Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah: Meet Namibia’s 72-year-old First Female President

She took her oath in front of visiting dignitaries from South Africa, Zambia, Congo, Botswana, Angola, and Kenya after the event was moved from a stadium to the presidential office owing to severe rains. Nearly 60 years after entering Namibia's independence fight, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah achieved the highest position of leadership when she was sworn in as the country's first female president on March 21, 2025.

Following in the footsteps of women African leaders such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Joyce Banda of Malawi, and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, was elected in November 2024.

Namibia's 35th anniversary of independence fell on the same day as her inauguration, which was attended by former female heads of state and regional dignitaries.

Heavy rains forced the event to be moved from a stadium to the presidential office, where she was sworn in before of guests from South Africa, Zambia, Congo, Botswana, Angola, and Kenya.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was born in Onamutai, Namibia, on October 29, 1952, started her political career at the age of 14 when she joined the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), which spearheaded Namibia's fight for independence from South Africa.

She was named vice president after President Hage Geingob passed away in February 2024, briefly holding the position under interim President Nangolo Mbumba until emerging victorious in the election.

Things to be aware about
Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia's fifth president, has pledged to keep advancing the nation's economy and bolstering democracy. She underlined in her inaugural speech the importance of maintaining the benefits of independence while guaranteeing social and economic progress for all Namibians.

She is committed to strengthening Namibia's position in regional and international diplomacy, increasing economic growth, and expanding social welfare.
 

As Namibia navigates economic difficulties, young unemployment, and sustainable development goals, her presidency arrives at a critical juncture. She has established herself as a leader dedicated to tackling these problems with tenacity and foresight.

She has received numerous honors for her lifetime dedication to governance and public service, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Dar es Salaam, the Thought Leadership Award at the Namibia Sustainable Development Awards, and the Inter-Generational Leadership Award at the 2024 Nala Feminist Summit.

She is still a strong supporter of women's empowerment, education, and community development. She is married to Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, the former Chief of the Namibian Defence Force.