Born: 1976 (Namibia)
Biography:
Monica Geingos (née Kalondo) was born on November 15, 1976, in Namibia. She is a renowned entrepreneur, lawyer, and the First Lady of Namibia, assuming the role in 2015. Geingos has made significant contributions to the development of Namibia’s economy and society through her leadership, expertise, and dedication.
Geingos embarked on her career in the financial sector, amassing over 20 years of experience. She holds a qualification in law and has held senior positions in capital markets, corporate finance, and private equity. Throughout her career, she served as a board member and director in numerous large companies, displaying her aptitude for effective corporate governance.
Her outstanding achievements and exceptional leadership have been recognized with various awards and honors. Former President Pohamba awarded Geingos National Honors for her significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Namibia. In recognition of her remarkable accomplishments, she was inducted into the Namibian Business Hall of Fame and received prestigious awards such as the Namibian Business Personality of the Year and Most Innovative Entrepreneur.
Geingos’s influence extends beyond Namibia. Both local and international media have frequently acknowledged her as one of the most influential Namibians and one of Africa’s Top 100 Economic Leaders. Her success in the private sector has positioned her as a sought-after member of high-level policy advisory boards, including the President’s Economic Advisory Council, the governing party’s think tank, and the National Council of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Geingos’s personal life took a significant turn in 2015 when she married Hage Geingob, the then-President-elect of Namibia, on February 14, shortly before he assumed office. Since then, she has served as Namibia’s First Lady, utilizing her expertise and corporate experience to complement President Geingob’s efforts in tackling poverty and inequality. Together, they established the One Economy Foundation, which focuses on sustainable solutions to lift vulnerable populations out of poverty traps.
One of Geingos’s notable initiatives as First Lady is the #BeFreeMovement, a youth-driven program aimed at providing a safe platform for adolescents and young adults to discuss their challenges openly and access necessary information and services. In line with this vision, Geingos is overseeing the establishment of Project #BeFree, which strives to offer comprehensive services, including life skills programs and mental health support, through the construction of an inclusive one-stop youth center of excellence.
Monica Geingos’s unwavering commitment to socioeconomic development, her extensive experience in the corporate sector, and her passion for empowering young people have solidified her legacy as a remarkable leader and advocate for positive change. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on Namibia’s history and have inspired countless individuals to pursue their own path of excellence.
Awards:
– National Honors by Former President Pohamba for her outstanding contribution to Namibia’s socio-economic development
– Inducted into the Namibian Business Hall of Fame
– Namibian Business Personality of the Year
– Most Innovative Entrepreneur