By Alex Frederick
In a powerful display of African solidarity and female leadership, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan hosted her Namibian counterpart, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, at the State House in Dar es Salaam on May 20, 2025.1
The visit marks a historic occasion, as both leaders represent the only two sitting female presidents on the African continent. Their meeting not only underscored the growing influence of women in leadership but also reinforced the importance of regional diplomacy and cooperation.
A heartfelt moment unfolded during the official dinner hosted by President Hassan, when President Nandi-Ndaitwah was reunited with two long-time acquaintances Mrs. Salama Salehe Ghulum (Mama Salehe) and Mrs. Rafran Ismail Khan. The women were her former neighbors during her time living in Magomeni Mikumi, Dar es Salaam, in the 1980s.
The unexpected reunion brought a nostalgic warmth to the formal occasion, with President Nandi-Ndaitwah embracing the women and sharing fond memories of their time together. It was a poignant reminder of the enduring power of personal bonds that transcend borders and decades.
The meeting between these two trailblazing leaders symbolizes more than diplomatic dialogue it reflects unity, shared history, and the potential of women to shape the future of the continent.
