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Nangolo Mbumba
Headshot of a speaking Mbuma in front of the green walls of the UN Building
Mbumba in 2024
4th President of Namibia
In office
4 February 2024 – 21 March 2025
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa
Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
Preceded by Hage Geingob
Succeeded by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
2nd Vice President of Namibia
In office
13 February 2018 – 4 February 2024
President Hage Geingob
Preceded by Nickey Iyambo
Succeeded by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
Chancellor of the University of Namibia
Assumed office
28 February 2018
President Hage Geingob
Preceded by Hifikepunye Pohamba
Secretary-General of SWAPO
In office
December 2012 – November 2017
President Hifikepunye Pohamba
Hage Geingob
Preceded by Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana
Succeeded by Sophia Shaningwa
Minister of Safety and Security
In office
2010 – 4 December 2012
President Hifikepunye Pohamba
Preceded by Nickey Iyambo
Succeeded by Immanuel Ngatjizeko
Minister of Education
In office
2005–2010
President Hifikepunye Pohamba
Preceded by Nahas Angula
Succeeded by Abraham Iyambo
Minister of Information and Broadcasting
In office
2003–2005
President Sam Nujoma
Preceded by Theo-Ben Gurirab
Succeeded by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
Minister of Finance
In office
1996–2003
President Sam Nujoma
Preceded by Helmut Angula
Succeeded by Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
Minister of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development
In office
1993–1996
President Sam Nujoma
Preceded by Anton von Wietersheim
Succeeded by Helmut Angula
Personal details
Born (1941-08-15) 15 August 1941 (age 83)
Olukonda, South West Africa (now Namibia)
Nationality Namibian
Political party SWAPO
Spouse Sustjie Mbumba
Alma mater Southern Connecticut State University (BS)
University of Connecticut (MS)
Occupation

Nangolo Mbumba (born 15 August 1941) is a Namibian politician. He served as the fourth President of Namibia from February 2024 to March 2025. Before becoming president, he was the second Vice President of Namibia from 2018 to 2024. He took over the presidency after the death of President Hage Geingob.

Mr. Mbumba is a member of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) political party. He has held many important roles in the Namibian government. These include leading ministries like Agriculture, Finance, Information, Education, and Safety. From 2012 to 2017, he was the Secretary-General of SWAPO, which is a very important position within the party.

He became Vice President in 2018, replacing Nickey Iyambo due to health reasons. When President Geingob passed away in February 2024, Mbumba became president. He announced that he would not run for a full term in the elections that year.

Early Life and Education

Nangolo Mbumba was born on August 15, 1941, in Olukonda, which was then part of South West Africa (now Namibia). He traveled to the United States for his university studies. In 1971, he earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from Southern Connecticut State University. He continued his education at the University of Connecticut, where he received a Master of Science (MSc) degree in biology in 1973.

After finishing his studies, Mbumba started his career as a teacher. He taught at Harlem Preparatory School in New York City. In 1978, he returned to Africa and became the head of the Science Department at the Namibia Education Centre in Cuanza Sul, Angola. He was later promoted to Principal of the Centre in 1980, a role he held until 1985.

Political Career Highlights

Mbumba officially joined the SWAPO party in 1985. He first served as the Deputy Secretary for Education and Culture. In 1987, he became the Personal Secretary to SWAPO President Sam Nujoma. He also played a key role in 1994 as a joint administrator for Walvis Bay when it was handed over to Namibia.

Starting in 1993, Mbumba became a member of the National Assembly of Namibia. He also served as a minister in various government departments. These included the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development (1993–1996), and the Ministry of Finance (1996–2003). He also led the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (2003–2005), the Ministry of Education (2005–2010), and the Ministry of Safety and Security (2010–2012).

In 2012, Mbumba was elected as the Secretary-General of SWAPO. This position is considered the third most important role within the party. He won the election with 352 votes. After his election, he resigned from his ministerial position. Immanuel Ngatjizeko took over his role as Minister of Safety and Security.

In 2018, President Hage Geingob appointed Mbumba as the Vice President of Namibia. This happened after the first Vice President, Nickey Iyambo, had to step down due to poor health.

President of Namibia (2024–2025)

Nangolo Mbumba became the acting president of Namibia on January 24, 2024. This happened when President Hage Geingob traveled to the United States for cancer treatment. Sadly, President Geingob passed away on February 4, 2024.

About 15 hours after Geingob's death, Mbumba was sworn in as president. The ceremony took place at the State House in Windhoek. Chief Justice Peter Shivute performed the swearing-in. President Mbumba then appointed Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as his successor for the Vice President role. She was also chosen by President Geingob to be the SWAPO presidential candidate for the 2024 Namibian general election.

Mbumba promised to complete President Geingob's term, which ended on March 21, 2025. He clearly stated, "I am not going to be around for the elections. So don't panic." This meant he would not seek to be elected for a full term. He also served as the Chief Mourner for President Geingob. He held this title again when Dr. Sam Nujoma, known as the Father of the Namibian Nation, passed away in February 2025.

In 2024, Mbumba received Namibia’s highest award, The Most Ancient Order of Welwitschia Mirabilis. This award is named after Namibia’s unique desert plant. It is given to people who have made very important contributions to the country. Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba presented him with this honor.

Honours and Awards

  •  Cuba:
    • Ribbon jose marti.png Order of José Martí (December 17, 2024)

Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis (2024) This award was given by H.E Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba, who was the Former President of Namibia from 2005 to 2015.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Nangolo Mbumba para niños

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