Namibia’s newly sworn-in President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has been praised by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who described her historic election as a significant moment for both Namibia and the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Speaking at her inauguration in Windhoek, Ramaphosa celebrated Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency as a breakthrough for women in leadership across the continent. “It is historic for Namibians to have their first woman president. It’s something we celebrate and a recognition of the vital role that women play in Africa,” he said.
The 72-year-old leader is the first woman to hold Namibia’s highest office and only the second female president in Africa, following Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Her election victory in November 2024, where she secured 58% of the vote despite polling challenges, extends the ruling SWAPO party’s dominance in Namibia’s politics.
The inauguration also marked another milestone, as Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed Lucia Witbooi as Namibia’s first woman vice-president. This makes Namibia the only African country currently led by both a female president and vice-president. Additionally, her newly announced cabinet includes 14 ministers, with women making up more than half, reinforcing her commitment to gender representation in leadership.
Nandi-Ndaitwah assumes office at a time of economic challenges, with youth unemployment being a key concern. In 2023, unemployment among Namibians aged 18 to 34 stood at 44%. She has pledged to address this issue, setting an ambitious goal of creating 500,000 jobs over the next five years, requiring an investment of N$85 billion (R85 billion).
Her presidency signals a growing shift in Africa, where women are increasingly breaking political barriers and challenging traditional gender roles in governance.