Namibia Makes History with Female-Led, Cabinet

Namibia’s newly elected President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, announced a streamlined cabinet on Saturday, significantly reducing the number of ministries while increasing female representation. The new cabinet consists of 14 ministers and seven deputy ministers, down from the previous 21 ministers and 21 deputies.
In a historic first, Lucia Witbooi was appointed Namibia’s first-ever female vice president, making Namibia the only African nation currently with both a female president and vice president. Eight of the 14 appointed ministers are women, highlighting a deliberate move towards gender parity in leadership roles.
Addressing the nation in Windhoek, President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised that the downsizing of the cabinet was designed to eliminate duplication, reduce government expenditure, and facilitate more effective implementation of development programs. She called on Namibians to support her cabinet as it undertakes critical national initiatives.
“I have no doubt that we will deliver on what the people of Namibia have mandated us to do,” she stated, underscoring the cabinet’s commitment to poverty eradication and social inclusion.
To ensure critical issues receive focused attention, President Nandi-Ndaitwah placed responsibilities for marginalised communities and disability affairs directly within the office of the vice president.
Key appointments in this compact and diverse Cabinet include Elijah Ngurare as prime minister and Selma Ashipala-Musavyi as minister of international relations and trade.