Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero arrived in Namibia today to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and to attend activities commemorating the 35th anniversary of Namibia’s independence.

The inauguration of the leader of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) party, which will be attended by several regional heads of state, is scheduled for March 21, Namibia’s Independence Day.

According to national tradition, the new head of state will assume her mandate on the same day as the country’s independence celebrations. In the elections held last November, Nandi-Ndaitwah secured 57 percent of the vote, reaffirming her party’s longstanding leadership in Namibia’s political landscape.

Cuba and Namibia share historic ties rooted in solidarity and cooperation. The Cuban government played a crucial role in supporting Namibia’s struggle for independence from apartheid South Africa, particularly through its military involvement in the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, which contributed to Namibia’s eventual sovereignty in 1990.

During his visit, Marrero is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Namibian authorities to reinforce diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations. The agenda will likely include discussions on continued medical, educational, and technical assistance from Cuba to Namibia.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is making history as Namibia’s first female head of state, has expressed her commitment to strengthening regional integration and international partnerships, particularly with allies such as Cuba. Her leadership is anticipated to bring continuity to the policies of SWAPO, which has governed Namibia since its independence.

The presence of high-ranking Cuban officials at the inauguration underscores the strong relationship between Havana and Windhoek, built on decades of mutual support and collaboration.

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