Windhoek, Namibia| Namibia made history today as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the country’s first female president, a milestone that coincided with the nation’s 35th Independence Day celebrations.
The inauguration, initially set to take place at Independence Stadium, was moved to the State House due to unusually heavy rainfall, yet the spirit of the event remained undampened.
At 72 years old, President Nandi-Ndaitwah assumed office with a vision to drive Namibia forward while honoring the country’s liberation legacy.
Her oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Peter Shivute, with outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba officially handing over power.
The ceremony was attended by a host of African heads of state, including Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Kenyan President William Ruto, among other dignitaries.
A Historic Victory for Namibia and Africa
Nandi-Ndaitwah, affectionately known as “NNN”, won the November 2024 elections with 58% of the vote, securing the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) another term in power.
Her victory was seen as a strong endorsement of her leadership despite electoral challenges, including logistical issues that drew criticism from the opposition.
Having joined SWAPO at just 14 years old, Nandi-Ndaitwah has been a key figure in Namibian politics for decades.
She has held several influential positions, including Vice President, Minister of International Relations, and Deputy Prime Minister.
Her political journey reflects a lifelong dedication to national service and development.
With her inauguration, she becomes only the second woman in Africa to be directly elected as head of state, following Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Tanzanian President Hassan emphasized the moment’s significance, stating, “Namibia is making history by installing a female leader.”
A Call for Unity and Progress
In her inaugural address, President Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed her commitment to unity and national progress, emphasizing that she was elected “not because of gender, but on merit.”
She laid out ambitious plans to transform the economy, including the creation of 500,000 jobs over the next five years in key sectors such as agriculture, fishing, and creative industries.
To support this initiative, her administration will invest 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.67 billion) in economic development programs.
Additionally, she pledged to expand access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, ensuring improved living standards for all Namibians.
As part of her commitment to social progress, she vowed to promote gender equality and youth empowerment, encouraging more women to take on leadership roles.
Recognizing the divisions that emerged during the election, she also called for national reconciliation, urging all citizens to work together for the country’s future.
Navigating Economic Challenges and Opportunities
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency comes at a crucial time as Namibia anticipates an oil and gas boom.
While these resources present an opportunity for economic growth, she must also tackle high unemployment and income inequality.
To diversify the economy, she plans to strengthen value addition industries, ensuring that Namibia benefits fully from its natural resources.
She also aims to boost agriculture, not only to enhance food security but also to provide raw materials for industrialization.
With rapid urbanization putting pressure on cities, her government will invest in urban infrastructure and housing to meet growing demands.
Additionally, she pledged to implement universal healthcare coverage, ensuring that all Namibians, regardless of their economic status, have access to quality medical services.
Governance, Regional Integration, and Foreign Policy
President Nandi-Ndaitwah vowed to uphold good governance, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and an efficient public service.
She called on public servants to maintain high ethical standards and deliver services without favoritism.
On the international front, she reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and advancing African Union (AU) initiatives, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She also reiterated Namibia’s stance on global issues, advocating for UN Security Council reforms to grant Africa permanent representation and supporting the right to self-determination for Palestine and Western Sahara.
Additionally, she called for the lifting of sanctions on Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, reinforcing Namibia’s position on international solidarity.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also called for national reconciliation following a divisive election period, urging Namibians of all political backgrounds to work together for the country’s future.
“A people united, striving for a common good, will always emerge victorious,” she declared.
A New Chapter for Namibia
As Nandi-Ndaitwah embarks on her five-year term, she carries the responsibility of maintaining Namibia’s peace and stability while steering the country towards economic prosperity.
Her presidency marks not only a personal achievement but also a significant step forward for women’s leadership in Africa. She closed her speech with a rallying call to all Namibians:
“Let us move in unison under the banner of ‘One Namibia, One Nation’ to build a prosperous future for ourselves and generations to come.”
With this historic transition, Namibia stands at the crossroads of its past and future, embracing both its liberation legacy and the aspirations of a modern, inclusive, and prosperous society.
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