Pohamba

Hifikepunye Pohamba (born 1935) is a Namibian politician who served as President of Namibia from 2005 to 2015. A longtime member of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), he was active in the independence movement and held a variety of party and government positions before his election as president. He succeeded Sam Nujoma and was succeeded by Hage Geingob, completing two terms in office.

Pohamba’s presidency emphasized land reform, poverty reduction, rural development and efforts to strengthen governance and curb corruption. His administration pursued policies aimed at redistributing land to previously disadvantaged communities while seeking to maintain agricultural productivity and economic stability. He was widely praised for a low-key, consensus-driven leadership style and for upholding constitutional norms, contributing to peaceful political transitions and institutional continuity in Namibia.

Internationally, Pohamba received recognition for his leadership and commitment to democratic governance, including the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in 2014. Since leaving office he has remained a respected elder statesman in Namibian politics, occasionally speaking on public affairs and development issues.