On September 25, 2025, Perry World House hosted President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia for an in-depth conversation, moderated by Afrobarometer CEO and PWH Non-Resident Senior Advisor Joseph Asunka, on the most significant challenges facing her country and the world. Democracy globally is under threat and policies supporting women’s empowerment are being rolled back on every continent, including Africa. Namibia, however, is pushing in the opposite direction.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah began her term in March 2025 as only the second woman ever elected president in Africa, and the first in Namibia. Today, under President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership, a majority of Namibia’s cabinet positions are held by women, including offices in foreign affairs, finance, health, and education. The President talked about the importance of women in leadership positions: “Gender equality and leadership excellence are not mutually exclusive; they are mutually reinforcing,” she said. But Namibia’s achievements in gender equality did not happen overnight, she explained. Norms had to change and fears had to be overcome. All credit for her success, the President said, “is due to the women of Namibia, the women of Africa, and the women of the world” who invested in her career through domestic political activity and international diplomatic work at the UN on the issue of women, peace, and security.
The President acknowledged the economic headwinds that are taking a toll on Namibia. Forty-four percent of Namibian youth are unemployed, and creating jobs and empowering youth is her top economic priority. Namibia is not alone: the median age in all of Africa is nineteen, and youth unemployment is a continent-wide concern. President Nandi-Ndaitwah, however, sees this a “generational opportunity” that can yield a “demographic dividend” through smart economic policies and investments. A key is expanding intra-African economic and political cooperation, including the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The President emphasized the strength of Namibia’s democracy and commitment to the principles of good governance, fair elections, and judicial and parliamentary independence. Reflecting on her country’s recent history the President reminded the audience that “unity is strength; resilience is power” and expressed optimism that Namibia is prepared to meet the challenges ahead.
