WINDHOEK – Namibia’s president-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has promised “radical shifts” in addressing the country’s high levels of poverty and unemployment. In her first press conference following her victory in last week’s election, Nandi-Ndaitwah outlined her commitment to making significant changes when she assumes office in March, becoming the first woman to hold the presidency in Namibia.
At 72 years old, Nandi-Ndaitwah indicated that her administration would differ from the policies of her predecessors in the SWAPO party, which has governed Namibia since its independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. “It’s not going to be business as usual,” she declared. “We must have radical shifts in addressing the plight of our people.”
While she refrained from detailing specific plans, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized the need for land reform and a more equitable distribution of wealth. Namibia, despite being classified by the World Bank as an upper-middle-income country, remains one of the most unequal countries in the world. High levels of poverty persist, a situation exacerbated by the legacy of decades of white minority rule. A 2021 government report found that 43% of the population was living in “multidimensional poverty,” which considers not only income but also access to education and public services.
Nandi-Ndaitwah secured about 57% of the vote in the November 27 election, according to official figures. However, opposition parties have voiced concerns over the election’s legitimacy, citing issues such as ballot paper shortages and accusations of voter suppression. The Independent Patriots for Change, the largest opposition party, has stated that it will challenge the results in court. Nandi-Ndaitwah dismissed these allegations, asserting that she was not paying attention to the critics. The electoral commission has insisted that the election was free and fair, urging Namibians to accept the results.
On the topic of Namibia’s growing oil exploration industry, Nandi-Ndaitwah did not elaborate on her specific policy stance but said that foreign direct investment would be welcomed as long as it adhered to Namibia’s terms. The country has recently attracted significant interest from oil companies such as Total Energies and Shell, following major discoveries of oil and gas reserves. Despite this, concerns have been raised that an unexpectedly high percentage of gas in the fields could slow development.
With SWAPO remaining in power, energy investors are expected to benefit from a sense of continuity, according to Graham Hopwood, executive director of the Institute for Public Policy Research in Windhoek. However, he noted that the SWAPO manifesto includes a commitment to greater local content and participation in the oil and gas sector, although no specific timelines or targets have been set.
Currently, Namibia is being led by interim President Nangolo Mbumba, also from the SWAPO party, until Nandi-Ndaitwah assumes office in March.