Namibia Again with Women as President, Vice President and National Assembly Speaker

By Toun Okewale Sonaiya

Namibia has made history by having both a female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and a female vice president, Lucia Witbooi. This achievement marks a significant milestone in African politics as Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah on Saturday appointed Lucia Witbooi as her deputy making Witbooi the second woman to hold the vice presidency in the southern African country. Additionally, Dr. Saara Kuugongelwa Amadhila serves as Namibia’s first female Speaker of the National Assembly.

The new vice president’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Namibia, as the country prepares to benefit from an impending oil boom. The combination of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Vice President Lucia Witbooi being in the trenches of fighting fairness on the side of the downtrodden will close the economic gap of 37% unemployment rate. President Nandi-Ndaitwah has also taken the emerging oil and gas oversight under her own office, signalling a significant shift in the country’s governance emphasizing its management in benefiting all Namibians.

Witbooi brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked in education and home affairs as a seasoned lawmaker and former deputy minister. Her appointment is a demonstration of her dedication and hard work, earning her a place among the top ranks of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo).

President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s new cabinet features a streamlined structure from 21 to 14, consolidating key ministries. 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

Dr. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila is a Namibian politician serving as the Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia.

She served as first female Minister of Finance from 2003 to 2015. She was the Prime Minister of Namibia from 2015 to 2025. She is a member of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) and has been a member of the National Assembly of Namibia since 1995.

The appointment of a female vice president, the increased representation of women and a streamlined cabinet reflect President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s commitment to gender equality and efficient governance.

Indeed, these are greater times for Namibia on its path to economic sustainability and political stability as laid down by its proponents of democratic independence.