How COOL is THAT! She stands on the same pedestal as Pope Leo XIV, US President Donald Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. 'She' is Namibia's Head of State and Government, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. And the 'pedestal' is Time magazine's selection of 'The 100 Most Influential People of 2026'.
The current issue, published last Friday, presents the '100 Top People'. It is divided into six categories: leaders, artists, pioneers, innovators, icons and titans. Nandi-Ndaitwah made it into the top 24 in the 'leaders' category – leading decision-makers in politics, business, and society.
She is in the company of Pope Leo XIV, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. No, Vladimir Putin is not among them. Neither are German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron or British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"Our selections," Time reveals, "are led by the stories that are shaping the world each year and the people who write them. Some are well known to many, others only within their fields. To find them, we poll our editors, reporters, and sources around the world, and review the recommendations that are sent to us every day."
Selected by Time magazine as one of 'The 100 Most Influential People of 2026': Namibia's President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Photo: Screenshot from Time.com
So why did Time magazine choose Namibia's first female president? "On the global stage, she has been a consistent and respected voice from the Global South", the article on Nandi-Ndaitwah states. "Whether as liberation fighter or President, Netumbo embodies courage, conviction, and transformative leadership."
The short piece was written by UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima (see the Wikipedia article). The Ugandan-born Byanyima praises Nandi-Ndaitwah's commitment to the fight for independence.
She also outlines her political career, "which culminated in her election as Namibia's first female President" (see report on her inauguration). "Today, she is breaking barriers for African women and women globally, leading an inclusive government where women hold the highest offices."
The tribute to 'Triple N,' as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is also known, made headlines in Namibia. Even the President's office posted a short report on its Facebook page.
Three of Time magazine's 24 top 'leaders'. Namibia's President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah next to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Photo: Screenshot from Time.com