The event was attended by several high-profile figures, including Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who represented President Paul Kagame and presented a symbolic gift to President Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The gift, featuring an image of traditional Rwandan drummers, represented Rwanda's rich cultural heritage and was a gesture of goodwill between the two nations.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah's election victory in November saw her secure 58% of the vote as the candidate for the ruling SWAPO party, which has led Namibia since independence in 1990.
She took over from outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba, 83, in a ceremony originally planned for the Independence Stadium but moved to State House in Windhoek due to heavy rains.
Her swearing-in was a significant moment, making her the fourth woman to serve as head of state in Africa, following Liberia's Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Malawi's Joyce Banda, and Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan.
These women attended her inauguration, showing solidarity and support. The occasion also followed another landmark event where Namibia's parliament elected its first female speaker, former Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, just a day prior.
Minister Nduhungirehe praised President Nandi-Ndaitwah's long-standing dedication to Namibia's liberation and her advocacy for women's rights. He highlighted her activism, which began in her youth while living in Tanzania. 'Her election is a remarkable milestone and a historic moment for Namibia,' he said.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the challenges of being the country's first female head of state and remarked, 'If things go well, it will be a great example. But if anything does not go as planned, just as it happens in male-led governments, some will say, 'Look at women!''
In her inaugural speech, she laid out her administration's priorities, emphasizing economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development.
'We will increase investment in the development of infrastructure to open investment opportunities, enhance economic productivity, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life of our people,' she declared.
She also committed to universal health coverage and ensuring Namibians benefit from their country's natural resources through value addition. Climate change remains a concern for Namibia, a drought-prone nation, and she vowed to intensify efforts to combat its effects.
Beyond domestic issues, President Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed her commitment to international solidarity. She voiced support for the right to self-determination for Palestinians and the people of Western Sahara.
Additionally, she called for the lifting of sanctions on Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, aligning Namibia's foreign policy with global calls for economic justice.
A veteran politician, Nandi-Ndaitwah has been a member of SWAPO since her teenage years. She lived in exile in Zambia, Tanzania, the former Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom during Namibia's struggle for independence.
Since 1990, she has held multiple government roles, including Minister of Environment and Tourism and Minister of Foreign Affairs, before becoming Vice President. Her leadership is marked by resilience and a strategic vision for Namibia's future.
Her husband, a retired general, now holds the official title of 'First Gentleman,' highlighting the shifting dynamics in the country's leadership norms.
IGIHE
