Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is sworn in as Namibia’s first woman President on March 21, 2025, after winning 58% of the vote. A member of SWAPO and former Vice President, she emphasizes tackling youth unemployment and calls for unity post-elections. Known for her conservative views, Nandi-Ndaitwah seeks to leverage Namibia’s natural resources and enhance job creation.
Namibia swears in its first woman President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, on March 21, 2025, following her election victory in 2024. At age 72, she joins a select group of female leaders in Southern Africa, with heads of neighboring states present at her inauguration. As a longstanding member of the SWAPO party, she played a significant role in Namibia’s independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, affectionately known by her initials NNN, won 58% of the votes in the tumultuous November elections, which faced delays due to logistical issues. The IPC, a youthful opposition party, secured 25.5% of the vote. Despite the opposition’s strong campaign, loyalty to SWAPO remains high among the electorate.
Unemployment among young Namibians is a critical issue, with 44% of individuals aged 18-34 jobless as of 2023. On the eve of her inauguration, NNN prioritized job creation, pledging to generate 500,000 jobs within five years, necessitating an investment of 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.67 billion). She identified sectors like agriculture, fishing, and creative industries as key areas for growth.
Nandi-Ndaitwah called for unity among citizens, emphasizing the need to collaborate post-elections despite political divisions. “We can make our politics during the campaign and so on but once it’s over, we must build Namibia together,” she stated. Her election marks a significant milestone in gender representation in Namibian politics.
A conservative figure and daughter of an Anglican pastor, she holds strict views on social issues, including a firm opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage. Her political journey began in her teenage years, and she spent time in Moscow during Namibia’s liberation movement. Most recently, she served as foreign minister, underscoring her country’s relations with various nations, including North Korea.
Namibia ranks among the world’s top natural uranium producers and has rich resources in diamonds, oil, and natural gas. Despite expressing concerns about renewable energy sectors, the country possesses considerable potential for solar and wind energy development.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration as Namibia’s first woman President symbolizes a significant step in gender equality within the nation’s leadership. Her focus on combating youth unemployment and fostering unity post-elections reflects her commitment to addressing pressing social issues facing Namibia. Balancing economic potential with her conservative social values, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership is poised to shape the direction of the country for years to come.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
