Remembering President Geingob

It is with profound sadness that we at the Africa-America Institute (AAI) learned of the passing of His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia – one of AAI’s most distinguished alumni. We offer our condolences and prayers to his wife, former First Lady Monica Geingob, their children and the people of Namibia.

AAI had a long and lasting relationship with the late President. Having participated in AAI’s Southern African Student Program, President Geingob earned a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University in 1970 and a master’s in international relations from the New School in 1974. A champion of education in Namibia and across the African continent, he was a committed friend and ally of AAI and its mission to bridge Africa and its diasporas in the Americas by educating people and connecting worlds.

Just last September during our 70th Annual Awards Gala, President Geingob joined His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, for a discussion on the state of education in Africa. In 2015, AAI had the distinct pleasure of presenting His Excellency with our Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Alumnus Award in New York City and in 2017, he graciously hosted AAI’s Alumni Reception in Windhoek, Namibia.

Leaders from around the world have paused to pay tribute to President Geingob. In a statement from the White House, President Joe Biden said, “President Geingob was a fearless leader, fighting for independence, overseeing the drafting of the new nation’s constitution, and serving his country twice as prime minister and finally as president. He was an eloquent advocate for his country and continent, who stood up for his values and beliefs.”

First elected in 2015, Geingob was the third president of Namibia. In addition to the Presidency, his long career in public service also included serving as Prime Minister of Namibia from 1990 to 2002, and again, 2012 to 2015. Between 2008 and 2012, Geingob was Minister of Trade and Industry. At the time of his death, he was President of the South-West Africa People’s Organization Party (SWAPO).

May he Rest in Peace.

Kofi Appenteng,

President of AAI