Namibia has made history by electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and appointing Lucia Witbooi as vice president. This makes Namibia the first African country where both the president and vice president are women, a big step forward for women in leadership.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is 72 years old, was sworn in on March 21, 2025, during a special ceremony that also marked Namibia’s 35th Independence Day. The event was attended by several African leaders and celebrated across the country.
Nandi-Ndaitwah has spent most of her life serving her country. She has been a lawmaker, a foreign minister, and a long-time member of the ruling SWAPO party. Her years of experience have prepared her for this important role.
Lucia Witbooi, the new vice president, brings her own leadership skills to the table. Her appointment shows Namibia’s continued efforts to promote gender equality in government. Also, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has been named Speaker of the National Assembly, meaning that all three top leadership roles in the country are now held by women.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah has also named Ericah Shafudah as the new Finance Minister and Selma Ashipala-Musavyi as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Shafudah has more than 20 years of experience in the finance ministry and has worked with the World Food Programme.
In her first speech as president, Nandi-Ndaitwah spoke about the importance of good leadership, regional unity, and tackling climate change. She plans to invest more in agriculture and create more jobs to help reduce unemployment in the country.
Namibia is showing the world that women can lead with strength, wisdom, and care. This is more than just a moment in history, it’s a message of hope and progress for the future.