🌍 PERSON IN NEWS

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah – First Woman President of Namibia

Why in News?

• On September 1, 2025, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (72) was sworn in as the first woman president of Namibia.
• She succeeds Nangolo Mbumba (83), who handed over power in a formal swearing-in ceremony.

Key Highlights

• Historic Milestone:
  • First female head of state in Namibia since independence (1990).
  • Belongs to the ruling SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organisation) party, in power for over three decades.
• Political Career:
  • Served earlier as Vice President of Namibia.
  • Won the November 2024 Presidential Elections with 58% of votes.
• Parliamentary Transition:
  • Her swearing-in was followed by the election of Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila (former Prime Minister) as Namibia’s first female Speaker of Parliament.
• Global Significance:
  • Joins a small but growing group of women presidents in Africa, alongside:
    • Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia)
    • Joyce Banda (Malawi)
    • Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania)

Significance for Exams

• Marks a gender milestone in African politics.
• Strengthens women’s representation in leadership and governance.
• Relevant for UPSC Prelims & Mains under International Affairs, Women Empowerment, and African Politics.
  
  Updated: September 02, 2025 ; 9:30PM | News On Air