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President Nandi-Ndaitwah Appoints 9 Women in Historic Cabinet Selection
Namibia has made history by becoming the first and only African country to have both a female President and Vice President, marking a major milestone in the continent’s political landscape. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female President on March 21, 2025, ushering in a new era of leadership. In a groundbreaking move, she appointed Lucia Witbooi as Vice President, making Namibia the only country in Africa where women hold the top two executive positions.
A Gender-Inclusive Cabinet
President Nandi-Ndaitwah has also taken a bold step in ensuring gender representation in her administration. She appointed nine women to her 14-member cabinet, making it one of the most female-inclusive governments on the continent. The appointments reflect her administration’s commitment to gender equality, representation, and inclusive governance.
The nine women appointed and their respective positions are:
- Lucia Witbooi – Vice President
- Ericah Shafudah – Minister of Finance and Social Grants Management
- Selma Ashipala-Musavyi – Minister of International Relations and Trade
- Lucia Iipumbu – Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security
- Emma Kantema-Gaomas – Minister of Gender Equality and Social Welfare
- Esperance Luvindao – Minister of Health and Social Services
- Sanet Steenkamp – Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts, and Culture
- Indileni Daniel – Minister of Environment and Tourism
- Emma Theofelus – Minister of Information and Communication Technology
This unprecedented representation of women in key ministerial positions signals a new chapter in Namibia’s political and social development, reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering women in leadership roles.
Breaking Barriers and Setting a Precedent for Africa
Namibia’s historic move stands as an example for other African nations striving for gender-balanced governance. President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s appointments challenge traditional gender norms in politics and send a strong message that women are not only capable but essential to leading governments and shaping policies.
Her leadership comes at a crucial time when Namibia faces economic challenges, a high unemployment rate, and the need for economic diversification. During her inaugural speech, she emphasized her focus on strengthening the country’s economy, investing in key industries such as agriculture, and ensuring sustainable growth for all Namibians.
A Vision for the Future
Beyond making history, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s administration is expected to introduce policies that prioritize social welfare, economic development, and inclusivity. With a strong representation of women in leadership, her government is likely to place greater emphasis on education, healthcare, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
As Namibia embarks on this new chapter, the world will be closely watching how this landmark administration navigates governance and continues to push the boundaries of what is possible for women in politics—not just in Africa, but globally.
This moment is more than just a victory for Namibia; it is an inspiration for women and young girls across the continent who aspire to take on leadership roles and break barriers in their respective fields.
Namibia has set a powerful precedent—one that could redefine the future of governance in Africa.
