In a country that the sun seems to grace more often than not, Namibia is witnessing a new dawn as Nandi-Ndaitwah, at 72, steps in as the first female president. Sandwiched in the southwestern corner of Africa, Namibia stands on the precipice of a potential economic revolution, led by burgeoning oil and gas industries. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration isn’t just notable for adding one more name to the short list of female African leaders but serves as a beacon of the possibilities of what women can achieve on this vast, diverse continent.
She steps into the presidential shoes once worn by Nangolo Mbumba, who took office in the shadows of tragedy, succeeding the late Hage Geingob. This leadership transition might not sound as revolutionary as a tectonic shift, but as we know, sometimes the steadiest changes are the most profound.
As her eyes scanned the crowd post her presidential declaration, she remarked calmly yet with a firm intonation, “The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability.” Her words seemed to resonate beyond the immediate gathering, echoing like a clarion call through the valleys and dunes of Namibia.
Bolstered by approximately 57% of legitimate votes, according to Namibia’s Electoral Commission, Nandi-Ndaitwah clinched a definitive victory in the presidential election. An enviable statistic, perhaps, but numbers often tell only half the story. What of the hopes, dreams, and often heavy expectations rested upon her capable shoulders?
Her win further anchors SWAPO’s grip on Namibian governance—a reign that unfurled its wings back in 1990, casting away the shadows of apartheid South African control. For over three decades, SWAPO has wielded power, navigating the tides of politics and progress.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Political Journey
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s journey through the political landscape is a lesson in perseverance and dedication. Before this historic elevation, she has held pivotal positions, paving her path through the echelons of government. In her time, she broke barriers, notably becoming SWAPO’s first female presidential contender back in 2024 and securing the role of vice president three years prior. A victory in itself in a world striving for gender parity.
Her hands are inked with experience as Namibia’s deputy prime minister from 2015 to 2024, and prior, she honed her skills as the minister of international relations and cooperation between 2012 and 2015, and as the minister of environment and tourism from 2010 to 2012. Throughout, she has remained a steadfast presence in Namibia’s National Assembly. A career in public service is nothing short of a calling, replete with sacrifices and unwavering commitment.
Meanwhile, in this bustling nation, there’s a stark reality she must tackle— a daunting 37% unemployment rate. The challenge lies not just in the statistics but in ensuring this newfound oil prosperity tangibly uplifts the lives of Namibians from all walks of life. How does one transform black gold into green growth?
In crafting a roadmap for progress, the new administration has promised to harness Namibia’s potential, with plans to forge half a million jobs over the next five years. An investment of 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.7 billion) aims to imbue vitality into agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and renewable energy. A bold vision, indeed, bolstered by private sector involvement—a strategy affirmed by Bloomberg.
With Namibia poised as the world’s third-largest uranium supplier, another layer adds complexity to the tapestry—an impending oil boom. With discoveries boasting 2.6 billion barrels, led by global energy titans like Total Energies and Shell, the dawn of commercial production by 2029 beckons. And with it, the nuances of a new economic era.
As Nandi-Ndaitwah takes the helm, she is perhaps the embodiment of a Namibian proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now.” Her presidency isn’t merely a change in leadership; it’s the sowing of seeds that promise a profound, flourishing future.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
