Mbumba transfers authority to Nandi-Ndaitwah during Namibia’s 35th independence day celebration.
At age 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah is one of the continent’s few women leaders, seated in office at a ceremony attended by regional leaders from Afghanistan and neighboring states like Angola, South Africa, and Tanzania.
The 83-year-old outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba transferred power to Nandi-Ndaitwah, a ceremony that aligned with Namibia’s 35th independence anniversary and shifted location to State House due to atypical heavy rainfall.
NNN, as Nandi-Ndaitwah is commonly referred to, received a standing ovation as she took her office.
In her address, Nandi-Ndaitwah recognized the historical significance of her election but stressed her election was based on her qualifications and the nation’s support.
Highlighting ongoing challenges, she indicated progress since independence but underscored the need for further action.
She brings substantial experience, having served previously as vice president and as a prominent figure in the SWAPO movement that guided Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
With 58 percent of the vote in a chaotic election marked by logistical issues, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory reflected not only a new era but continued trust in SWAPO.
Former President Mbumba praised the breakthrough of one of the nation’s “principle figures,” recognizing its long arrival.
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) opposed with 25.5 percent of the vote, reflecting sustained allegiance to SWAPO despite fading support for other liberation parties across Southern Africa.
Voter turnout was influenced heavily by concerns over youth unemployment, with nearly half of the 18-34 age group without jobs in 2023 in a nation of just three million.
In preparation for her term, Nandi-Ndaitwah committed to addressing unemployment, setting a goal to create at least 500,000 positions over the next five years.
Key industries for job growth include agriculture, fishing, and the creative and sports sectors, with an estimated 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.67bn) investment required.
She called for national unity after political tensions flared during the campaign, underlining the need to unite and build the country post-election.
