Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the ruling SWAPO party has been declared the winner of the presidential election, making history as Namibia’s first female president. Her victory marks a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape, as she takes office amid pressing challenges such as high unemployment, inequality, and poverty.

A Trailblazer in Namibian Politics

Born on October 29, 1952, in Onamutai village in the Oshana region of northern Namibia, Nandi-Ndaitwah has had a long and distinguished career in politics. In 1983, she married Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, a key figure in SWAPO’s armed wing, the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia. Over the years, she steadily rose through the ranks of SWAPO, demonstrating resilience and commitment to public service.

In 2017, she made history as Namibia’s first female Vice President following her election at the SWAPO congress. She was re-elected to the position at the party’s November 2022 congress, which cemented her candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, in line with party traditions. Her steady ascent in politics saw her serve as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, positioning her as a key decision-maker within SWAPO’s leadership. The late President Hage Geingob once acknowledged her clean record, stating that she had remained free of scandals, making her a strong candidate for the presidency.

Challenges and Controversies

Nandi-Ndaitwah is known for her strong Christian faith and conservative views. She has been vocal about her stance against abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, which sparked public controversy in 2023. Despite the criticism, she has remained steadfast in her principles, presenting herself as a traditional role model in Namibian society.

A Historic All-Women Leadership Team

March 21, 2025, marked a groundbreaking moment in Namibia’s history as the nation inaugurated an all-women leadership team during its 35th Independence Day celebrations. Alongside Nandi-Ndaitwah as President, Lucia Witbooi was appointed Vice President, and Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila became the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Lucia Witbooi, Namibia’s fourth Vice President and the 18th female African Vice President, has a legacy rooted in service and leadership. Meanwhile, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, a veteran politician, served as Namibia’s first female Prime Minister from 2015 to 2025 and has been a member of the National Assembly since 1995.

Looking Ahead

As Nandi-Ndaitwah steps into the presidency, she faces the daunting task of addressing Namibia’s economic struggles while navigating the expectations of being Africa’s second directly elected female president. Aware of the scrutiny she may face, she told BBC’s Africa Daily podcast, “If things go well, then it will be seen as a good example. But if anything happens, like it can happen in any administration under men, there are also those who would rather say: ‘Look at women!’”

Her leadership, alongside her all-female executive team, is set to redefine Namibia’s political landscape and inspire future generations of women in leadership.

Stella Udobong Applauds Namibia’s Historic Female Leadership, Calls It a Game-Changer for Gender Equality

Stella Samuel Udobong, CEO and Managing Director of Stellar Community Impact Development Initiative (S-CIDI), has hailed Namibia’s recent political transformation as a defining moment for gender equality in leadership.

Speaking on the election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s first female president—alongside Lucia Witbooi as Vice President and Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila as Speaker of the National Assembly—Udobong described the development as a “phenomenal and inspiring moment.”

“Having a female president is a monumental step in breaking barriers and challenging long-standing gender norms, not only in Namibia but across Africa and the world,” Udobong stated. “When women rise to the highest positions of power, it challenges stereotypes, crashes glass ceilings, and encourages a more diverse and balanced approach to governance. This signals a shift in societal attitudes towards women in leadership, sending a powerful message that leadership is not bound by gender but by capability, vision, and dedication.”

A New Era for Gender Parity in Politics

Udobong further emphasized that the historic appointment of an all-women leadership team highlights significant progress toward gender parity in politics.

“The fact that the top three roles in the country are now held by women is a historic achievement. It not only symbolizes progress but can also have a profound impact on future generations. Seeing women in such high-ranking leadership positions will inspire more women to step forward, engage in politics, and pursue leadership roles,” she said.

She noted that women leaders often bring unique perspectives and policy priorities, fostering governance that is more inclusive and attuned to broader social issues.