• Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah takes office as Namibia's first female president.
• She won the presidency with a 58% share of the vote last November.
• The inauguration coincided with Namibia's 35th independence day celebrations.
• Nandi-Ndaitwah aims to tackle high unemployment and promote economic development.
• The ceremony was attended by several African heads of state.

On Friday, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was officially sworn in as Namibia's first female president, marking a significant milestone in African politics. The inauguration, which took place amidst heavy rains, was moved from the Independence Stadium to State House, coinciding with the country’s 35th independence anniversary. Nandi-Ndaitwah, a 72-year-old veteran of the SWAPO party, secured her position after winning 58% of votes in a challenging election held last November that experienced logistical issues and delays. Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba handed over the leadership in a ceremony attended by leaders from neighboring African nations including South Africa and Tanzania, where the applause echoed around the venue as she took her oath of office.

In her inaugural address, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized the pressing issues facing Namibia, including a staggering unemployment rate that reached 36.9% in 2023. Particularly alarming is the high rate of youth unemployment, with nearly 44% of young Namibians aged 18 to 34 without jobs. She expressed her commitment to creating at least 500,000 jobs over the next five years through investments into key sectors such as agriculture and creative industries. “In the next five years, we must produce at least 500,000 jobs,” she stated in an interview with South Africa's national broadcaster, emphasizing the importance of economic development for the country’s future.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership comes at a time when Namibia is grappling with high levels of inequality, a legacy of its colonial past. As the new leader, she pledged to uphold the democratic principles of the nation and to champion the rights of marginalized groups. She acknowledged that while Namibia has made significant strides since independence, much work remains to address the socioeconomic challenges facing her people.

A prominent figure in the fight against apartheid, Nandi-Ndaitwah has dedicated nearly six decades to her political career, holding various positions, including vice president and foreign minister. In her speech, she highlighted her determination to uphold good governance, noting, “The task facing me... is to preserve the gains of our independence on all fronts.” This commitment marks her vision of a balanced and shared prosperity for all Namibians as she steps into her historic role.

As Namibia celebrates this pivotal moment in its history, many hope Nandi-Ndaitwah's presidency will inspire future generations of women leaders. For more information, check the full articles from AfricaNews and Al Jazeera.