Namibia is set to make history as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is sworn in as the country’s first female president.
Her inauguration on Friday will extend the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO)’s decades-long hold on power, following her victory in the November 2024 elections.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, secured 58 percent of the vote in an election marred by logistical failures and delays, cementing her position as the leader of the uranium-rich southern African nation.
She will take over from outgoing President Hage Geingob, continuing SWAPO’s dominance since Namibia gained independence from apartheid-era South Africa in 1990.
The ceremony in Windhoek is expected to draw leaders from neighboring countries, including Angola and South Africa.
A longtime member of SWAPO, Nandi-Ndaitwah has been active in Namibian politics for decades.
She previously served as vice president and held key government roles, including foreign minister from 2012 to 2024.
During her time in exile in the Soviet Union during Namibia’s liberation struggle, she developed ties with various international allies, including North Korea.
Throughout her career, she has maintained a conservative stance on social issues.
She opposes abortion except in exceptional circumstances, and Namibia continues to outlaw same-sex marriage under her leadership.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory came amid growing dissatisfaction, particularly among young voters.
The opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) mounted a strong challenge, securing 25.5 percent of the vote, but was unable to break SWAPO’s grip on power. A key issue in the election was the country’s high unemployment rate, which stood at 44 percent among young people in 2023.
Addressing economic concerns, Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged to create 500,000 jobs over the next five years.
In a pre-inauguration interview with South Africa’s SABC, she emphasized the need for substantial investment, estimating that 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.67 billion) would be required.
Key areas for job creation include agriculture, fishing, and the creative and sports industries.
Despite political divisions, she has called for national unity, urging Namibians to work together to address economic and social challenges.
“Campaigns are campaigns, but once they are over, we must come together to build our country,” she said.
Namibia is one of the world’s top uranium producers, supplying nuclear power industries in countries like France.
It also possesses significant diamond reserves and untapped natural gas and oil deposits. The country has been exploring opportunities in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, but reports suggest Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed skepticism about the sector’s viability.
Her presidency marks a significant milestone for gender representation in Namibia, breaking barriers in a region where female leaders remain rare.
“It’s a good thing that we are breaking the ceiling, we are breaking the walls,” she told SABC.
