Namibia has made history with its latest cabinet appointments, marking a groundbreaking moment for gender representation in African leadership. For the first time, the country has one Vice President (female), Lucia Witbooi, alongside a cabinet where 10 out of 19 are women. This milestone cements Namibia’s commitment to gender equality and sets a powerful precedent for Africa, showcasing the nation’s progressive approach to inclusive governance.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially opened the first Cabinet meeting of the 8th Administration, marking a new chapter in Namibia’s governance. Addressing her newly appointed Cabinet, the President set a decisive tone, emphasizing accountability, efficiency, and a commitment to national development.

The meeting followed her historic inauguration on March 21, 2025, after winning the November 2024 elections under the SWAPO Party banner. With the nation’s expectations high, President Nandi-Ndaitwah reminded her team that their appointments came with a mandate to deliver on the promises made during the campaign.

“The Namibian people have spoken through their votes. In doing so, they are calling on us to efficiently deliver services based on the promises we made in the SWAPO Party Election Manifesto for 2025-2030,” she declared.

The President urged her Cabinet to hit the ground running, stressing that delays and inefficiency would not be tolerated. She announced a performance monitoring dashboard, with regular evaluations beginning in three months to ensure progress and transparency.

“I do not like the phrase ‘work in progress’ because, in most cases, it means nothing has been done,” she stated, underlining her zero-tolerance approach to complacency.

She also pledged to create an enabling environment for economic growth, job creation, and improved social services, highlighting youth employment, housing, agriculture, education, and healthcare as top priorities.

A notable appointment saw Emma Theofelus reappointed as Minister of Information and Communication Technology. First appointed in March 2020 at just 23 years old, Theofelus remains the youngest female government minister in both Namibia and Africa.

“Our youth, especially young women, need employment opportunities. Our small and medium enterprises must become competitive, and our education system must be purpose-driven to equip young people with skills that match industry needs,” she said.

The President reaffirmed her commitment to good governance, transparency, and the fight against corruption. She directed ministers to work closely with the private sector, the public, and the media, emphasizing that the government would not tolerate favoritism or undue influence.

“Let us get on with the work in unison to bring about the social progress and prosperity that our people deserve,” she urged.

She also called on the media—which she referred to as the “fourth arm of the state”—to play a constructive role in keeping the public informed and holding leaders accountable.

New Cabinet and Key Appointments

To drive this ambitious agenda, President Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed a strong and diverse team:

• Vice President: Lucia Witbooi
• Prime Minister: Elijah Ngurare
• Deputy Prime Minister: Natangwe Ithete
• Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs: Frans Kapofi
• Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security: Lucia Iipumbu
• Minister of International Relations and Trade: Selma Ashipala-Musavyi
• Minister of Finance and Social Grants Management: Erica Shafudah
• Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture: Sanet Steenkamp
• Minister of Health and Social Services: Esperance Luvindao
• Minister of Industrialization, Mines and Energy: Natangwe Ithete
• Minister of Environment and Tourism: Indileni Daniel
• Minister of Information and Communication Technology: Emma Theofelus
• Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare: Emma Kantema
• Minister of Urban and Rural Development: James Sankwasa
• Minister of Justice and Labour Relations: Fillemon Wise Emmanuel

Additionally, Festus Mbandeka has been appointed Attorney General, while Kaire Mbuende will serve as Director General of Planning.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah made it clear that the 8th Administration will not be “business as usual“. She called for collective decision-making, emphasizing that every policy must align with the aspirations of the Namibian people.

“We must be guided by the principle of ‘One Heart and One Mind’ and above all, service to the public,” she concluded.

As Namibia embarks on this new era, all eyes will be on President Nandi-Ndaitwah and her administration as they work to transform the country’s economy, governance, and social landscape over the next five years.