IN a landmark for Namibia and Africa, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has become Namibia’s first female president, securing 57 percent of valid votes. Her historic election reinforces the growing presence of women in African leadership and adds to a list of 24 trailblazing African women who have risen to the highest offices in their nations.
These women, whether elected presidents, acting heads of state, or prime ministers, have challenged traditional norms, proving that leadership transcends gender. Their achievements mark progress not only in political representation but in the overall pursuit of gender equality across Africa.
Elected presidents
Five African women have achieved the presidency through direct elections, creating milestones in the continent’s political history:
- Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia, 2024–Present): Namibia’s first female president and SWAPO leader extends her party’s 34-year rule.
- Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia, 2018–2024): Ethiopia’s first female president, previously a top UN diplomat, was elected unanimously by parliament.
- Ameenah Gurib-Fakim (Mauritius, 2015–2018): Mauritius’s first female president, she championed agribusiness and science-led development.
- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia, 2006–2018): Africa’s first elected female president and a Nobel Peace laureate, she advocated grassroots women’s leadership.
- Joyce Banda (Malawi, 2012–2014): Banda empowered women in agribusiness and was celebrated globally for her grassroots initiatives.
Acting/interim presidents
Several women stepped in as acting leaders during times of political transition:
- Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania, 2021–present): Assumed the presidency following John Magufuli’s death.
- Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic, 2014–2016): Transitioned the nation to elections after a coup.
- Sylvie Kinigi (Burundi, 1993–1994): Africa’s first female acting head of state, following a president’s assassination.
- Rose Francine Rogombé (Gabon, 2009): Served as interim president after the death of Omar Bongo.
Other acting leaders include Agnès Monique Ohsan Bellepeau (Mauritius) and Ivy Matsepe-Cassaburi (South Africa), who demonstrated stability in transitional periods.
Prime ministers: leading executive governments
Women in Africa have also shaped their nations’ futures as prime ministers.
Current leaders
- Victoire Dogbé Tomegah (Togo, 2020–present)
- Rose Christiane Raponda (Gabon, 2020–present)
- Robinah Nabbanja (Uganda, 2021–present)
- Najla Bouden Romdhane (Tunisia, 2021–present)
Former leaders
Notable names include Luísa Dias Diogo (Mozambique), Agathe Uwilingiyimana (Rwanda), and Elizabeth Domitien (Central African Republic).
The impact of women in leadership
These women have reshaped Africa’s political landscape by addressing issues such as maternal mortality, girls’ education, and economic development. Their leadership has demonstrated that effective governance is not bound by gender, paving the way for future generations.
As more African women rise to leadership roles, their successes inspire the next wave of changemakers across the continent.
