Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Elected Namibia’s First Female President

History is made as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been elected as Namibia’s first female president, securing 57% of the valid votes cast, according to the Electoral Commission of Namibia. Her victory marks a significant milestone in the nation’s political landscape, as she becomes the first woman to hold the highest office in the country.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, a seasoned politician and member of the ruling SWAPO party, expressed her gratitude to the voters and emphasized her commitment to implementing her manifesto over the next five years. One of the key issues highlighted in the SWAPO manifesto is unemployment, which she described as the “biggest challenge” facing Namibia. “Unemployment is not just a statistic; it is a historical issue that has deeply affected our labor force and the overall economy,” she said. Acknowledging the challenges that Namibia has faced since gaining independence 34 years ago, including recurrent droughts and floods that have severely impacted the agriculture sector, a key source of employment for many Namibians.

With a strong focus on addressing the pressing issue of unemployment, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has outlined an ambitious plan to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, particularly among the youth, who make up a significant portion of Namibia’s population. To achieve this, she spoke on her five-year plan to allocate 85.7 billion, with the aim of generating 550,000 jobs over the next five years.

The president-elect also emphasized the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and international partners, to foster economic growth and job creation.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah noted the importance of leveraging Africa’s vast expertise in various sectors, particularly in oil and gas. “At the point where we are now, Africa has really produced quite a number of experts in different areas and quite a number of Africans experienced in oil and gas,” she stated. “It is imperative that we ensure this oil and gas benefits the Namibian people.”

In balancing economic growth with the welfare of the citizens. ” we are calling for foreign direct investment, but we also have to put up the laws that will ensure a fair distribution of benefits,” she stated. “The Namibian people, as the rightful owners of these resources, must see tangible benefits.”

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s administration aims to create a framework that encourages foreign investors while safeguarding the interests of local communities. “For investors, profit is essential, but we must ensure that this profit translates into sustainable development for our people,” she added. “We believe that it is possible to create a win-win situation where both investors and the Namibian populace thrive.”

The international community has welcomed her election, with many expressing optimism about Namibia’s future under her leadership. As she embarks on this new chapter, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is determined to lead with integrity and a focus on the well-being of all Namibians, ensuring that the nation’s resources are managed responsibly and sustainably for generations to come.

As the nation celebrates this historic achievement, many are hopeful that her leadership will usher in a new era of progress and inclusivity in Namibia. Her election is seen as an inspiration for women in leadership roles across the continent, inspiring future generations to break barriers and strive for equality.