Meet - Emma Theofelus The Youngest Minister in Africa

Emma Theofelus Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Technology of Namibia. Meet Emma Theofelus, the newly appointed Minister of...

Emma Theofelus Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Technology of Namibia.

Meet Emma Theofelus, the newly appointed Minister of Information and Communication Technology of the Republic of Namibia. On March 22, 2020, Honorable Emma Theofilus was sworn in as Namibia’s Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, a position she held from March 2020 to February 2024. 

The call from the State House and her subsequent appointment by President Hage Geingob as a deputy minister on 27 March 2020 at the young age of 23 took her by surprise. She broke the record set by her replica/look-alike Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who became the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Namibia since 2015. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila was appointed to parliament by President Sam Nujoma at the age of 27. 

Emma Theofelus has also broken records as the youngest minister in Africa, bringing a fresh perspective of youthful energy that truly represents a new generation of Africans. Her leadership embodies the aspirations and potential of young people across the African continent, inspiring hope and driving positive change in the political landscape.

Over 60% of Africa's population is under the age of 25, making it the continent with the largest youth population in the world. This demographic trend highlights the importance of addressing the needs of young people in Africa, including access to education, employment opportunities, healthcare, and participation in decision-making processes.

In 1994, Melanie Verwoerd, a South African political columnist, made history by becoming an ANC MP at the age of 27, becoming the youngest woman in South Africa at that time. Meanwhile, in neighboring Botswana, trade economist Bogolo Kenewendo was appointed minister of investment, trade, and industry in 2018, at the age of 29. Similarly, in Zimbabwe, Jessie Majome, representing the opposition MDC Alliance, became the youngest parliamentarian at the age of 25 in 2018.

Africa's youngest minister at 27 of age.

The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) of Namibia sought to emulate this trend by introducing several young members to parliament, aiming to shadow the ruling party, SWAPO. President Hage Geingob, however, has demonstrated strategic foresight by appointing a youthful minister. Emma Theofelus, reflecting on her experience, remarked, “The first time I met him I was 17, and from what I’ve observed President Geingob is always been surrounded by young people. This was perhaps him walking the talk that young people are the leaders of tomorrow and we have to prepare them today.”

Education

Emma Theofelus holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Honors in Law from the University of Namibia, a Diploma in Business Management from Amity University, and a Diploma in Afrikan Feminism and Gender Studies from the University of South Africa. At 27 years old, this remarkable leader is considered one of the youngest cabinet ministers in Africa. 

Career

Emma Theofelus began her career as a legal officer in the Ministry of Justice after completing her law degree at the University of Namibia. Before her ministerial appointment, she had already established herself as a prominent figure in youth activism and leadership roles. Notably, Theofelus served as the Secretary General of the University of Namibia Student Union and as the youngest member of the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my country at this level and appreciate the journey of a lifetime so far.

Her dedication to youth empowerment is evident through her various roles, including serving as the Legal Advisor to NANSO (Namibian National Students' Organization), Deputy Speaker of the Children's Parliament of the Republic of Namibia, and Junior Mayor of the City of Windhoek. With a rich background in legal practice and a strong commitment to advocating for youth rights and participation, Theofelus brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as Minister of Information and Communication Technology.

Accolades

Honorable Emma Theofelus is a distinguished Member of Parliament, Lawyer, and Social Justice Advocate, with a remarkable list of accolades and awards to her name. Her outstanding contributions have garnered international recognition, including:

• Laureate in the Individual Category of the United Nations Population Award 2022.
• The BBC 100 Most Influential Women in the World 2021
• Avance Media's 100 Most Influential Young Africans 2020 & 2021
• Selection as a St. Gallen Leader of Tomorrow.
• Avance Media's 100 Most Influential African Women 2020 & 2021
• New African 100 Most Influential Africans of 2020.
• Acknowledgment in the Reputation Poll 100 Most Reputable Africans 2020.

These prestigious accolades underscore Hon. Emma Theofelus's exceptional leadership, dedication to social justice, and significant impact both nationally and internationally. It’s important to empower more women to take up these spaces in public office and political decision-making so that they’re able to overturn patriarchal systems that continue to hold women back," said Hon. Emma Theofelus.