The Namibian Presidency has welcomed the decision by African Leadership Magazine (ALM) to name Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah as African Political Leader of the Year 2025, and Esperance Luvindao, Minister of Health and Social Services, as African Public Health Champion of the Year 2025.
The announcement was issued by ALM after a continent-wide voting process spotlights Namibia’s rising profile on the African stage.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah and Botswana’s president Duma Gideon Boko were named among the four finalists for the 2025 African Political Leader of the Year award as announced by African Leadership Magazine (ALM). The two Southern African leaders join Benin’s president Patrice Talon and Cape Verde’s president José Maria Neves on the shortlist for the continent’s top political honour, part of the African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year (POTY) Awards. The public voting closed on 30 November, and the winners were announced after that, of which Nandi-Ndaitwah emerged victorious.
In an official statement, the Presidency said the awards underscore the broad respect for President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s steady, principled leadership, her lifelong commitment to public service, and her dedication to good governance, peace, and inclusive development in Namibia and across the continent.
The Presidency also expressed sincere appreciation for recognising Namibia’s growing leadership in public health, in reference to minister Luvindao’s recognition.
“This continental honour underscores the broad respect for President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s steady, principled leadership,” the statement reads. On Luvindao’s award, it added that“special congratulations … for being named African Public Health Champion of the Year an accolade that highlights Namibia’s growing leadership in public health and the calibre of excellence within Cabinet.”
The ALM “Persons of the Year” (POTY) Awards are widely regarded as Africa’s foremost public-choice leadership honours.
The 2025 edition involved a three-stage selection process, such as a public call for nominations from across Africa and the diaspora; a shortlist curated by the ALM editorial board, and a final online vote by the public worldwide. The winners will be formally recognised at a ceremony scheduled for 27–28 February 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
Now in its 15th edition, the POTY Awards are widely regarded as Africa’s most respected public-choice leadership honours. Organised annually by ALM, the awards recognise individuals whose bold leadership, innovation and measurable impact have helped reshape Africa’s development trajectory.
The 2025 edition spans 12 categories, including governance, education, peace and security, public health and philanthropy. Through the statement, the Presidency extended heartfelt thanks to all Namibians — both at home and abroad — and to friends of Namibia who participated in the public voting process and supported the President’s vision for a united, prosperous, forward-looking nation.ljason@nepc.com.na