By Abiola Olawale
Namibia has once again made history, cementing its place as a trailblazer in gender equality across Africa.
For the first time, the nation boasts an all-female leadership trio, with women occupying the roles of President, Vice President, and Speaker of the National Assembly.
On March 21, 2025, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president, following her victory in the November 2024 presidential election with 57% of the vote.
A day after her inauguration, Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed Lucia Witbooi as Vice President, making Namibia the only African nation with women in both top executive roles.
Witbooi, a seasoned lawmaker and former deputy minister, rose through SWAPO’s ranks, earning recognition for her work in education and home affairs.
Adding to this historic moment, the National Assembly elected Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila as its first female Speaker.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who is a former Prime Minister, is expected to bring a wealth of leadership experience to the legislative body, completing the unprecedented trio.
Also, Nandi-Ndaitwah announced her first Cabinet, with eight of the 14 ministers being women.
The cabinet includes several female ministers, such as:
-Vice President – Lucia Witbooi
-Minister of Finance – Erica Shafudah
-Minister of International Relations and Trade – Selma Ashipala-Musavyi
-Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security – Lucia Iipumbu
-Minister of Health and Social Services – Dr Esperance Luvindao
-Minister of Environment and Tourism – Indileni Daniel
-Minister of Information and Communication Technology – Emma Theofelus
-Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture – Sanet Steenkamp
-Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare – Dr Emma Kantema
-Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade – Jenelly Matundu
-Deputy Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy – Gaudentia Kröhne is female
-Deputy Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare – Linda Bayoli
-Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Eveline Nawases-Taeyele
