Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will be sworn in as Namibia’s first woman President on March 21, 2025, after leading SWAPO to a new electoral victory. At 72, she plans to tackle youth unemployment, aiming to create 500,000 jobs and calling for national unity. Nandi-Ndaitwah is a veteran of SWAPO and has held significant political positions, with strong conservative views.
On March 21, 2025, Namibia will celebrate a historic milestone as it swears in Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the nation’s first female President. This significant event follows her electoral victory last year, which further solidified the ruling SWAPO party’s dominance, maintaining a 35-year hold on power. Ms. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration will be attended by various heads of state, emphasizing her emerging leadership role in the region.
At 72 years of age, Nandi-Ndaitwah, commonly referred to as NNN, previously served as Vice President and is recognized for her steadfast commitment to the SWAPO party, contributing to Namibia’s independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. In the recent elections, she received 58% of the votes amid significant logistical challenges that delayed the electoral process, while the opposition IPC garnered only 25.5%.
Among the critical issues voiced during the electoral campaign was the alarming youth unemployment rate, which reached 44% among individuals aged 18 to 34 in 2023. Following her election, NNN emphasized job creation as a priority, expressing the ambition to generate at least 500,000 jobs over the next five years, which will demand an investment of approximately 85 billion Namibian dollars.
Nandi-Ndaitwah outlined key sectors for employment growth, including agriculture, fishing, and the creative industries. She also called for national unity following the divisive election period, urging citizens to collaborate for Namibia’s development. NNN remarked on her presidency, saying, “Of course it’s a good thing that we are breaking the ceiling, we are breaking the walls.”
Having a conservative background, Nandi-Ndaitwah opposes abortion and same-sex marriage, which remains illegal in Namibia. A longtime member of SWAPO, she experienced exile in Moscow during the liberation movement and held the position of foreign minister from 2012 to 2024, fostering good relations with countries like North Korea.
Namibia is a key producer of natural uranium and possesses rich deposits of diamonds, natural gas, and oil, alongside potential for solar and wind energy. Despite her reservations regarding the viability of renewable energy initiatives, the nation aims to enhance its energy production capabilities and economic prospects.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration as Namibia’s first female President marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, showcasing a shift towards gender representation in leadership. Her commitment to addressing pressing issues such as youth unemployment highlights the urgent need for effective economic strategies. The continuity of SWAPO’s governance underscores the party’s enduring influence, while Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership brings both hope and challenges for Namibia’s future.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
