Namibia has sworn in its first female president, Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, amidst prospects of an oil and gas boom that could transform the southwestern African country's economy. The seasoned politician's inauguration extends the South West Africa People's Organization's (SWAPO) 34-year hold on power, which began in 1990 when Namibia gained independence from apartheid South Africa.

Nandi-Ndaitwah succeeds Nangolo Mbumba, who assumed office last year following the death of Hage Geingob. In her first address as president-elect, she emphasized the importance of peace and stability, saying, "The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability."

According to Namibia's Electoral Commission, Nandi-Ndaitwah earned around 57% of legitimate votes in the presidential election, securing her victory three months ago. Her political journey has been marked by several key government positions, including serving as the third vice president from 2024 to 2025, minister of international relations and cooperation from 2012 to 2015, and minister of environment and tourism from 2010 to 2012.

One of the primary challenges facing the new administration is addressing Namibia's 37% unemployment rate and ensuring that the broader population benefits from the country's recent hydrocarbon discoveries. To tackle this, the government has pledged to create 500,000 jobs over the next five years and invest 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.7 billion) in key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and renewable energy.

Namibia is poised to become a major oil and gas producer, with energy companies such as Total Energies and Shell discovering an estimated 2.6 billion barrels of oil. Commercial production is expected to begin as early as 2029, making Namibia the world's third-largest uranium supplier and a significant player in the global energy market.

The country's oil boom prospects have significant implications for the region and the global economy. As Namibia prepares to join the ranks of major oil-producing nations, it will be crucial to monitor the impact of this development on the country's economy, environment, and population.

In conclusion, Nandi-Ndaitwah's historic inauguration marks a significant milestone for Namibia and the African continent. As the country embarks on this new chapter, it will be important to balance economic growth with social and environmental responsibility, ensuring that the benefits of the oil boom are shared equitably among its citizens.