/
RSS Feed
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in on Friday as Namibia’s first female head of state, taking the reins of a country grappling with high unemployment, inequality, and poverty. Her presidency also marks a historic moment for Africa, as she becomes only the continent’s second-ever directly elected female president.
Acknowledging the weight of expectations, Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
“If things go well, it will be seen as a good example. But if anything happens—just like it can in any administration under men—some will say: ‘Look at women!'”
A Lifetime in Politics
The 72-year-old won November’s election with 58% of the vote, continuing the dominance of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), which has governed Namibia since independence in 1990.
A long-time Swapo loyalist, Nandi-Ndaitwah joined the movement at just 14 years old when it was fighting against South Africa’s apartheid-era rule over Namibia. While Swapo has transformed the country, economic disparities remain, particularly in wealth and land ownership.
“Land is a serious problem in this country,” she said in an interview ahead of her inauguration.
“We still have some white citizens, particularly absent landowners, who occupy large amounts of land.”
Government statistics show that white farmers own about 70% of Namibia’s farmland, despite representing just 1.8% of the country’s population. However, the new president reaffirmed her commitment to Namibia’s “willing-buyer, willing-seller” land reform approach, where no one is forced to sell their land.
Tackling Economic Challenges
With unemployment rising to 36.9% in 2023, Nandi-Ndaitwah is calling for a shift in Namibia’s economic model.
-
Value-Added Industries: Instead of relying on mineral exports, she advocates for processing raw materials locally to create jobs and boost the economy.
-
Creative Economy: She also sees potential in arts and culture industries to diversify income sources.
-
Education Reform: She wants Namibia’s education system to adapt to new economic realities.
A Trailblazer for Women in Leadership
Nandi-Ndaitwah follows in the footsteps of Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first directly elected female president. The continent’s only other current female leader is Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 after the death of her predecessor.
While she wants to be judged on her policies rather than her gender, Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the significance of her election:
“It is a good thing that countries are realising that, just as men can lead, women can also hold positions of authority.”
Her presidency will be closely watched—not just for how she tackles Namibia’s economic struggles, but for what it means for women in leadership across Africa.
