Namibia has marked a historic moment as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the country’s first female President.

The veteran politician, widely recognized by her initials NNN, secured victory in last year’s election, extending the ruling party’s 35-year hold on power. Her inauguration was attended by neighboring heads of state, including those from Angola and South Africa.

A long-serving member of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), Nandi-Ndaitwah played a key role in leading Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. Previously serving as vice president, she clinched 58% of the vote in November’s elections, which were marred by logistical failures and prolonged delays.

The opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), running on a platform promising political transformation, mounted a strong challenge but secured only 25.5% of the vote. Despite a shifting political landscape across southern Africa, SWAPO’s enduring support reflects deep-rooted loyalty among Namibians.

One of the pressing issues facing Nandi-Ndaitwah’s administration is unemployment, particularly among the youth. Recent statistics show that 44% of Namibians aged 18 to 34 were jobless in 2023, adding strain to a nation of just three million people.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged to prioritize job creation. “In the next five years we must produce at least 500,000 jobs,” she declared. Achieving this ambitious goal, she noted, will require an investment of 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.67 billion, 4.3 billion euros).

Her strategy for economic recovery focuses on expanding agriculture, fishing, and the creative and sports industries. With Namibia’s vast natural resources, including uranium, diamonds, and untapped oil and gas reserves, there is potential for growth if managed effectively.

A locator map of Namibia

Calls for Unity After Divisive Elections

Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibians to unite following the election, which was marred by political tensions. The IPC sought to annul the results in court but failed in its attempt. Addressing the nation, she emphasized the need to move forward collectively. “We can make our politics during the campaign and so on but once it’s over, we must build Namibia together,” she stated.

Her rise to power is a landmark moment for gender representation in Namibia. “Of course, it’s a good thing that we are breaking the ceiling, we are breaking the walls,” she remarked on her historic election.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, the daughter of an Anglican pastor, has maintained conservative positions on social issues. She has firmly opposed abortion, which remains illegal in Namibia except under exceptional circumstances. Additionally, same-sex marriage remains banned under her leadership.

Her political journey began in her early teens when she joined SWAPO. During Namibia’s liberation struggle, she was exiled to Moscow, where she furthered her education. Later, as Namibia’s foreign minister from 2012 to 2024, she reinforced diplomatic ties, including with North Korea, citing “good historical relations.”

Namibia’s Economic Outlook, Growth Amid Challenges

As Nandi-Ndaitwah takes office, she inherits an economy showing signs of resilience. According to the International Monetary Fund, Namibia’s economy is expected to grow by 4% in 2025, up from an estimated 3.5% in 2024. The GDP, currently valued at $13 billion, is projected to reach $13.3 billion next year.

Key sectors driving this recovery include mining, oil and gas, critical raw materials, and green hydrogen. Additionally, tourism is anticipated to play a pivotal role in creating employment opportunities.

Despite these positive indicators, significant hurdles remain. The national unemployment rate stands at a staggering, exacerbated by a recent drought that has severely impacted agricultural output and heightened food insecurity.

To stimulate sustainable growth, economic analysts suggest Namibia must enhance private sector participation, improve the business climate, and address critical infrastructure gaps. The government’s ambitious job creation plan will require strong policy implementation and substantial foreign and domestic investment.