Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Makes History as Namibia’s 1st Female President

Namibia Makes History: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Becomes First Female President

On March 21, 2025, Namibia formally swore in Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president. As she assumes leadership of a country struggling with high unemployment, enduring inequality, and poverty, her inauguration represents a critical turning point in the political history of the nation. Along with these difficulties, she holds the unique distinction of becoming the second African woman to be elected straight to the position of head of state. President Nandi-Ndaitwah accepted the demands made of her leadership in her remarks about her new position. She voiced optimism in an interview with the BBC’s Africa Daily podcast, saying that if her administration does well, it might set a good example. She did point out that any setbacks could be unjustly ascribed to her gender rather than issues with government.

In the elections held in November 2024, the 72-year-old leader won with a resounding 58% of the vote. Since she was 14, she has been a devoted member of the South West Africa People’s Organization (Swapo), supporting the party’s efforts to end apartheid in South Africa. Even though Swapo helped the black majority in Namibia live better lives, apartheid’s effects are still felt, especially in the differences in wealth and land ownership. Given that white farmers possess over 70% of Namibia’s farmland despite making up only 1.8% of the population, land reform is still a major concern in the country. President Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged to resolve these disparities while facilitating land transfer by upholding the “willing-buyer, willing-seller” policy.

In addition to land reforms, she wants to strengthen Namibia’s economy by reorienting its priorities from exporting raw minerals to producing value-added goods. In order to meet changing economic demands, she also plans to modernize the education system and strengthen the creative industries. Her election places her alongside Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan and Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as a trailblazing African female leader. She stresses that her leadership should be evaluated based on merit rather than gender, even if she appreciates being recognized for shattering stereotypes.

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