Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in Friday as Namibia’s first female president, pledging to expand investment in agriculture and diversify the economy to address soaring unemployment, particularly among youth.
At 72, the longtime SWAPO leader takes office after her party’s victory in November’s presidential and parliamentary elections. Despite ruling Namibia for over 30 years, SWAPO’s popularity has waned, securing just 57% of the presidential vote—down sharply from 87% in 2014—amid rising public frustration over joblessness, inequality, and corruption.
In her inaugural address, Nandi-Ndaitwah outlined plans to boost domestic food production through increased agricultural investment and emphasized the importance of adding value to the country’s natural resources to generate jobs.
“We must ensure that our citizens benefit directly from Namibia’s wealth,” she said, stressing the urgency of job creation and economic inclusion.
She also vowed to uphold ethical governance and combat corruption, signaling a commitment to restoring public trust in government institutions.
Several regional leaders attended the inauguration, including seven current and nine former African heads of state. Last month, the Supreme Court rejected a legal challenge by opposition parties seeking to nullify the election results.
