Namibia has sworn in Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president marking a historic moment in the country's leadership. The 72-year-old leader took the oath of office during a ceremony at the State House in Windhoek after outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba, 83, officially transferred power to her. Originally planned for the Independence Stadium the event was relocated due to heavy rains and took place as part of Namibia’s 35th Independence Day celebrations. Several African heads of state including leaders from Angola, South Africa, and Tanzania attended the ceremony.

Cheers and applause filled the air as Nandi-Ndaitwah widely known as NNN was sworn in by Chief Justice Peter Shivute. In her inaugural address she acknowledged the significance of her election as Namibia’s first female head of state but emphasized that her leadership is built on competence and merit. While celebrating the country’s progress since gaining independence she noted that much work remains to be done.

Nandi-Ndaitwah secured her victory in last year’s election with 58 percent of the vote while her closest rival Panduleni Itula received 26 percent according to the electoral commission. Outgoing leader Mbumba described her inauguration as a landmark moment calling it a long-awaited breakthrough for one of Namibia’s foremost daughters.

Addressing the nation ahead of her swearing-in Nandi-Ndaitwah outlined job creation as a priority for her administration. She set a target of generating at least 500,000 jobs over the next five years estimating that this would require an investment of 85 billion Namibian dollars approximately 4.67 billion US dollars. She identified agriculture fishing and the creative and sports industries as key areas for employment growth.

Tanzanian President Samia Hassan who attended the ceremony lauded Namibia for making history by electing a female president. As Tanzania’s first female leader Hassan commended Nandi-Ndaitwah for setting a high standard in African leadership.