Namibia Welcomes First Woman President — What It Means for Leadership in Africa

Namibia made history last week when Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as the country’s first woman president. President Cyril Ramaphosa attended the ceremony in Windhoek and praised her leadership, calling it a major milestone for gender equality in Africa.

At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah brings decades of experience in government. Her inauguration was a proud moment for Namibia and the Southern African region — she is now the only woman president in Africa and only the second on the continent after Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Adding to this historic moment, Lucia Witbooi was appointed as Namibia’s first female vice-president. The country now stands out as the only one in Africa with both a woman president and vice-president. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s new cabinet also reflects her commitment to gender balance, with 8 of the 14 ministers being women.

Ramaphosa said the event reflects growing recognition of women’s leadership on the continent. “We want women on our continent to rise to the top positions in our different countries,” he said.

For accountants and finance professionals, especially those advising clients in Namibia or involved in regional partnerships, this leadership shift signals a new era focused on inclusivity and tackling social challenges. One of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first tasks is addressing Namibia’s high youth unemployment rate, which stood at 44% in 2023 for those aged 18–34 — a key area where sound financial planning and economic policy will be essential.

As Namibia turns a new page, accountants can expect policy shifts that support social development and inclusive economic growth.

Source: TimesLIVE: 'We want women on our continent to rise to the top': Ramaphosa celebrates Namibia's first woman president