Windhoek: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been sworn in as the first female president of Namibia after winning the 2024 elections.

The inauguration ceremony took place on Friday, coinciding with Namibia’s 35th anniversary of independence. Nandi-Ndaitwah assumed office, succeeding outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba, who took over power following the death of former President Hage Geingob in 2024, according to Xinhua news agency.

Election victory and leadership goals

As Namibia’s fifth president since its independence in 1990, Nandi-Ndaitwah won the 2024 presidential election with 57 percent of the vote.

"The task facing me, as the fifth president of the Republic of Namibia, is to preserve the gains of our independence on all fronts and to ensure that the unfinished agenda of economic and social advancement of our people is carried forward with vigour and determination to bring about shared, balanced prosperity for all," Nandi-Ndaitwah said in her inaugural speech.

She added: "I am optimistic that, as a nation, we can make a success of our country. We must work together as a united people with one heart and one mind."

Inauguration ceremony

The event was attended by heads of state from several African countries, along with leaders of international and regional organisations.

Political career and background

Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, is a member of Namibia’s ruling South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) party, which has been in power since the country gained independence in 1990. She joined SWAPO when it was leading the struggle for independence and has since held several senior positions.

She entered the National Assembly in 1990 and became a cabinet minister in 2000, leading the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Welfare. She later served as minister of information and broadcasting, minister of environment and tourism, and minister of foreign affairs. In February 2024, she became Namibia’s first female vice president.

IANS