On March 21, 2025, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made history by becoming Namibia's first female president. In her inaugural speech, she outlined a vision for the country's future that focuses on diversifying the economy beyond its traditional dependence on natural resources.
A cornerstone of her strategy is to enhance investments in the agricultural sector, aiming to boost domestic food production and achieve self-sufficiency. Nandi-Ndaitwah also stressed the importance of adding value to Namibia's natural resources, ensuring that the benefits of the country's wealth are more equitably shared among its citizens.
The president addressed the pressing issue of high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, and highlighted job creation as a critical outcome of economic diversification efforts. Furthermore, she committed to maintaining high ethical standards in public service and intensifying anti-corruption measures.
Despite recent economic growth fueled by investments in oil, gas, and green hydrogen, Namibia continues to face severe income inequality, ranking as the second highest globally per World Bank data. Nandi-Ndaitwah's administration aims to tackle these challenges head-on as the nation enters a new chapter under her leadership.
