Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been inaugurated as the fifth president of Namibia and the first female head of state.
She was inaugurated in a ceremony held in Windhoek, attended by dignitaries, political leaders, and thousands of citizens celebrating this milestone in the country’s democratic journey.
Nandi-Ndaitwah joins the growing list of African women to serve as executive heads of an African government, including former Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Mauritius’ Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Joyce Banda of Malawi and the current Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan among others.
The veteran politician and former Deputy Prime Minister, has been a key figure in Namibia’s governance for decades.
In her inaugural address, she emphasized unity, economic growth, and gender equality, pledging to lead with integrity and inclusivity.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has hailed President Nandi-Ndaitwah for being sworn in as Namibia’s 5th President and the first female President for the South African nation since independence.
Mudavadi said President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election in November 2024 was an inspiration to the women of this continent emphasizing that Friday’s inauguration at State House, Namibia stands out as a testament of hope to many aspiring women leaders globally.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Democracy Network-Africa (WDN-Africa) has extended heartfelt congratulations to President Nandi-Ndaitwah on her inauguration.
In a statement Friday, WDN-Africa, a network of exceptional women political leaders, praised the peaceful and transparent electoral process that led to President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election.
“Her election marks a significant milestone in Namibia’s democratic journey, reflecting the collective will of its people and their commitment to an inclusive and prosperous future.” Said part of the statement.
The network called on Namibians and the global community to support her in delivering on her election mandate, fostering an environment where marginalized voices are heard and their contributions to national development are recognized.
