Adolf Kaure
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was rated number three in Africa and 79th overall on the Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women in the World of 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the Presidency, state secretary Jonas Mbambo acknowledged the award stating that it shows the mark which President Nandi-Ndaitwah has left on the international scene.
“The award speaks to Namibia’s growing presence in global affairs and our continued progress in promoting inclusive leadership, particularly the meaningful participation of women at the highest levels of decision-making,” he said.
“We have taken note of the news regarding President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah being named among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women in the World,” said Mbambo. “While we may not be privy to the specific criteria applied in compiling such rankings, we nonetheless appreciate the recognition,” he said.
The state secretary also emphasised that recognition has never been the objective of public service and that the Presidency’s focus is on service delivery.
“What matters most is the work itself. It is nonetheless encouraging to see President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership resonate beyond Namibia’s borders, reflecting her steady approach, principled governance, and commitment to advancing Namibia’s development both at home and internationally.
“Importantly, we remain clear-headed and focused. President Nandi-Ndaitwah is firmly committed to the vision set out for Namibia and her people, grounded in integrity, accountability, and tangible socio-economic progress. The mandate remains unchanged, and the hard work of delivering for Namibians continues,” said Mbambo.
Forbes noted some of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s accomplishments as being sworn in as the first female president of Namibia in March and spending more than 30 years in public service across key ministries and senior posts, giving her a rare breadth of institutional knowledge.
They also acknowledged her stance on appointing a cabinet that was 57% female, the highest in Namibia’s history.
Historically, her part in Namibia’s liberation and ruling party Swapo as a teen in the 1960s, eventually joining its central committee was also acknowledged.
Nandi-Ndaitwah went into exile in 1974 to join SWAPO’s independence struggle, returning in 1989 and becoming deputy minister of foreign affairs after Namibia gained independence in 1990.
South Africa’s FirstRand CEO Mary Vilakazi was ranked the highest African and 74th overall and the prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo Judith Siminwa Siluka in 78th position were among the African women on the list. Belgium’s Ursula von der Leyen topped the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in the World of 2025.
The European Union president and European Commission was followed in second place by the European Central Bank president, Christine Lagarde of Germany.
The Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in the World of 2025 was made of women from different disciplines like politics, technology, philanthropy, business, media and entertainment.
Since 2004, Forbes has published an annual list of its ranking of the 100 most powerful women in the world. It is edited by prominent Forbes journalists the list is compiled using various criteria such as visibility and economic impact. In 2025, the gauge was women who hold real power.