Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history as Namibia’s first female president, taking the oath of office on Friday. At 72, she also becomes only the second woman in Africa’s history to be directly elected head of state, after Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Nandi-Ndaitwah takes office at a time when Namibia faces serious challenges, including unemployment, inequality, and poverty.
“If things go well, it will be seen as a good example. But if anything goes wrong, some will say: ‘Look at women!’” she told the Africa Daily podcast.
A Historic Win for SWAPO Veteran
In November’s election, she secured 58% of the vote, continuing the dominance of the SWAPO party, which has ruled since independence in 1990. Nandi-Ndaitwah joined the liberation movement at just 14 years old, fighting against apartheid-era South African rule.
Tackling Inequality and Land Reform
While Namibia has made strides since independence, deep racial disparities in land and wealth remain. Government data shows that about 70% of farmland is still owned by white Namibians, who make up just 1.8% of the population.
“Truly, land is a serious problem in this country,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, adding that she supports a ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ land reform policy.
Economic and Social Realities
- Unemployment: 36.9% in 2023, up from 33.4% in 2018
- Poverty: Projected at 17.2% in 2024
- Inequality: One of the highest in the world (Gini coefficient: 59.1)
The new president aims to boost local value addition in the mining sector and modernize education and creative industries to better align with economic needs.
Leading with Purpose
While proud of her historic achievement, Nandi-Ndaitwah insists her leadership should be judged on merit:
“It’s a good thing we’re realising that just like men, women can also hold the highest office.”
She joins Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, currently Africa’s only other female president, though Suluhu rose to power following the death of her predecessor, not through direct election
