“I believe that having been elected as president of my country encourages women from all walks of life to stand up to be counted, with a clear understanding that I was not elected because I am a woman, but on merit.”
With these powerful words, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took the presidential oath, making history as Namibia’s first female president and the country’s fifth head of state since gaining independence in 1990. At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s ascension to power is not just a personal achievement but a landmark victory for gender equality and women’s leadership in Africa.
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A staunch loyalist of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), Nandi-Ndaitwah has spent decades shaping Namibia’s political landscape. Her career is deeply intertwined with the country’s liberation struggle, and her leadership within SWAPO has been instrumental in policymaking and governance.
Her victory in the November 2024 elections, where she defeated former President Nangolo Mbumba, signalled a new era of inclusive leadership and a continued commitment to the progressive values that SWAPO has championed since independence. Nandi-Ndaitwah now holds the distinguished title of Africa’s second democratically elected female president, following Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Commitment to Gender Equality
Her inauguration, coinciding with Namibia’s 35th independence anniversary, was a moment of celebration not only for Namibians but also for women across Africa. Distinguished female leaders attended the event, with former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf leading a delegation on behalf of President Joseph Boakai.
In her inaugural speech, Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed SWAPO’s longstanding commitment to gender equality, reminding the world that in 2002, the party amended its constitution to ensure 50/50 representation in leadership structures. This policy has resulted in women holding key government positions, herself included.
However, she emphasised that while Namibia has made great strides toward gender equality, more remains to be done. She urged women to step forward for leadership roles based on their capabilities rather than gender alone, reinforcing that her election was won on merit, not symbolism.
A Cabinet That Reflects Progress
Underscoring her dedication to inclusive governance, Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed several women to key ministerial positions, making her cabinet one of the most gender-balanced in Africa. Notable appointments include:
– Lucia Witbooi – Vice President
– Erica Shafudah – Minister of Finance
– Selma Ashipala-Musavyi – Minister of International Relations
– Emma Theofelus – Minister of Information and Communication Technology
– Lucia Iipumbu – Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security
– Esperance Luvindao – Minister of Health and Social Services
– Indileni Daniel – Minister of Environment
– Sanet Steenkamp – Minister of Education
– Emma Katema – Minister of Gender Equality
With such a diverse and competent team, Nandi-Ndaitwah is signalling a new dawn for Namibia—one where women are not just part of the conversation but actively shaping the nation’s future.
A Vision for Namibia’s Future
Beyond gender equality, President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s agenda focuses on national development. She has pledged to increase investment in infrastructure to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for all Namibians. Recognising the importance of education and skill development, she has reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening Namibia’s education system to produce a highly skilled workforce.
Healthcare is another top priority for her administration. She has called for the implementation of universal health coverage to ensure all Namibians have access to quality healthcare services, regardless of socio-economic status.
Africa’s March Toward Equality
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency marks another milestone in Africa’s journey toward gender equality in leadership. While the continent has seen women rise to power—such as Malawi’s former Vice President Joyce Banda and Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan—the fight for greater representation continues. Activists and gender equality advocates view her election as a catalyst for more African nations to embrace women in top leadership roles.
Her victory is not just Namibia’s triumph; it is Africa’s. As she embarks on this new chapter, the African Leadership Organisation congratulates her as a beacon of hope, proving that leadership is not confined by gender but defined by vision, dedication, and the ability to inspire a nation.
