Namibia is making history this Friday as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah becomes the country’s first woman president, stepping into office after a decisive election victory. At 72, the seasoned politician and longtime member of the ruling SWAPO party is set to lead the southern African nation, extending the party’s 35-year hold on power.
The inauguration, expected to be attended by regional leaders from Angola, South Africa, and beyond, marks a significant moment not just for Namibia but for southern Africa, where female heads of state remain rare.
Known affectionately by her initials, NNN, Nandi-Ndaitwah secured 58% of the vote in last year’s elections, overcoming delays and logistical challenges that extended the voting period. Her main opposition, the youthful Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), put up a strong fight but managed only 25.5%, showing that SWAPO still holds deep-rooted loyalty among Namibians despite shifting political tides in the region.
A Nation in Need of Jobs and Unity
Taking the reins of a country rich in diamonds, uranium, and emerging energy resources, Nandi-Ndaitwah faces the pressing challenge of tackling sky-high youth unemployment, with 44% of 18- to 34-year-olds jobless in 2023.
“In the next five years, we must produce at least 500,000 jobs,” she told South Africa’s SABC, estimating that it will take a massive 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.67 billion) in investment. She has identified agriculture, fishing, creative industries, and sports as key sectors to boost employment.
Beyond economic struggles, Namibia’s new leader has also called for political unity after a fiercely contested election, urging citizens to move beyond campaign rivalries.
“We can make our politics during the campaign, but once it’s over, we must build Namibia together,” she said.
A Trailblazer with Conservative Views
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory is being celebrated as a breakthrough for women in leadership. “Of course, it’s a good thing—we are breaking the ceiling, we are breaking the walls,” she remarked.
Despite her historic win, NNN is known for her strict conservative stance on issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Abortion remains banned in Namibia except in extreme cases, and same-sex marriage is illegal.
Her political roots run deep—having joined SWAPO in her early teens, she spent part of Namibia’s liberation struggle exiled in Moscow. She later served as foreign minister (2012–2024), during which she maintained Namibia’s strong ties with North Korea.
Energy, Resources, and a Changing Future
Namibia holds a powerful position in the global energy market as one of the world’s top uranium producers, supplying fuel for nuclear power to countries like France. The country is also exploring its oil and gas potential while looking to tap into its solar and wind energy resources—though media reports suggest Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed doubts about the viability of renewables.
As she steps into her role, all eyes are on President NNN—not just as Namibia’s first woman leader, but as the figurehead of a country at a crucial economic and political crossroads. Will she be able to deliver on her bold job promises and unite a divided nation? Only time will tell.
