Namibia has sworn in Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president,

Namibia has sworn in Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president,

Namibia has sworn in Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president, marking a historic milestone for the southern African nation. Her inauguration took place on 21 March, coinciding with Namibia’s 35th independence anniversary.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, is a veteran member of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) party, which has governed Namibia since it gained independence from South Africa in 1990. She previously served as Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations.

In the November 2024 elections, Nandi-Ndaitwah secured 58 per cent of the vote, defeating her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who received around 25 per cent. Voter turnout was notably high, with over 76 per cent of registered voters participating.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration came a day after Namibia’s Parliament elected its first female Speaker, further underscoring progress in the country’s political landscape.