Monica Geingos

Former first lady Monica Geingos reflects on a transformative 2025, outlines her leadership work, youth-focused projects and priorities, and looks ahead to impactful opportunities in 2026.

• 2025 was?

The year of redefining the possible, forgiving freely, and fiercely prioritising what matters.

• 2026 will be?

The great reset. A year of foundational growth and intentional rebuilding.

• What were the last three things you spent money on?

Home renovations, food parcels for a homeless community, baby clothing.

• What was the last text you sent?

To a young man from our Talented Individuals Programme, who texted me to share news of gainful employment.

I wrote: “I am so proud of you… I hope you see yourself through the eyes of those of us who see you as an amazing, kind, hardworking and focused young man.”

• Your role, key projects and sector in 2025?

A key project for me was preparing the ground work for a January 2026 launch of a pan-African Leadership Lab intended to prepare young Africans for key leadership roles.

• What has 2025 taught you?

The non-negotiable value of a strong network, and the discipline to work diligently on what matters. Witnessing the inauguration of president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s first woman president, was a masterclass in what perseverance looks like.

• What is the single most important quote or line of text that defined your outlook in 2025?

My daily compass was, “There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear,” from Toni Morrison.

• If artificial intelligence could magically fix one everyday task for you, what would you pick?

Reclaiming my time from the volume of emails, requests and correspondence I receive on a daily basis.

• The song you played most this year?

‘Hard fought Hallelujah’ by Brandon Lake.

• What put your office or sector in the spotlight?

The Be Free Campus, particularly the reproductive health clinic. It has been saving lives and proving to be transformative for young people.

• What is your dream Namibian holiday destination?

Sossusvlei and its timeless perspective and breathtaking silence.

• Which duty or responsibility tested your leadership this year?

Redesigning every organisational process for a nonprofit that grew from 10 to 95 employees, while ensuring its long-term sustainability.

• What advice would you give young Namibian leaders observing your work?

Success is a series of intentional trade-offs. Decide early what battles are worth your spirit, and cultivate the discipline to control your reactions. There is immense power in knowing when to fight, and when to walk away.

• Which initiative in 2026 do you see as most transformative for citizens?

The hyphen hydrogen project is future facing and, if done at scale, can be transformative. Parrallel to this, the government’s focus on growing the creative sector holds tremendous merit for youth and national identity. Ultimately though, any and every initiative that speaks to increasing employement and reducing poverty is the most transformative.

• Most overrated trend, sector or idea?

Populism.

• Biggest blunder of 2025?

Huh?

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.