Fri Mar 21 07:01:24 UTC 2025: ## Namibia Inaugurates First Female President
**Windhoek, Namibia** – Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president on Friday, March 21, 2025. The 72-year-old veteran politician of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) secured 58% of the vote in November’s elections, extending SWAPO’s 35-year rule. Her inauguration was attended by several regional heads of state.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, previously Namibia’s Vice President, faces the significant challenge of addressing high unemployment, particularly among young people (44% unemployment rate among 18-34 year olds in 2023). She has pledged to create at least 500,000 jobs within the next five years, requiring a substantial investment of $4.67 billion. Key sectors targeted for job creation include agriculture, fishing, and the creative and sports industries.
Despite a strong challenge from the opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), which garnered 25.5% of the vote, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory underscores continued public support for SWAPO. She has called for national unity following a contentious election campaign, which included a failed court challenge by the IPC to annul the results.
Known for her conservative views, Nandi-Ndaitwah holds a strict stance against abortion and gay marriage, both illegal in Namibia. A former foreign minister, she has a history of involvement in SWAPO, including a period of exile in Moscow during the liberation struggle. Her presidency marks a significant milestone for women’s leadership in Southern Africa. Namibia, a significant uranium producer, also possesses considerable potential in diamonds, natural gas, oil, and renewable energy, although the viability of the latter remains a subject of debate.
First Piper 