First Lady Hosts Jill Biden on Her First Official Visit to Namibia

The Office of the First Lady was delighted to host Dr. Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS), on her first official visit to Namibia from 22 February 2023 to 25 February 2023. This visit follows the US-Africa Leadership Summit, at which Dr. Biden hosted African First Ladies in Washington.

It was during the Summit that the First Lady of Namibia (FLON), Mrs. Monica Geingos, extended an invitation to Dr. Biden to visit Namibia. The US-Africa Summit allowed FLON and FLOTUS to renew their shared vision and mutual commitment to empowering women and young people through health and educational support. It is the first time a FLOTUS has visited Namibia and also the most senior

Dr. Jill Biden arrived at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek on 22 February 2023, where she was welcomed by Mrs. Geingos, a high-level delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister, her two daughters and senior members of the State House. The first stop was Heroes Acre, where FLOTUS laid a wreath to honour the fallen heroes of Namibia. The First Ladies then paid a courtesy visit to President Dr. Hage G. Geingob at the State House of Namibia.

On Thursday, 23 February 2023, a State Luncheon was held in honour of Dr. Biden under the theme “The

Land of Possibility”. The luncheon was opened by Sustjie Mbumba and included inspirational stories by Ms. Nangula Uaandja, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and Mr. Moses Fillipus, the Junior Mayor of the City of Windhoek. Their remarks touched on their wishes for a more prosperous Namibia. FLON then introduced FLOTUS, who, in her keynote speech, stressed that African voices and leadership are critical to addressing global challenges and advancing priorities such as empowering women and youth.

Dr. Biden applauded Namibia’s commitment to gender equality, noting the strong representation of women in government. She continued to highlight the advancements made in HIV treatment through the proud partnership that the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has with the Namibian government. Following the luncheon, FLON accompanied FLOTUS on a visit to Hope Initiatives Namibia, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) focused on empowering young women and slowing down the spread of HIV. The two First Ladies spoke to students and families benefiting from the program.

Before leaving Namibia, FLOTUS met students and young people from different tertiary institutions and high schools during a youth engagement session held at the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST). Both First Ladies held speeches on the fundamental role young people play in fostering change in their countries and across the world.

Dr. Jill Biden highlighted the United States’ commitment to the African continent and emphasised the importance of strong partnerships between the two countries in promoting economic development, strengthening democracy and advancing peace and security.

Dr. Biden’s visit was a resounding success, laid the groundwork for continued cooperation and exemplified the soft leadership between the two First Ladies. The visit was widely covered in local, regional and international media, which helped generate positive press coverage for Namibia and its democratic culture as an example of excellence.