Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially taken office as Namibia’s first female president. The 72-year-old leader won the November election with more than 57% of the votes. Her closest competitor, Panduleni Itula, received 26%, according to the electoral commission.

Her inauguration marks a historic moment for Namibia, as she joins the ranks of Africa’s female leaders, including Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Malawi’s Joyce Banda, and Tanzania’s current president, Samia Suluhu Hassan.

These women leaders, along with Namibia’s outgoing president, Nangolo Mbumba, attended the swearing-in ceremony. The event also coincided with Namibia’s 35th Independence Day celebrations.

In her first speech as president, Nandi-Ndaitwah promised to strengthen the economy, create more jobs, and bring unity to a politically divided nation. She plans to expand opportunities in agriculture, fishing, and creative industries, including sports.

Speaking to SABC about her historic win, she said, “It’s a good thing that we are breaking the ceiling, we are breaking the walls.”

Namibia is one of the world’s largest producers of natural uranium, supplying countries like France for nuclear power production. Under Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership, the nation looks forward to economic growth and development.