Namibia ushered in a new era of leadership and gender equality on Friday as H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was officially sworn in as the country’s first female president. She appointed Lucia Witbooi as her vice president. The historic event, held in the capital Windhoek, coincided with the Southern African Nation’s 35th Independence Day.
Nandi-Ndaitwah takes over from President Nangolo Mbumba, who assumed office in February 2024 following the passing of President Hage Geingob. The 83-year-old Mbumba gracefully handed over power in a peaceful transition, reinforcing Namibia’s commitment to democratic principles.
From Freedom Fighter to President
Born in 1952 in the northern village of Onamutai, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s journey to the presidency is one of resilience and dedication.
At just 14, she joined the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) and actively participated in the liberation struggle against South African rule. Her activism led her into exile, where she pursued higher education in international relations while advocating for Namibia’s independence.
Since Namibia gained independence in 1990, Nandi-Ndaitwah has held several key ministerial positions, including in foreign affairs, tourism, and child welfare. Her strong stance on women’s rights and national development positioned her as a transformative leader, paving the way for her historic election.
A Bold Vision for Namibia’s Future
During her campaign, Nandi-Ndaitwah promised ambitious economic reforms, including the creation of 500,000 jobs over the next five years. Her focus includes boosting agriculture, fishing, and the creative industries. She also emphasised national unity, declaring, We can make our politics during the campaign and so on, but once it’s over, we must build Namibia together.”
A Cabinet Led by Women
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency is more than just symbolic. It represents a major step for gender equality in Africa. With a government that is 52% women, Namibia becomes the first African country to have both a female president and a female vice president.
This development has positioned Namibia as a leader in gender representation, inspiring other nations to push for more women in leadership roles.
Global and Regional Recognition
The inauguration was attended by several African leaders, including Cyril Ramaphosa, Samia Suluhu Hassan, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Duma Gideon Boko, João Lourenço.
Also in attendance was Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female president, who led Liberia from 2006 to 2018.
With this historic transition, Namibia becomes the sixth African country to elect a woman as head of state, joining: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia), Joyce Banda (Malawi), Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic), Ameenah Gurib-Fakim (Mauritius), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia)
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election has sparked international discussions on women in leadership. Many on social media have celebrated the moment, with some predicting that a female UN Secretary-General could soon be on the horizon.
