Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, on Friday, March 21, 2025, made history as she was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president.
Nandi-Ndaitwah received the oath of office during a ceremony that coincided with Namibia’s 35th Independence Day celebrations.
The event, held at the State House in Windhoek, marked a significant moment for the country, with Nandi-Ndaitwah taking the oath of office administered by Chief Justice Peter Shivute.
In her first address as president, she reiterated her pledge to tackle pressing issues like poverty and unemployment, promising “radical shifts” to improve the lives of Namibians.
The inauguration followed her victory in the November 2024 presidential elections, where she secured 58% of the vote, extending the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) party’s 35-year dominance.
Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba formally handed over power, praising Nandi-Ndaitwah as one of Namibia’s “foremost daughters breaking through the glass ceiling.”
At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah brings decades of political experience to the presidency, having served in key roles such as vice president and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
Her leadership journey is rooted in her early involvement with SWAPO at age 14.
