Windhoek, Namibia – Namibia made history on Friday as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the country’s first woman president, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s political landscape.
At 72 years old, Nandi-Ndaitwah became one of the few women to lead an African nation, taking office in a ceremony attended by heads of state from Angola, South Africa, Tanzania, and other African countries. Her victory in the recent elections extended the ruling South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) Party’s 35-year hold on power.
The election saw a strong challenge from the opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), which garnered 25.5 percent of the vote. Despite economic concerns, SWAPO retained the presidency amid voter concerns over unemployment and income inequality.
In her inaugural address, Nandi-Ndaitwah vowed to prioritize economic development and job creation. “We will increase investment in the development of infrastructure to open investment opportunities, enhance economic productivity, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for our people,” she stated.
Namibia, a nation of three million people, is rich in uranium and diamonds, yet struggles with a stark wealth gap. Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue, with 44 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds unemployed as of 2023.
With her leadership, expectations are high for economic reforms that will address inequality and create job opportunities for the country’s growing young population.
