Namibia has made history with the election of its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, marking a significant milestone for women in leadership positions in the country of Namibia and across Africa.
Throughout Africa’s history, there have been several female presidents. Here is the list:
First Female Presidents
– Slyvie Kiningi: Acting President of Burundi from February to October 1993, technically making her the first female president on the continent.
– Ivy Matsepe-Cassaburi: Acting President of South Africa in September 2005, serving temporarily when the President and Vice President were out of the country.
Elected Female Presidents
– Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: Africa’s first elected female President, serving two consecutive terms in Liberia from 2006 to 2018.
– Joyce Hilda Banda: Served as President of Malawi from 2012 to 2014, becoming the country’s fourth President and first female Vice President.
– Ameenah Gurib-Fakim: First female President of Mauritius, serving from 2015 to 2018.
– Sahle-Work Zewde: First elected female President of Ethiopia, in office since 2018.
– Samia Suluhu Hassan: First female President of Tanzania, in office since 2021.
– Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah: First female President of Namibia following last week’s contentious election
Interim and Acting Female Presidents
– Rose Francine Rogombe: Interim President of Gabon from June to October 2009.
– Agnes Monique Ohsan Bellepeau: Acting President of Mauritius from March to July 2012 and May to June 2015.
– Catherine Samba Panza: Acting Head of State of the Central African Republic from 2014 to 2016.
These women have paved the way for future generations of female leaders in Africa, breaking down barriers and challenging traditional gender roles. Their contributions to African politics and society are undeniable, and their legacies will continue to inspire and empower women across the continent.