Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Sworn In as Namibia’s First Female President

History was made in Namibia as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the country’s first female president and its fifth leader since independence.

The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Chief Justice Peter Shivute, took place on Friday at the State House during Namibia’s 35th Independence Day celebrations. The event, originally planned for Independence Stadium, was moved due to rare heavy rains.

Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba, 83, formally handed over power to Nandi-Ndaitwah, marking a significant moment in Namibia’s political landscape. The newly elected leader, nicknamed “N”, won the 2024 election with a commanding 57% of the vote, defeating her closest rival, Panduleni Itula, who secured 26%.

However, Itula rejected the election results, calling them “deeply flawed”—a claim dismissed by the electoral commission.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s journey in politics began at the age of when she joined SWAPO, Namibia’s ruling party, during its fight against South Africa’s apartheid rule. At the time, Namibia—then known as South West Africa—was under South African occupation.

A dedicated activist, she led SWAPO’s youth league and was arrested in high school during a government crackdown on party activists. Forced into exile, she continued the struggle from abroad until Namibia gained independence in 1988 when she returned to help shape the new government.

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Since then, Nandi-Ndaitwah has held several key ministerial roles, including foreign affairs, tourism, child welfare, and information, solidifying her reputation as a seasoned leader.

Now at 72, President Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged to revitalize Namibia’s economy and heal political divisions. Her administration aims to create jobs in agriculture, fishing, sports, and the creative industries, positioning the country for long-term growth.

During the inauguration, Tanzanian President Samia Hassan—Africa’s only other current female head of state—hailed the historic moment, applauding Nandi-Ndaitwah for “setting the bar” for women in leadership across the continent.