THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Namibia has achieved a historic milestone by electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Her victory represents a significant step towards gender equality and democratic progress in Africa, according to the German-African Business Association (Afrika-Verein), in a press release.
Christoph Kannengießer, the association’s CEO, described the election as a pivotal moment for Namibia, stating, “Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency signifies renewal and stability for Namibia. Her leadership offers hope for international cooperation and progress in a changing political landscape.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah, a seasoned politician of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) who is the current Vice President, has served in various high-ranking capacities since Namibia’s independence in 1990.
The German-African Business Association highlighted key economic challenges facing the new administration, including high youth unemployment and the lingering effects of severe droughts. Kannengießer emphasized that Nandi-Ndaitwah’s success will depend on her government’s ability to implement much-needed reforms and address these pressing issues.
Economically, Namibia presents opportunities for growth, particularly in the renewable energy sector, he said. The country’s ambitious green hydrogen initiatives, such as the $9.4 billion Hyphen Hydrogen Project and the HyIron/Oshivela green steel production venture, position Namibia as a rising player in the global energy transition. German businesses are already involved in pilot projects, including dual-fuel locomotives and hydrogen refueling stations.
Looking ahead, a German business delegation will visit Namibia in September 2025 to strengthen cooperation in education and training, with a focus on the hydrogen economy, the statement revealed. Kannengießer affirmed, “The German economy is committed to fostering innovative and sustainable partnerships with Namibia.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency not only symbolizes progress but also lays the groundwork for deeper collaboration between Namibia and international partners, analysts say.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the ruling SWAPO was elected as Namibia’s first female president last week. While her election reinforces the party’s dominance, it also signals a generational shift in a country where younger citizens demand greater political pluralism. Panduleni Itula, leader of the opposition party Independent Patriots for Change, significantly impacted SWAPO’s dominance. He reduced the ruling party’s vote share to 56%, a sharp decline from 87% in the previous election five years earlier.
Upon her inauguration, Nandi-Ndaitwah will join a select group, as Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan is currently the only female head of state in Africa.
Vivian Asamoah
