Namibia’s newly inaugurated President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced on Friday her commitment to enhancing investments in the agricultural sector and diversifying the resource-dependent economy to tackle the country’s high unemployment rates.
At 72 years old, Nandi-Ndaitwah made history as Namibia’s first female president after her SWAPO party, which has led the nation of approximately 3 million for over thirty years, won both the presidential and parliamentary elections in November.
In recent years, Namibia has experienced notable economic growth, largely driven by investments in oil, gas, and green hydrogen. However, World Bank statistics reveal that the country has the second-highest income inequality in the world.
In her inaugural address following her swearing-in, Nandi-Ndaitwah stated, “We will enhance investments in the agricultural sector to boost production and fulfill domestic food needs.”
She also emphasized the importance of economic diversification, allowing citizens to “maximize the benefits from our natural resources through value addition.”
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According to her, this diversification will “generate employment opportunities to support the unemployed, particularly the youth.”
Additionally, she highlighted the necessity of upholding high ethical standards among public officials and fighting corruption.
Over the past decade, SWAPO’s public support has declined due to growing dissatisfaction with unemployment, inequality, and corruption allegations. In the recent presidential election, the party garnered 57% of the votes, a significant drop from the 87% it received in 2014.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration was graced by several dignitaries, including seven current and nine former African presidents.
Last month, Namibia’s Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the presidential election from opposition parties, which claimed the voting process was flawed and potentially invalid due to an extended voting period and other concerns.
