Namibia has made history by electing its first woman president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

The 72-year-old leader was inaugurated on Friday, marking a significant milestone for both the country and the southern African region.

Here are 10 key facts about her and her presidency:

First woman President

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, often called NNN, is the first woman to hold the presidency in Namibia since its independence from South Africa in 1990. Her election represents a breakthrough for gender representation in leadership.

A lifelong member of SWAPO

Nandi-Ndaitwah, is a longtime member of the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), the ruling party that has governed Namibia for 35 years. She joined SWAPO as a teenager and has remained loyal to the movement.

Won with 58% of the vote

In the November 2024 elections, she won 58% of the vote despite delays and logistical challenges. Her closest competitor from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) secured only 25.5%.

500,000 jobs

With youth unemployment at 44%, Nandi-Ndaitwah, has pledged to create 500,000 jobs in five years by investing in sectors like agriculture, fishing, and creative industries. This will require an estimated 85 billion Namibian dollars (R84.6 billion).

National unity

Following election disputes and a court challenge from the opposition, she has urged Namibians to unite and focus on national development. "Once it's over, we must build Namibia together," she said.

Conservative social policies

Nandi-Ndaitwah, holds conservative views on social issues. She opposes abortion, which remains illegal in Namibia except in special cases, and same-sex marriage is also banned in the country.

A veteran diplomat

Before becoming president, she was Namibia’s foreign minister from 2012 to 2024. She maintained strong ties with North Korea, Russia, and other global powers, reflecting her Cold War-era exile in Moscow.

Namibia's resource wealth

Under her leadership, Namibia is expected to expand its uranium, diamond, oil, and gas industries. Namibia is one of the world’s top uranium producers, supplying nuclear energy markets, including France.

Aims for renewable energy

Namibia has huge potential for solar and wind energy, but Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed doubts about the viability of renewables as a long-term economic solution.

One of the few women leaders

Nandi-Ndaitwah, joins a short list of female African leaders, including past presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia) and Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania, current president), breaking barriers for women in leadership.

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