Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made history on March 21, 2025, as she was officially sworn in as Namibia’s first female president, nearly six decades after joining the country’s liberation movement. Her inauguration marks a significant milestone in Namibia’s political history, as she becomes the first woman to hold the nation’s highest office since its independence.
At 72 years old, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory in the November 2024 presidential election positioned her among Africa’s most influential female leaders. She follows in the footsteps of other remarkable African women who have led their countries, including Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Joyce Banda of Malawi, and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania. Her leadership is widely seen as a beacon of progress, inspiring women across the continent to pursue positions of power and influence.
Her historic swearing-in ceremony took place on Namibia’s 35th Independence Day, making the occasion even more momentous. The event was graced by regional leaders, former female heads of state, and dignitaries from neighboring countries. However, due to heavy rainfall, the originally planned stadium venue had to be changed, and the inauguration was instead held at the presidential office in Windhoek.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were high-ranking officials from South Africa, Zambia, Congo, Botswana, Angola, and Kenya, all of whom congratulated Nandi-Ndaitwah on her historic achievement and pledged to strengthen bilateral ties with Namibia.
A Lifelong Journey in Leadership
Born on October 29, 1952, in Onamutai, Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has spent her entire life dedicated to the pursuit of justice, democracy, and national progress. Her political journey began remarkably early—at just 14 years old—when she joined the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO). This was the same party that later led Namibia’s liberation struggle against South African rule.
Her deep involvement in the independence movement saw her forced into exile in 1973. She then took on key roles at SWAPO’s headquarters in Zambia, where she worked tirelessly to support the liberation efforts. She later pursued higher education in political science and diplomacy, studying in the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom, equipping herself with the knowledge and skills needed for a leadership role in Namibia’s future government.
Following Namibia’s independence in 1990, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s commitment to nation-building saw her take on several crucial government roles. She served in multiple ministerial positions, including as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, before rising to the position of Deputy Prime Minister from 2015 to 2024. In 2017, she broke new ground by becoming the first woman elected as SWAPO’s Vice President.
Her rise to the presidency was solidified in 2024 when she made history once again as SWAPO’s first female presidential candidate. However, her journey to the top was not without challenges. Following the untimely passing of President Hage Geingob in February 2024, Nandi-Ndaitwah was appointed Vice President, further preparing her for the monumental responsibility of leading the nation. Later that year, she secured a decisive electoral victory, earning the trust of the Namibian people to steer the country forward.
A Vision for Namibia’s Future
As the fifth president of Namibia, Nandi-Ndaitwah assumes office at a critical time in the country’s history. She has vowed to focus her presidency on strengthening democracy, driving economic development, and ensuring social equity. In her inaugural speech, she emphasized the importance of safeguarding Namibia’s independence while pushing for greater economic progress.
“The task facing me as the fifth president of the Republic of Namibia is to preserve the gains of our independence and ensure that the unfinished agenda of economic and social advancement is carried forward with vigor and determination,” she declared.
Namibia currently faces several pressing challenges, including high youth unemployment, economic stagnation, and the need for sustainable development initiatives. Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged to tackle these issues head-on, implementing policies aimed at boosting job creation, investing in education, and advancing Namibia’s role in regional and global diplomacy.
Her presidency is also expected to usher in a new era of gender inclusivity, with many women’s rights organizations hailing her election as a major victory for female empowerment. Throughout her career, she has been an outspoken advocate for gender equality, education, and community development, and she intends to continue championing these causes as head of state.
Her lifelong dedication to public service and nation-building has earned her numerous accolades and awards. In 2024, she received the prestigious Inter-Generational Leadership Award at the Nala Feminist Summit. She was also honored with the Thought Leadership Award at the Namibia Sustainable Development Awards and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Dar es Salaam in recognition of her contributions to leadership and governance.
[/p]Beyond politics, Nandi-Ndaitwah has built a strong personal and family life. She is married to Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, a respected former Chief of the Namibian Defence Force. Together, they have shared a commitment to service, leadership, and national development.
[/p]As she embarks on her tenure as Namibia’s first female president, the world watches with anticipation to see how she will shape the country’s future. With her extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and historic leadership, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is poised to leave a lasting legacy in Namibia’s political and economic landscape.
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