By Eve Nakyanzi

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been sworn in as Namibia’s first female president, joining a small list of African countries that recognize women’s capacity to lead, which directly challenges long-standing gender stereotypes on the continent. She was inaugurated on the country’s 35th Independence Day.

The 72-year-old secured her victory in the November 2024 elections with 58% of the vote, defeating other candidates.

She joins one other woman currently serving as president in Africa: Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan. Historically, Africa has seen several female heads of state, including forerunners like Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Joyce Banda of Malawi.

In her inaugural address, Nandi-Ndaitwah called for unity. “We must work together as a united people with one heart and one mind. Our founding fathers taught us that a people united, striving to achieve a common goal for all members of society, will always emerge victorious.” She committed herself to addressing issues affecting local communities, especially land disputes, unemployment, and economic gaps due to unequal labor distribution.

Namibia is an upper-middle-income economy according to the World Bank; however, wealth distribution remains a challenge due to inequalities.

Her victory has been received with pride across Namibia and Africa, sending a powerful message about the potential of women to lead at the highest levels. However, Nandi-Ndaitwah herself has been clear that she wants to be judged on her competence and merits, not just the symbolic significance of her presidency. “As women, we should not ask to be elected to positions of responsibility because we are women, but because we are capable members of our society,” she said during her inauguration.

Nandi-Ndaitwah was the SWAPO party’s candidate in the race. The party has been in power since 1990. Despite its declining popularity, especially among the youth, Nandi-Ndaitwah presented a unique character, and her aspiration for unity and a manifesto that was premised on fixing the most pressing issues the country faces saw her emerge victorious.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency is expected to inspire a new generation of women leaders, not just in Namibia but across the continent. Her leadership underscores the importance of inclusive governance and the need to address systemic barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in politics. As Africa continues to grapple with issues of inequality and representation, her election presents hope and another sign of progress.

As Nandi-Ndaitwah takes the reins of the presidency in Namibia, it remains to be seen how her leadership will shape the future of her country and what examples there will be for the world