3rd First Lady, Namibia

Official account of Mrs. Monica Geingos, Executive Chairperson of @One_Namibia and the 3rd First Lady of the Republic of Namibia.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

After three years in the making, today, @ONE_Namibia is extremely proud to be celebrating the official opening of the much-anticipated @BeFree Youth Campus in Katutura.
#NewSeason #BeFreeLaunch

A thread following today’s programme ⬇️

[FUNAAB Nigeria @FUNAABNigeria]

Namibia’s Former First Lady Challenges African Universities to Shape the Continent’s Future Workforce

… As She Leads a High-Powered Delegation on Strategic Visit to FUNAAB

By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu

In a significant demonstration of Africa’s growing commitment to cross-border collaboration in education, leadership, and sustainable development, Her Excellency, Madame Monica Hage Geingos, the 3rd First Lady of Namibia and founder of the One Economy Foundation, has called on African universities to take a leading role in transforming the continent’s rapidly expanding population into a globally competitive workforce.

Speaking today, June 3, 2026, during a Strategic Courtesy Visit to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Africa’s foremost University of Agriculture, Madame Geingos stressed the urgency of investing in education, innovation, and leadership development as Africa positions itself for a future in which one out of every four people globally is projected to be African by 2050.

Addressing university leaders, Academics, policymakers, and students, she noted that Africa’s demographic growth presents a historic opportunity, but warned that population expansion alone would not guarantee prosperity without deliberate investments in human capital development. “The challenge before Africa is not merely population growth, but preparing that population with the knowledge, competencies, and values required to compete and lead in a rapidly evolving global economy,” she said.

Madame Geingos identified the widening gap between industry expectations and graduate competencies as one of the most pressing challenges confronting African economies. She stressed that universities must work more closely with governments, businesses, and development institutions to produce graduates equipped with both technical expertise and leadership capacity.

Drawing from the work of the Leadership Lab and the Dr. Hage G. Geingob Presidential Centre, Madame Geingos emphasised the importance of ethical leadership in Africa’s development journey. She explained that the initiatives were designed to cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of navigating complex governance challenges while remaining committed to integrity, accountability, and public service.

Reflecting on the legacy of her late husband, , she described him as a visionary Pan-African leader whose lifelong commitment to education, transparency, and national development has continued to inspire emerging leaders across the continent.

As part of efforts to preserve and promote his intellectual contributions, Madame Geingos promised to present a copy of the late President’s Doctoral thesis on state formation to FUNAAB. She also highlighted the enduring relationship between Nigeria and Namibia, paying tribute to Nigeria’s historic role in Namibia’s liberation struggle and acknowledging the influence of renowned Nigerian economist and statesman, late Prof. Adebayo Adedeji whom she described as one of President Geingob’s mentors and a champion of African integration.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

The delegation had productive conversations and left with a clear sense of openness toward future collaborations between the University and the Centre.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

Today, Ms. Monica Geingos and her delegation were graciously received at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Nigeria, by Vice-Chancellor Professor Olusola Babatunde Kehinde.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

As part of a benchmarking initiative by the Dr Hage G. Geingob Presidential Centre to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the visit formed part of a series of strategic courtesy visits.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

The delegation was warmly welcomed by former President H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & members of the OOPL Board. During the visit, the delegation toured the Institute for African Culture and International Understanding, the Presidential Library and archives, museum, & cinema.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

Ms Monica Geingos with Professor Peter Katjavivi, Mr Walde Ndevashiya & Ms Nangula Geingos, visited the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Nigeria, as part of a benchmarking & familiarisation exercise for the upcoming Dr Hage G Geingob Presidential Centre.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

We have noted promotional material advertising Ms. Monica Geingos as a speaker at the “Namibian Woman Initiative” event on June 6, 2026 in Ondangwa.

Ms. Geingos is not attending or speaking at this event. Use of her name/image is unauthorised, inaccurate & should be withdrawn.

[One Economy Foundation @One_Namibia]

Technical Advisor in the Office of the President of Sierra Leone, Mr. Momo Francis Turay, visited the #BeFree Youth Campus and expressed admiration for the work being done to empower young people.

[Leadership Lab Yetu @LabYetu]

🔄 To navigate global change, we must focus on building leadership continuity, responsive institutions, and cross-sector collaboration.

Read more insights from our CEO, Rumbidzai Chisenga: https://t.co/sH98SsR5BO

#Yetu

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

Ms. Monica Geingos hosted Hon. Iipumbu Shiimi, Member of Parliament, for a courtesy visit at the @BeFreeYouth Campus. During the visit, they toured the recording studio, kitchen, and clinic, highlighting the important work being done to support and empower young people.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

Former Irish Ambassador to Southern Africa, H.E. Fionnuala Gilsenan, visited Ms. Monica Geingos at the #BeFreeYouth Campus in Katutura yesterday. The visit highlighted the important work being carried out at the campus to advance youth-friendly spaces & support programmes.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

This morning, Ms. Monica Geingos received a courtesy visit from H.E. Joanne Doornewaard, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to South Africa. The visit included a tour of the One Economy Foundation’s #BeFree Youth Campus, where discussions centred on youth empowerment.

[PMNCH @PMNCH]

Big news for global health, and a strong signal for what comes next.

@KalondoMonica has been appointed as the new Board Chair of PMNCH, stepping into this role at a moment that demands bold, coordinated leadership.

We are entering a period where:

• Financing for health is tightening
• Inequalities are deepening
• #SRHR are under pressure

This is exactly why leadership matters.

Monica brings a powerful mix of experience across finance, law, gender equality, and youth empowerment. From championing adolescent well-being through the #BeFree movement to advocating globally for equity and opportunity, she embodies the kind of cross-sector leadership needed to navigate today’s challenges.

For PMNCH, this is not just a leadership transition. It is a moment to accelerate action.

• To strengthen health sovereignty.
• To mobilize smarter, more sustainable financing.
• And to ensure women, children, and adolescents remain at the center of global priorities.

A sincere thank you to @HelenClarkNZ for her outstanding leadership and stewardship of the partnership.

The work continues, with renewed energy and direction.

🔗 Read more: https://t.co/pOQ2zWnuNo

#WCAH #GlobalHealth #Leadership @khosla_rajat, @unfpachief, @MartinChungong, @SanjanaA_Dr, @bishen_shyam, @imane_lakbachi, @daktari1, @MartinChungong, @MoHFW_INDIA, @kathleensherwin, @PascaleAllotey, @luclaviolett, @UNFPA, @WHO, @Amref_Worldwide, @Fos_Feminista, @world_midwives, @wef, @GLN_Community, @gatesfoundation, @theGFF

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH) today announced the appointment of Ms. Monica Geingos as Board Chair, succeeding Helen Clark, whose tenure ends in Nov 2026.

https://t.co/3VSrlZEPfa

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

She concluded by encouraging nurses to “be bigger than themselves,” reminding them that service is not always about personal recognition, but about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

She called for compassion, unity, & support among healthcare professionals.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

Today, Ms. Monica Geingos attended the International Nurses Day Commemoration at Windhoek Central Hospital.

Ms. Geingos shared a message of encouragement, encouraging nurses to continue giving their best despite the many challenges they may face.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

Reflecting on Florence Nightingale’s legacy, she highlighted that the young nurse is remembered because she went a step further.

She highlighted the importance of going the extra mile, saying that history remembers ordinary people who do more than what is expected of them.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

By understanding these dynamics, the members can now interpret their experiences as responses to broader social conditions that influenced their development, instead of as personal weaknesses.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

This afternoon, Ms Geingos & Hon. Dr. Emma Kantema, Minister @MGECW_Namibia, joined the weekly Majita Mondays sessions at the @BeFreeYouth Campus.

In this session, Mr @alex_gomachab, a #BeFree Ambassador, presented his research findings on the impact of absent fathers.

[3rd First Lady, Namibia @FirstLadyNam3]

Titled: "Phenomenological Exploration of Psychosocial Challenges in Emerging Adult Males: Absent Father and Emerging Adulthood in Khorixas," Mr Gomachab’s research explains the role of fatherhood in shaping societies.