Namibia
By Chris Williams
Namibia has inaugurated its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in the capital city Windhoek on Friday, marking a historic moment for the nation. The swearing-in ceremony coincided with Namibia’s 35th Independence Day anniversary, solidifying her position as the country’s fifth president.
During a live broadcast by the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed her gratitude to the people of Namibia for placing their trust in her leadership.
“Changing of administration has become an entrenchment political and historical phenomenon in the Namibian culture and tradition since independence in 1990. I therefore stand before you today with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility towards the people of Namibia who placed their trust and confidence in me by electing me.”
A Historic Milestone in Namibia’s Democracy
At 72 years old, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s ascension to the presidency is the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to the fight for Namibia’s independence and development. She has been a key figure in Namibia’s political landscape, having served in roles such as foreign minister, deputy prime minister, and vice president.
Her journey began in the 1960s as a member of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), the movement that led Namibia’s liberation from apartheid South Africa’s rule. Her presidency is seen as a landmark for women in leadership, inspiring female political participation across Africa.
Dignitaries Witness the Inauguration Amid Weather Disruptions
The inauguration was originally scheduled to take place at the Independence Stadium, where thousands were expected to gather. However, heavy rainfall forced a last-minute venue change to the State House. Despite the shift, the event proceeded successfully, with national pride and unity on full display.
Among the dignitaries present were South Africa’s former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki, along with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Their presence underscored the significance of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration for Africa’s political progress.
During her speech, the new president acknowledged the international delegates:
“It is gratifying to see that so many representatives of friendly countries, organizations and individuals, friends of Namibia have come to celebrate with us the 35th anniversary of our independence and to witness my inauguration. Your presence here today is highly appreciated. It is a source of inspiration and a moral booster to me and Namibians at large.”
Economic Development and Job Creation: Key Priorities
President Nandi-Ndaitwah inherits a diverse but challenging economy. Namibia has seen significant investments in oil, gas, and green hydrogen, yet high unemployment rates and income inequality persist.
In her inaugural speech, she pledged to diversify the economy and create more employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.
“The task facing me as the fifth President of the Republic of Namibia is to preserve the gains of our independence on all fronts and to ensure that the unfinished agenda of economic and social advancement of our people is carried forward with vigor and determination to bring about shared balanced prosperity for all.”
To achieve this, Nandi-Ndaitwah outlined her administration’s focus areas, including:
• Expanding agriculture to boost domestic food production.
• Enhancing industrial capacity to ensure value addition in natural resource processing.
• Promoting entrepreneurship and targeted financing to support small businesses and youth employment.
• Addressing corruption and strengthening governance structures.
Commitment to Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
As Namibia’s first female president, Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed her long-standing advocacy for gender equality. She credited SWAPO’s 50/50 leadership policy, introduced in 2002, as a key factor in increasing female representation in government.
“I believe that having been elected as President of my country will encourage 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. That is to say, as women, we should not ask to be elected to positions of responsibility because we are women, but because we are capable members of our societies to hold those positions.”
Her presidency is expected to amplify efforts to bridge gender gaps in education, employment, and political leadership.
Investments in Infrastructure and Urban Development
Over the last 35 years, Namibia has witnessed rapid urbanisation, putting pressure on housing, sanitation, and infrastructure. Nandi-Ndaitwah promised increased investment in urban land development, ensuring that more Namibians have access to decent housing and basic services.
Her administration’s strategy includes:
• Boosting rural agriculture to curb excessive rural-to-urban migration.
• Expanding road and rail networks to support industrial growth.
• Investing in green energy and sustainable development projects.
Healthcare and Education: A Foundation for National Growth
The president also underscored the need for accessible and quality education as a means of economic empowerment. She pledged to strengthen the education sector from pre-primary to tertiary levels, while ensuring that vocational training is aligned with labour market demands.
“The development of any country depends on the quality of its human resources. To this end, education and training will continue to be a priority to ensure that we develop technical and managerial skills and work ethics that are required in the labour market.”
Additionally, universal healthcare remains a priority for her government. She vowed to expand healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, to ensure comprehensive universal health coverage.
A Strong Foreign Policy and Regional Unity
In her address, Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to regional and continental integration. She pledged to strengthen partnerships through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU).
She also touched on global issues, reaffirming Namibia’s support for:
• The right to self-determination for Palestine and Western Sahara.
• The lifting of economic sanctions on Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.
• Reforms in the United Nations Security Council, advocating for Africa’s inclusion as a permanent member.
Tackling Corruption and Strengthening Governance
President Nandi-Ndaitwah vowed to uphold good governance, promoting a rule-based system that fosters transparency and accountability.
“Public servants are required to maintain, at all times, high ethical standards. They should provide the best possible service timeously without favoritism. Corruption in all its manifestations should be avoided at all cost.”
Her administration aims to enforce strict anti-corruption measures to boost investor confidence and ensure efficient public service delivery.
A Vision for a United Namibia
As she concluded her inaugural speech, Nandi-Ndaitwah called for national unity, urging all Namibians to work together for a prosperous future.
“A people united striving to achieve a common good for all members of society will always emerge victorious. We all need to put our hands on the plough. There is a role for everyone. I implore every citizen, regardless of your background or political affiliation, to join me on this journey of nation-building.”
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