With these powerful words, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took the presidential oath, making history as Namibia’s first female president and the country’s fifth head of state since gaining independence in 1990. At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s ascension to power is not just a personal achievement but a landmark victory for gender equality and women’s leadership in Africa.

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A staunch loyalist of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), Nandi-Ndaitwah has spent decades shaping Namibia’s political landscape. Her career is deeply intertwined with the country’s liberation struggle, and her leadership within SWAPO has been instrumental in policymaking and governance.

Her victory in the November 2024 elections, where she defeated former President Nangolo Mbumba, signalled a new era of inclusive leadership and a continued commitment to the progressive values that SWAPO has championed since independence. Nandi-Ndaitwah now holds the distinguished title of Africa’s second democratically elected female president, following Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Commitment to Gender Equality

Her inauguration, coinciding with Namibia’s 35th independence anniversary, was a moment of celebration not only for Namibians but also for women across Africa. Distinguished female leaders attended the event, with former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf leading a delegation on behalf of President Joseph Boakai.

In her inaugural speech, Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed SWAPO’s longstanding commitment to gender equality, reminding the world that in 2002, the party amended its constitution to ensure 50/50 representation in leadership structures. This policy has resulted in women holding key government positions, herself included.

However, she emphasised that while Namibia has made great strides toward gender equality, more remains to be done. She urged women to step forward for leadership roles based on their capabilities rather than gender alone, reinforcing that her election was won on merit, not symbolism.

A Cabinet That Reflects Progress

Underscoring her dedication to inclusive governance, Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed several women to key ministerial positions, making her cabinet one of the most gender-balanced in Africa. Notable appointments include:

– Lucia Witbooi – Vice President

– Erica Shafudah – Minister of Finance

– Selma Ashipala-Musavyi – Minister of International Relations

– Emma Theofelus – Minister of Information and Communication Technology

– Lucia Iipumbu – Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security

– Esperance Luvindao – Minister of Health and Social Services

– Indileni Daniel – Minister of Environment

– Sanet Steenkamp – Minister of Education

– Emma Katema – Minister of Gender Equality

With such a diverse and competent team, Nandi-Ndaitwah is signalling a new dawn for Namibia—one where women are not just part of the conversation but actively shaping the nation’s future.

A Vision for Namibia’s Future

Beyond gender equality, President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s agenda focuses on national development. She has pledged to increase investment in infrastructure to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for all Namibians. Recognising the importance of education and skill development, she has reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening Namibia’s education system to produce a highly skilled workforce.

Healthcare is another top priority for her administration. She has called for the implementation of universal health coverage to ensure all Namibians have access to quality healthcare services, regardless of socio-economic status.

Africa’s March Toward Equality

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency marks another milestone in Africa’s journey toward gender equality in leadership. While the continent has seen women rise to power—such as Malawi’s former Vice President Joyce Banda and Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan—the fight for greater representation continues. Activists and gender equality advocates view her election as a catalyst for more African nations to embrace women in top leadership roles.

Her victory is not just Namibia’s triumph; it is Africa’s. As she embarks on this new chapter, the African Leadership Organisation congratulates her as a beacon of hope, proving that leadership is not confined by gender but defined by vision, dedication, and the ability to inspire a nation.

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The individual laureate is Member of Parliament Emma Theofelus, who is currently the Deputy Minister of Information in Namibia and the youngest-ever winner of the Award.

The institutional laureate from Indonesia, BKKBN, is a non-ministerial Government agency that formulates national policies, implements family planning initiatives and mentors experts in the field of population dynamics.

Ms Theofelus was recognized for her work advocating for women’s empowerment and adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Namibia.

Born in 1996, she is one of Africa’s youngest cabinet ministers and has used her youth-friendly perspective, and her experience as an advocate for sexual and reproductive health, to directly address the country’s young people.

As a deputy minister, she has led the country’s public communication campaign on COVID-19 prevention in Namibia, and as an MP, she pioneered legislation for feminine hygiene products to be identified as a tax-free commodity.

Prior to her appointment, Ms Theofelus was a member of the Namibia chapter of AfriYAN, a regional youth-led organisation, where she led pioneering efforts to fight teen pregnancy and protect young people’s sexual and reproductive health.

The UN Population Award has honoured individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions to population, development and, reproductive health, since 1983.

The committee for the award in 2022 is chaired by Amal Mudallali, Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations, and is composed of representatives of nine other UN Member States.

The United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) represents the UN Secretary-General in the committee, and UNFPA administers the award.

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