Namibia Swears in First Female President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

By Caroline Ameh

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially taken office as Namibia’s first woman president, marking a historic moment that also extends the ruling party’s 35-year dominance. 

Her inauguration followed her victory in last year’s elections, where she secured 58 percent of the vote.

The 72-year-old leader was sworn in during a ceremony on Friday, witnessed by several African heads of state including those from Angola, South Africa, and Tanzania. 

The event, which coincided with Namibia’s 35th independence anniversary, was initially scheduled to take place at the Independence Stadium but was moved to State House due to unusually heavy rainfall.

Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba, 83, formally handed over power during the ceremony. Loud applause and celebratory ululations greeted the moment as Nandi-Ndaitwah, popularly known as NNN, took her oath of office.

The election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is a collective win for African women who have long fought for equal representation in governance. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has earned the trust and confidence of the Namibian people, culminating in her historic election. This victory sends a powerful message that women can lead and excel at the highest levels of governance.

Netumbo’s rise as one of the few elected female presidents in Africa is a testament to the growing influence of women in governance and a powerful symbol of hope for African women striving for equality and representation in political spheres. Nandi-Ndaitwah joins an inspiring group of African female elected presidents, including Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Sahle-Work Zewde and Ameenah Gurib-Fakim who are reshaping the face of leadership in Africa.