Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made history on Friday as she took the oath of office, becoming Namibia’s first female president during a ceremony held at the State House in Windhoek.
Her inauguration is a landmark moment for the nation, aligning with Namibia’s 35th anniversary of independence.
At 72 years old, Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in by Chief Justice Peter Shivute, with several African leaders in attendance, including Botswana’s President Duma Boko, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, and Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
A veteran politician and former Vice President, she was instrumental in SWAPO’s struggle for Namibia’s independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba formally handed over power, describing the transition as a significant step toward gender equality in Namibia’s political landscape.