As 2025 draws to a close, Namibia finds itself at a defining moment in its young democratic journey. This year marked milestones that resonate far beyond our borders and tested the resilience of our political institutions at home. We end the year with a mixture of pride in progress, concern over stagnation, and hope for renewal anchored in thoughtful action.
The year’s defining moment came early on March 21, when Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s first female President — a historic achievement that coincided with the country’s 35th Independence Day.
Her inauguration was more than a ceremonial first; it symbolised a maturing democracy and the promise of inclusivity at the highest level of political leadership. In choosing a woman to lead, Namibia joined a small but growing group of African nations proving that gender barriers in politics are finally being dismantled. The leadership team she heads — with women in the top three government positions — stands as a beacon of gender empowerment and a challenge to entrenched norms across the region. Yet symbolism alone cannot drive economic transformation or repair the social fractures that have become increasingly visible. In the months that followed the transition in leadership, the promise of legislative dynamism and reform faced an unforeseen reality: the National Assembly ended the year having passed virtually no significant legislation beyond the national budget.
Six bills were tabled, but none became law — a historic low for a parliament that once passed dozens of laws annually. This legislative paralysis suggests a disconnect between political intent and legislative delivery, and it underscores the urgent need to strengthen institutional processes over political theatre.
The year also saw the ruling Swapo party reaffirm its dominance in local and regional elections in November, regaining significant control across the country despite declining voter turnout. Swapo’s success reflects both the persistence of historical political loyalties and a concern: Namibians, especially younger voters, appear increasingly disengaged from the democratic process at the grassroots level. With just over a third of registered voters casting ballots, the message is clear — many citizens feel disconnected from the mechanisms of governance that are meant to serve them.
Namibia’s political narrative in 2025 cannot be divorced from pressing socio-economic realities. High unemployment — especially among youth — remains a stubborn challenge, and calls for meaningful reform have grown louder. The President’s campaign pledge to generate half a million jobs, particularly for the young and disenfranchised, set expectations early in the year.
While policies like the proposed free university education from 2026 aimed at opening doors for young Namibians, the feasibility and long-term sustainability of such ambitious programs remain hotly debated. But we remain hopeful.
Another defining national conversation this year was the formal commemoration of the victims of colonial genocide. The establishment of Namibia’s first Genocide Remembrance Day — honouring those affected by brutal events during German colonial rule — sparked dialogue around historical justice and reparations. This act of remembrance is not only symbolic but speaks to the broader struggle of reconciling past injustices with a vision for a shared future.
Namibia also took its place on the international stage, hosting the Commonwealth Business Summit and laying groundwork for expanded economic engagement. Thanks in part to shifts in mining revenue — with gold and uranium overtaking diamonds as the primary contributors to tax income — the economy showed signs of diversification, even in the face of global commodity shocks.
As the year ends, the overarching lesson is that progress is neither automatic nor assured. Namibia’s achievements — historic leadership, international engagement, and symbolic reconciliation — must be matched by a reinvigoration of democratic institutions and policies that directly uplift the daily lives of citizens.
Political vitality cannot be measured solely by electoral victories or milestones in representation; it must be reflected in the laws passed, the services delivered, and the opportunities accessible to all Namibians.
Looking ahead to 2026, the challenge is clear: build governance that performs, not just inspires. It is a call for unity rooted in purpose, for political leadership that listens as much as it leads, and for a citizenry that remains engaged not just at the ballot box, but in shaping policies that define the nation’s future.
All the best for the festive period.