In a moment charged with emotion, celebration, and significance, Namibia ushered in a new chapter on Friday as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the country’s first female president. Her inauguration not only marks a turning point in Namibian politics but also solidifies the ruling SWAPO party’s continued influence, now entering its 35th year at the helm.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, stood before a crowd of dignitaries, fellow leaders, and proud citizens at State House in Windhoek, taking the oath of office under rare heavy rains—a blessing in local tradition, symbolizing new beginnings and hope. Her rise to the highest office in the land is a landmark moment for women across the African continent, adding her name to the short but growing list of women heads of state in Africa.
“I wasn’t elected because I’m a woman—I was elected on merit,” she declared in her first speech as president, pausing briefly to recognize the powerful women before her, including Liberia’s former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Tanzania’s current leader, Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The transition of power was heartfelt, with outgoing president Nangolo Mbumba, 83, gracefully stepping aside. The day also coincided with the 35th anniversary of Namibia’s independence from apartheid-era South Africa—a double celebration that brought added weight to the occasion.
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Popularly known by her initials “NNN,” Nandi-Ndaitwah is no newcomer to the political stage. She has spent decades within the ranks of SWAPO, the party that led Namibia’s liberation struggle. Joining the movement as a teenager, she’s held various high-profile roles since independence, including deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs. In 2023, she shattered another ceiling by becoming the first woman to lead the party.
Her victory in the November elections, where she secured 58% of the vote, came amid frustration over youth unemployment and logistical chaos during voting. The opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), energized by young voters, gained 25.5% of the vote, but SWAPO’s support held strong—proving that the liberation party’s legacy still resonates with many.
In her address, Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the pressing economic challenges ahead. “We must focus on unlocking our infrastructure potential, attracting investment, and creating real opportunities—especially for our young people,” she said, speaking to a country where nearly half of those aged 18 to 34 are unemployed.
Namibia remains a country of great promise—rich in uranium and diamonds—yet economic inequality persists. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership now faces the task of transforming that natural wealth into tangible change for all.
As the sun set over Windhoek, one thing was clear: this was not just a routine inauguration. It was a milestone moment—one of resilience, progress, and a symbol to every young girl across Africa that leadership knows no gender.
