Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially taken office as Namibia’s first female president, marking a historic milestone for the nation. Sworn in three months after her election victory, she becomes the country’s fifth president and the first woman to hold the position.
A Landmark Inauguration on Independence Day
The inauguration, held on Namibia’s 35th Independence Anniversary, was attended by several African leaders, including heads of state from Angola, Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania. The ceremony at State House saw outgoing president Nangolo Mbumba formally handing over power, cementing a leadership transition that many hail as a defining moment for the country.
A Trailblazer in African Leadership
A veteran politician and former vice president, Nandi-Ndaitwah secured her presidency in the November 2024 elections under the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), which has governed Namibia since its independence in 1990. Her victory places her among Africa’s influential female leaders, alongside Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Joyce Banda of Malawi, and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.
In her inaugural speech, Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the significance of her election but emphasized that her leadership is rooted in experience and competence rather than symbolism. “There is still much work to be done,” she said, vowing to uphold democratic values, enforce ethical governance, and strengthen regional cooperation.
Commitment to Good Governance and Global Advocacy
Beyond national priorities, she reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to global justice, advocating for the self-determination of Palestinians and the people of Western Sahara. She also called for an end to sanctions on Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, reinforcing Namibia’s stance on international solidarity.
As she assumes office, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency is seen as a breakthrough moment, with former president Mbumba calling it “a long-overdue glass ceiling shattered.” Her leadership now faces the test of delivering on promises of progress, accountability, and inclusivity in Namibia’s next chapter.
