Namibia made history on Friday as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the country’s first female president. Her inauguration, attended by several African heads of state, mark a new chapter in Namibia’s political landscape while extending the ruling party’s 35-year grip on power.
At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah become one of the few women to lead an African nation. Her victory came despite a strong challenge from the opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), which secured 25.5% of the presidential vote.
In her first address as President, Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged to focus on infrastructure development as a means to drive economic growth, attract investment, and improve the quality of life for Namibians.
“We will increase investment in the development of infrastructure to open investment opportunities, enhance economic productivity, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for our people,” she said.
Namibia, a major producer of uranium and diamonds, faces significant economic challenges, including a high unemployment rate, particularly among young people. Data from 2023 shown that 44% of Namibians aged 18 to 34 were unemployed, underscoring the need for urgent economic reforms.
Despite the country’s rich natural resources, income inequality remained a pressing issue, with a wide gap between the wealthy and the poor. As she assumes office, President Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to address these challenges while maintaining Namibia’s stability and economic potential on the African continent.
