industries, Mines, and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse saying that every industrial partnership must deliver skills transfer to turn the country's mineral wealth into locally manufactured products rather than raw exports.

Amutse set out the country's position during an interview with NBC News after touring China's state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group, GAC Group, one of the largest vehicle manufacturers, situated outside Guangzhou City.

The Namibian delegation, comprising Cabinet ministers and business leaders, visited the automotive giant as part of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's state visit to China.

The delegation toured GAC Group's production facilities, where executives showcased the company's vehicle manufacturing operations, including its gasoline-powered and new-energy vehicle brands such as Aion, Hyptec, and Emkoo.

Amutse said Namibia's industrial ambitions will be driven by partnerships that equip Namibians with the expertise needed to process mineral resources into higher-value products.

He said the engagements with China, thus, offer an opportunity to learn from one of the world's leading manufacturing economies.