Namibia swears in first female President

On Friday, Namibia made history as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the first female president of the southern African country. At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah, often referred to as NNN, became a trailblazer in a country of roughly 3 million people, marking a significant milestone in both Namibia’s political history and the broader African context.

A milestone for women in leadership

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration makes her the latest in a small group of women to lead a nation in Africa. Following in the footsteps of notable figures such as Ellen Sirleaf Johnson of Liberia, Joyce Banda of Malawi, and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rise to power symbolizes progress for gender equality on the continent. This marks a historic moment for Namibia, which has been governed by the SWAPO party since its independence in 1990.

The ceremony, initially scheduled at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek, was moved to the State House due to unusually heavy rains. It coincided with the country’s 35th anniversary of independence, making the event even more poignant. Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba, at 83 years old, passed the baton to Nandi-Ndaitwah, who had secured 58% of the vote in the November election, with the SWAPO party winning both the presidential and parliamentary races.

Commitment to economic reform and sustainability

In her first address as president, Nandi-Ndaitwah outlined ambitious plans for Namibia’s future. Chief among her priorities is tackling youth unemployment, a major issue facing the country. Her administration is committed to diversifying the economy, focusing on sectors such as green energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.

“We will increase investment in the development of infrastructure to open investment opportunities, enhance economic productivity, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for our people,” Nandi-Ndaitwah stated during her speech. Additionally, she committed to introducing universal health coverage, an essential step in improving the nation’s healthcare system.

One of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s key objectives is to help Namibians make better use of their natural resources. Her vision is to promote value addition in sectors such as mining and agriculture, ensuring that the country reaps maximum benefits from its vast resources.

Nandi-Ndaitwah also highlighted Namibia’s role in combating climate change, acknowledging the challenges posed by the country’s regular droughts. She expressed the nation’s commitment to global climate efforts, underscoring that climate resilience remains a core focus for her administration.

A commitment to global justice and diplomacy

Nandi-Ndaitwah also made international statements during her inaugural address. She expressed support for the self-determination of the Palestinian people and the people of Western Sahara, reflecting Namibia’s historical stance on liberation movements. Furthermore, she called for the lifting of international sanctions against Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, aligning Namibia with global efforts for peace and justice.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah: From struggle to leadership

Nandi-Ndaitwah is a seasoned political figure who has long been a part of Namibia’s political landscape. As only the fifth president of Namibia since its independence, her career reflects both the country’s history and its future aspirations.

A member of SWAPO, the party that fought for Namibia’s independence from South Africa and colonial rule, Nandi-Ndaitwah became involved with the movement as a teenager in the 1960s. She spent years in exile during the anti-colonial struggle, living in Zambia, Tanzania, the former Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom.

Her political journey in Namibia began after the country’s independence in 1990. She has held several key governmental roles, including those of environment minister, foreign affairs minister, and vice president before being elected to the highest office. As a veteran of the SWAPO party, Nandi-Ndaitwah has been deeply involved in shaping Namibia’s policies and governance for over three decades.

Her husband, a retired general who once commanded Namibia’s armed forces, has been given the title of “first gentleman,” marking another first for the country.

The Road ahead: Hopes and expectations

With her inauguration, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has ushered in a new era for Namibia. Her leadership is seen as an opportunity to address pressing issues such as economic diversification, youth unemployment, and climate change. As the first woman to hold the office of president, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s tenure could inspire future generations, not just in Namibia but across Africa, demonstrating the power of perseverance, leadership, and gender equality in governance.

As the world watches Namibia’s first female president, the expectations are high for her to fulfill her promises of economic reform and sustainable growth. The journey ahead is both challenging and exciting, but Nandi-Ndaitwah’s long history of public service gives hope that Namibia will continue to thrive under her leadership.