Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was inaugurated as Namibia’s first woman President on March 21, 2025, after winning elections with 58% of the vote. Previously Vice President, she is committed to addressing unemployment and promoting national unity in her leadership role. Nandi-Ndaitwah represents SWAPO, and her presidency signals progress in gender representation in Southern Africa.
On March 21, 2025, Namibia inaugurated Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female President, following her electoral victory last year that reinforced her ruling party’s dominance. At 72 years old, she joins a select group of female leaders in Southern Africa. The inauguration is set to take place with the attendance of various heads of state from neighboring countries such as Angola and South Africa.
Previously serving as the Vice President, Ms. Nandi-Ndaitwah is a respected member of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), pivotal in Namibia’s journey to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. She garnered 58% of the votes in the tumultuous elections held in November, which faced numerous logistical challenges resulting in delays, while the opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), earned only 25.5% of the vote.
Unemployment among the youth was a significant concern during the elections, with nearly 44% of individuals aged 18 to 34 unemployed in 2023. On the eve of her inauguration, Nandi-Ndaitwah identified job creation as a top priority, announcing plans to generate at least 500,000 jobs over the next five years, calling for an investment of approximately 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.67 billion).
Key sectors targeted for job development include agriculture, fishing, and the creative and sports industries. Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized the importance of unity post-elections, urging all Namibians to build the country together despite political divisions that emerged during the campaign.
Reflecting on her election, she stated, “Of course it’s a good thing that we are breaking the ceiling, we are breaking the walls.” Having been returned to the country from exile in Moscow during the liberation struggle, she has served as foreign minister from 2012 to 2024 and maintained that Namibia shares good historical relations with countries like North Korea.
In addition to its significant uranium production, which plays a crucial role in supplying nuclear power, Namibia also has valuable diamond resources and aims to develop its natural gas and oil sectors. Despite its potential for solar and wind energy production, there are doubts regarding the viability of these sectors according to media reports regarding Nandi-Ndaitwah’s stance.
The inauguration of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s first woman President marks a significant milestone in the country’s political history. Her leadership presents an opportunity to address pressing issues such as unemployment and the need for national unity. As a member of SWAPO, she carries the legacy of her party while aiming for job creation in key sectors. Her policies may reshape Namibia’s future, leveraging its natural resources while facing challenges in the renewable energy sector.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
