Namibia is making history as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah takes the oath of office, becoming the country’s first woman president. Her inauguration on Friday marks a significant moment not only for Namibia but for southern Africa, where female leaders remain rare.
At 72 years old, Nandi-Ndaitwah—affectionately known as NNN—brings decades of political experience to the role.
A long-time member of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), she has been at the heart of Namibia’s governance since the country gained independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
Her victory in last year’s election, securing 58 percent of the vote, ensures SWAPO’s continued dominance despite growing opposition.
Nandi-Ndaitwah assumes office at a time when Namibia is grappling with high unemployment, particularly among the youth. With 44 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds out of work in 2023, job creation was a key election issue.
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Speaking ahead of her inauguration, she emphasized that tackling unemployment would be her top priority, vowing to create at least 500,000 jobs in the next five years.
She estimates this effort will require an investment of 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.67 billion, 4.3 billion euros), with a focus on agriculture, fishing, and the creative and sports industries.
Despite her victory, the election was not without controversy. The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), a youthful opposition party that secured 25.5 percent of the vote, mounted a strong challenge and even attempted to annul the election results through the courts—an effort that ultimately failed. However, Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for unity, urging all Namibians to work together now that the election is over.
As she steps into the presidency, Nandi-Ndaitwah recognizes the significance of her historic win. “Of course, it’s a good thing that we are breaking the ceiling, we are breaking the walls,” she told South Africa’s SABC.
A daughter of an Anglican pastor, she has held firm conservative views on social issues. Abortion remains illegal in Namibia except in exceptional cases, and same-sex marriage is also banned—stances she has not indicated she will change.
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Namibia, a sparsely populated nation known for its stunning desert landscapes and rich natural resources, is one of the world’s top natural uranium producers, supplying the nuclear energy sector, including France.
The country also boasts diamond reserves, natural gas, and oil deposits, while its solar and wind energy potential remains largely untapped. However, Nandi-Ndaitwah has reportedly expressed skepticism about the viability of large-scale renewable energy projects.
A former foreign minister (2012-2024), she has strong diplomatic ties, including a historical relationship with North Korea, a legacy of Namibia’s liberation struggle, during which she spent time in exile in Moscow.
With SWAPO’s long-standing grip on power, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency will be closely watched to see how she navigates Namibia’s economic challenges, political divisions, and evolving global relationships. As the country’s first woman head of state, she steps into a leadership role with both great expectations and significant hurdles.
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