[ VT September 25, 2025, Philadelphia] Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah) delivered a keynote speech at Perry World House, University of Pennsylvania, focusing on “Democracy, Gender, and Leadership.” This marks her first visit to a U.S. academic institution since assuming office in March 2025.
The event, hosted by Perry World House, attracted faculty, students, and members of the academic community. Wharton School Dean Erika James gave the opening remarks, warmly welcoming the President.
At the start of her speech, President Nandi-Ndaitwah introduced her accompanying delegation, which included Namibian Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibian Ambassador to the U.S. Margaret Mensah-Williams, senior advisors from the Office of the President, the CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion Board, members of the SWAPO Central Committee Political Bureau, Namibian foreign consuls, and her spouse, Lieutenant-General (Rtd) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, former Chief of Defence Force. She noted that the presence of her delegation reflected Namibia’s comprehensive commitment to diplomacy, economic development, party building, and family values.
In her address, President Nandi-Ndaitwah reviewed Namibia’s democratic progress since gaining independence in 1990 and outlined her administration’s “Seven Strategic Priority Areas,” including agriculture, sports and youth, environment, quality education and training, creative industries, health services, and land and housing. She also introduced “Eight Economic Enablers,” covering mining, energy, tourism, agriculture, logistics and infrastructure, technology transfer, youth and women entrepreneurship, and education and human capital development.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that Namibia aims to create 500,000 jobs during her term, reduce youth unemployment from 44.4%, and achieve economic diversification and local value chain development.
On gender issues, the President highlighted that over 50% of Namibia’s cabinet members are women, stressing that gender equality is not a privilege but a reflection of competence and achievement. She further emphasized that empowering women must go hand in hand with attention to the social roles of boys and men to address gender-based violence, a global challenge.
The discussion session was moderated by Joseph Asunka, CEO of the Pan-African survey organization Afrobarometer.
During the event, University of Pennsylvania faculty and students actively engaged with questions on democracy, youth entrepreneurship, and gender equality. President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that Africa’s future lies in its youth and that Namibia is committed to partnering with international academic and research institutions to advance the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and regional integration.
The visit showcased Namibia’s achievements in democracy and gender equality and opened new avenues for collaboration between the University of Pennsylvania and African academic institutions.
