Also known as: former first lady Monica Geingos · H.E. Geingos · Former first lady · madam Monica Geingos · madame Monica Geingos · first lady Monica Geingos · 3rd First Lady · Dr Monica Geingos · Meme Monica Geingos · Mrs Monica Geingos
Former First Lady and founder of the One Economy Foundation, which supports youth aged 13–35 in Namibia; incoming Board Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
News reports
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Windhoek Observer
Monica Geingos currently serves as executive chairperson of the One Economy Foundation
“Geingos currently serves as executive chairperson of the One Economy Foundation.”
Geingos to chair world’s largest maternal, child health allianceThe Namibian
Monica Geingos has had staff reduced from seven to three
“Cabinet has decided to reduce the number of staff members attached to Geingos from seven to three, while the number of state vehicles allocated to her has been reduced from three to two.”
Cabinet secretary defends Geingos’ staff, vehicle reductionThe Namibian
Monica Geingos has had state vehicles reduced from three to two
“Cabinet has decided to reduce the number of staff members attached to Geingos from seven to three, while the number of state vehicles allocated to her has been reduced from three to two.”
Cabinet secretary defends Geingos’ staff, vehicle reductionThe Namibian
Monica Geingos served as Namibia's first lady from 2015 until February 2024
“The Namibian has been informed that Geingos, who served as Namibia's first lady from 2015 until February 2024 following the death of her late husband, president Hage Geingob, currently has seven employees working at her residence.”
Cabinet cuts Monica Geingos’ post-office benefits and staff allocationsThe Namibian
Monica Geingos says unresolved childhood trauma and mental health challenges fuel gender-based violence and social problems in Namibia
“One Economy Foundation founder and executive chairperson Monica Geingos says unresolved childhood trauma and mental health challenges continue to fuel gender-based violence (GBV) and other social problems in Namibia.”
Broken children grow into broken adults – GeingosThe Namibian
Monica Geingos said Uerikua's leadership was the result of hard work and determination
“In her tribute, Geingos said Uerikua's leadership was the result of hard work and determination.”
Sheya recalls warning to stay away from UerikuaNew Era
Monica Geingos was conferred with an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg
“It was a bittersweet moment for former first lady Monica Geingos as she was conferred with an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) this week.”
Geingos dedicates honorary PhD to GeingobInformanté
Monica Geingos received Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy from University of Johannesburg
“THE Third First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, recently received an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy (Honoris Causa) from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in recognition of her work in driving social development, championing youth and gender equity across Africa, and using economics and governance to deliver real, evidence-based change.”
Geingos receives honorary doctorate from University of Johannesburg for leadership in social developmentInformanté
Monica Geingos is founder of One Economy Foundation and #BeFree Movement Project
“She is the founder of the One Economy Foundation and the #BeFree Movement Project, which focuses on youth sexual health and HIV/AIDS awareness.”
Geingos receives honorary doctorate from University of Johannesburg for leadership in social developmentThe Namibian
Monica Geingos says she will not call herself a doctor until she works towards finalising her own PhD
“Former first lady and One Economy Foundation founder Monica Geingos says she will not call herself a doctor until she works towards finalising her own PhD.”
I will not call myself doctor until I earn it – Monica GeingosPenehupifo Pohamba, former First Lady and a nurse and midwife who championed women's empowerment and rural clinic access during her decade in State House, died on Saturday night at age 78 at the Windhoek hospital bearing her name.
19 October 2026 · New Era →
Penehupifo Pohamba, former First Lady and a nurse and midwife who championed women's empowerment and rural clinic access during her decade in State House, died on Saturday night at age 78 at the Windhoek hospital bearing her name.
19 October 2026 · New Era →
The Windhoek Observer argues that Swapo's internal leadership contest ahead of the 2027 Congress deserves national attention because the party's decisions shape government policy and national direction, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah positioned to run unopposed while several candidates emerge for other top positions.
19 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba died on 17 October 2026 at age 78, leaving a legacy of public service, women's empowerment, and advocacy for maternal and child healthcare. Pohamba served as Namibia's second First Lady from 2005 to 2015 during her husband Hifikepunye Pohamba's presidency.
19 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Former First Lady Monica Geingos has described the death of her predecessor Penehupifo Pohamba as "devastating" and credited her with shaping her own tenure in the role, noting Pohamba's contributions to maternal and child health, HIV and AIDS advocacy, and the establishment of the Office of the First Spouse.
18 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Lt Gen (Rtd) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, First Gentleman of the Republic of Namibia, addressed a Male Engagement Symposium on coordinating Namibia's work with men and boys for gender equality and wellbeing, commending the UNFPA and partner organisations, and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare's Third National Gender Equality and Equity Policy 2025–2035.
9 October 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has commended the One Economy Foundation, founded by Monica Geingos, for its youth empowerment contributions and called for broader institutional and individual support for the Foundation's efforts, saying youth development aligns with government priorities under NDP6.
3 October 2026 · Informanté →
The One Economy Foundation will hold its 11th annual fundraising soirée on 1 October in Windhoek to support youth-focused programmes across Namibia. Founded in 2016, the foundation targets young Namibians aged 13 to 35 facing barriers to healthcare, education, skills development, and employment.
29 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The One Economy Foundation has warned donors of a fraudulent fundraising scam involving a fraudulent invoice impersonating Chairperson Monica Geingos, which diverted a donor's payment intended for its October 2026 fundraising gala. The Foundation said it suspended the fraudulent account before full withdrawal and is working with authorities to pursue those responsible.
24 September 2026 · Informanté →
Monica Geingos, incoming Board Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, called for young people and civil society to have a greater voice in decisions on financing for women's, children's and adolescents' health, arguing that communities and young people must be actively involved in shaping decisions that affect them rather than merely consulted.
23 September 2026 · Informanté →
Former first lady Monica Geingos told a panel discussion that leadership is demonstrated through willingness to serve and volunteer rather than formal positions, and that young people should build qualifications and financial independence before entering politics to enable principled decision-making.
14 September 2026 · The Namibian →
One Economy Foundation executive chairperson Monica Geingos has called for greater tolerance of youth organisations that fail and for stronger investment and collaboration between young people and older generations. She made the remarks at a panel discussion on youth leadership in Windhoek, noting that young Namibians face high unemployment and challenges moving into sustainable employment and entrepreneurship.
14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Monica Geingos, executive chairperson of One Economy Foundation, called for greater tolerance of youth organisations that fail and urged investment in youth-led ideas and intergenerational collaboration. She said young people should not wait for perfect conditions to take up leadership roles, as they face high unemployment with 44.4% joblessness among those aged 15 to 34.
14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Former first lady Monica Geingos has called for greater tolerance for failure among young people and youth-led organisations, saying mistakes can become opportunities to learn and improve, provided they do not involve integrity violations or wrongdoing. She said institutions should extend grace to young people who make mistakes but are willing to learn from them.
12 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Former Brave Gladiators captain Stacey Naris says Namibian sport requires inclusive leadership, strong governance, and meaningful grassroots investment to have a future and become a tool for national development. Naris, speaking after a panel discussion with former First Lady Monica Geingos on sport's role in leadership and community development, emphasises that sport integrity, ethical management, and women's participation in governance are essential.
10 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Former First Lady Monica Geingos has clarified that her documented response to the 2020 killing of Andy Kazekondjo and assault of his sister involved psychological and emotional support, not a commitment to build the family a house. An activist recently sought an update on what she described as a housing pledge made by Geingos' office, noting the family had reportedly returned to the original house where the assault occurred.
2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Denga Epaphras Ndaitwah (DEN) Impact Foundation, established by First Gentleman retired Lieutenant General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, was officially launched to empower Namibia's boys and young men through education, sport, agriculture, vocational training and mentorship. The foundation's four key pillars are agriculture, sport, education, and vocational and technical training.
19 August 2026 · Informanté →
At the African Feminism Forum in Windhoek, speakers including former first lady Monica Geingos called for better financing, leadership, and social protection to advance women's rights, with focus on care work, debt, taxation, and financial inclusion. The discussion also addressed women's political leadership, economic structures, and the Maputo Protocol as a framework for African women to claim their rights.
17 August 2026 · The Namibian →
New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, co-authored by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz and others including Monica Geingos, finds that economic inequality rather than traditional measures like laboratory capacity is the strongest predictor of how countries respond to health crises, arguing that technical capacity alone is insufficient without addressing inequality.
5 August 2026 · Informanté →
Former first lady Monica Geingos told graduates of the Îsabedi Cultural Training Programme to be proud of their culture while distinguishing cultural pride from tribalism. She highlighted the Horokhoes traditional dress and encouraged young women to invest in their confidence and self-esteem.
5 July 2026 · The Namibian →
South African brand Lil-Lets donated 6,000 sanitary pad packs and five menstrual corners to the One Economy Foundation and partner organisations including Girl Up Namibia, Havana Charity Work Foundation, Lidar Foundation, and the Zambezi Girl Child Foundation to support menstrual health initiatives in Namibia. The donation is part of a partnership aimed at improving access to menstrual hygiene products, promoting awareness, and addressing stigma surrounding menstruation.
15 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Former First Lady Monica Geingos has been appointed as an Advisor to Club de Madrid, a global forum of more than 130 democratic former Presidents and Prime Ministers from over 70 countries. Geingos brings experience in law, finance, public health, and youth development, and founded the One Economy Foundation and chairs the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development.
12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Former first lady Monica Geingos told fellows in the 2026 One Economy Foundation Media Fellowship Programme that journalism should be understood as a gradual process of shaping perspectives through consistent and accurate reporting rather than expecting instant change, and that storytelling must account for lived experiences, trauma and social context.
11 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Former First Lady Monica Geingos has been appointed Board Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), the world's largest alliance focused on the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents. She succeeds former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, whose tenure ends in November 2026.
16 May 2026 · Informanté →
Monica Geingos has been appointed board chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, the world's largest alliance focused on maternal, newborn and child health, succeeding former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark when her term ends in November 2026. The alliance, hosted by the WHO in Geneva, brings together nearly 1,500 partner organisations working on maternal, child and adolescent health.
15 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Cabinet has decided to reduce Monica Geingos' staff from seven to three and state vehicles from three to two, effective 1 June, aligning her benefits with those of former first lady Kovambo Nujoma. Some of the dismissed staff members have reportedly approached the labour commissioner alleging unfair dismissal and unfair labour practices.
14 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Cabinet has reduced the benefits of former first lady Monica Geingos, limiting her to three household staff members and two state-sponsored vehicles effective 1 June, down from her current seven employees. The new policy applies to former first ladies whose husbands die before them, but does not affect founding first lady Kovambo Nujoma.
12 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Monica Geingos of One Economy Foundation says unresolved childhood trauma and mental health challenges continue to fuel gender-based violence and other social problems in Namibia, and that intervention and timely support for young people is important because it is easier to fix broken children than broken adults. Research conducted by the foundation in nine correctional facilities found that lack of love and unresolved mental health issues in homes are drivers of gender-based violence.
11 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Former Kunene governor Marius Sheya has revealed he was warned to distance himself from Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua during the party's 2024 electoral college to avoid losing votes. Speaking at Uerikua's memorial service, Sheya reflected on their enduring friendship and how he eventually informed Uerikua of the warning while protecting the source, emphasizing the rarity of loyalty in politics.
13 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Hundreds gathered in Otjozondjupa to pay respects to former governor and National Assembly member James Unomasa Uerikua, who died in a car accident over Easter weekend along with his 14-year-old son, Venturo. Former First Lady Monica Geingos and fellow leaders praised his legacy as a visionary who championed agriculture, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
13 April 2026 · New Era →
Monica Geingos was conferred with an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg in recognition of her leadership and advocacy for social development across Africa. She dedicated the honour to her late husband, President Hage Geingob, saying it fulfills a promise to pursue her own PhD as they had planned together.
18 March 2026 · New Era →