Windhoek woke up to history on March 21, 2025. On the same day Namibia marked 35 years of independence, the country swore in its first-ever female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Popularly known as “NNN,” the 72-year-old liberation veteran now wears the crown of trailblazer in a nation still wrestling with questions of equality, inclusion, and representation.
A Rain-Soaked, History-Making Ceremony
Heavy rains—rare for Windhoek—forced the inauguration indoors from Independence Stadium to State House. But not even the weather could dim the electric atmosphere. When Nandi-Ndaitwah raised her hand to take the oath, the hall erupted with applause, ululations, and tears. Outgoing president Nangolo Mbumba summed it up with gravitas: “Namibia is witnessing one of her foremost daughters breaking through the glass ceiling. It has been a long time coming.”
Heads of state from Angola, South Africa, Tanzania, and across the continent joined the celebrations. For many, the sight of a woman at Namibia’s highest office was more than symbolic—it was a statement of possibility for African politics, where female presidents remain rare.
More Than Symbolism
In her inaugural address, Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the weight of the moment. Yes, she was the first woman. Yes, it was historic. But she reminded the country that she was elected on merit, securing 58.7% of the vote in last year’s elections. “There is a lot that needs to be done,” she said, pledging to focus on job creation—500,000 jobs across agriculture, fishing, sports, and creative industries—and unveiling a bold promise: free tertiary education from 2026.
Her rise is anchored in decades of political service. A long-time member of SWAPO, the party that led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990, Nandi-Ndaitwah has held senior posts including foreign affairs minister and, most recently, vice president.
A Complex Feminist Legacy
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency is not without its critics. Though celebrated for advocating women’s political participation, she is viewed by many as a conservative on reproductive rights and LGBTQIA+ issues. She has publicly opposed abortion, raising debate about how her leadership will shape Namibia’s gender equality agenda. Political analyst Henning Melber once described her positions as “not aligned with feminism as understood globally.”
Still, her record of recognition is undeniable. She has been honored with an Inter-Generational Leadership Award at the 2024 Nala Feminist Summit, celebrated by Namibia’s National Women’s Organization, and decorated with an honorary doctorate from the University of Dar es Salaam.
Setting the Tone
Barely weeks into office, Nandi-Ndaitwah signaled she intends to govern with accountability. In April 2025, she dismissed the agriculture minister, Mac-Albert Hengari, after his arrest on bribery charges linked to silencing a rape victim. The swift move drew applause from women’s rights groups, who saw it as proof that her presidency won’t shy away from tough calls.
Breaking Ceilings, Lighting Paths
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s story is layered—part liberation heroine, part establishment figure, part pioneer navigating contradictions. But on Namibia’s 35th birthday, she inscribed her name into his and her story: the first woman to lead her country.
For Namibian girls watching the ceremony, that image may matter more than any policy promise. A reminder that ceilings—no matter how high—can be shattered.