Emma Theofelus has shattered records and broken barriers to become the youngest minister in Namibia after her appointment on Friday February 9.
27-Year-Old Theofelus remarked that her appointment as Minister of Communication and Information Technology by President Nangolo Mbumba was a reinforcement of the vision established by the late President Hage Geingob, who believed in the capabilities of young individuals.
“The trust that his Excellency has bestowed upon me only cements the trajectory that Dr Hage Geingob has begun, that he has trust and belief in the ability of young people in Namibia,” Theofelus told the Media on Friday.
Her recent appointment as the Minister of Information and Communication Technology places her at the forefront of driving digital transformation and shaping the communication landscape of the country.
Born on March 28, 1996, in Windhoek, Theofelus embarked on her journey towards leadership from an early age.
She graduated with a degree in law from the University of Namibia and holds a diploma in African feminism and gender studies from the University of South Africa and Business Management.
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Emma Theofelus Professional Life
Her career trajectory saw her start as a legal officer in the Ministry of Justice before transitioning to a higher ministerial role.
March 27, 2020, marked a historic moment as she became the youngest serving deputy minister in Namibia and Africa, appointed by the late President Hage Geingob as the Deputy Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology.
During her tenure as Deputy Minister, Theofelus led Namibia’s official COVID-19 communication program, showcasing her capability and dedication to serving the nation.
Before her appointment, Theofelus was a youth activist and advocate for gender equality, children’s rights, youth employment, and sustainable development.
Her previous roles as the Speaker of the Children’s Parliament of Namibia (2013 – 2018), and former Junior Mayor of the City of Windhoek, prepared her ahead of time with the leadership skills to handle her tasks as deputy minister.
Furthermore, Theofelus’s impact extends beyond national borders, as she has served in various capacities including as Vice Chairperson of the Global Entrepreneurs Network Namibia Board and as a Commissioner of UNESCO Namibia.
Additionally, she holds membership in the Namibia Chapter of AfriYAN and serves as a board member of the Leadership Council of Africa REACH.
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The Young Minister’s Achievements
One of her notable achievements includes advocating for the removal of taxes on sanitary pads, a motion she proposed in parliament which was successfully enacted into law.
This initiative aligns with her broader vision of championing gender equality and empowering women in all spheres of life.
Theofelus was honored among the BBC’s 100 Women in 2021 and featured as one of the 100 most influential African women in 2020, cementing her status as a trailblazer in politics and activism.
Furthermore, she received the prestigious 2022 United Nations Population Award for her relentless efforts in advocating for women’s empowerment and adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Namibia.
Her appointment as Minister of Information and Communication Technology also signifies a new chapter in Namibia’s journey towards digital advancement and effective governance.
Nonetheless, in neighboring Botswana, another young trailblazer Bogolo Kenewendo 29, was appointment as minister of investment, trade, and industry.
Kenewendo appointment showcases the rising influence of young leaders across the African continent and serves as a beacon of inspiration, highlighting the potential of youth in driving transformative change.
Emma Theofelus and Bogolo Kenewendo stand as symbols of hope and progress, proving that age is no barrier to leadership and that youth have a vital role to play in shaping the future of their nations.
