President Nandi-Ndaitwah Calls for Inclusive Energy Partnerships at U.S.-Africa Summit

President of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, arrived in Luanda on 22 June 2025 to participate in the U.S.-Africa Business Summit held from 22 to 24 June 2025, under the theme “Pathways to Prosperity: A Shared Vision for U.S.-Africa Partnership.” As the first woman elected to the presidency of Namibia, President Nandi-Ndaitwah used her platform to call for sustainable development through energy cooperation and gender-inclusive leadership, stressing that equitable partnerships are central to Africa’s prosperity.

Speaking at the summit, the Namibian leader described energy as a powerful enabler of economic transformation. She emphasized the continent’s potential in renewable energy, highlighting solar, wind, and thermal resources as key to developing products such as green hydrogen, critical in the global shift toward decarbonization. She reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and called for increased investment in renewable energy as well as sustainable financing models to close funding gaps in the sector.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah referenced the significant oil and gas discoveries in Namibia, which have sparked global interest and drawn participation from U.S. energy giants Chevron and ExxonMobil. She announced that Namibia is in the process of establishing an Upstream Petroleum Unit under the Presidency to ensure transparent governance, local benefit, and shared prosperity from the country’s natural resources. She emphasized that Namibia operates under a competitive open licensing system with legal certainty to attract investors.

In calling for deeper U.S.-Africa cooperation, the President highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable energy infrastructure. She also highlighted the role of youth and women in transforming Africa’s energy future, urging for inclusive strategies that ensure equal access to education, leadership, and innovation. President Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that Namibia is investing in STEM programs for girls, women-focused business accelerators, and national innovation initiatives to position women as drivers of the continent’s progress.

Her keynote address at the panel discussion on “Women in Leadership: Driving Innovation, Catalyzing Investments and Shaping Policy.” In her remarks, she reflected on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, recalling her experience as Africa’s chief negotiator at the 1995 World Conference on Women. She described her election not just as a personal milestone, but as a national affirmation of Namibia’s commitment to gender equality.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah detailed the progress Namibia has made in empowering women, including the adoption of a “zebra policy” by the ruling SWAPO Party, which ensures gender parity in leadership roles. As a result, Namibia’s top leadership positions, including President, Vice President, and Speaker of the National Assembly, are currently held by women. She stated that 57 percent of Namibia’s Cabinet and 43 percent of the National Assembly are composed of women, with nearly 40 percent of SMEs now owned by women.

She called for further alignment between the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to improve market access for African exports, particularly critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and manganese. She reiterated Namibia’s support for Pan-African energy diplomacy that positions Africa as an equal partner in defining global energy futures. President Nandi-Ndaitwah made a passionate appeal for gender-responsive policies that eliminate structural inequalities and for the full inclusion of women in trade, mining, policy, and innovation.

Ending her address with a message to girls across the world, she said, “To every girl watching this summit from anywhere in the world, know this: your voice matters, your vision is needed, and your place is at the helm.” President Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed that Namibia remains fully committed to building a society where innovation, leadership, and investment include everyone, and where both women and men rise together to shape Africa’s future.