Namibia’s First Gentleman, Epaphras Ndaitwah, has appealed for greater attention to the plight of the boy child, declaring it a central priority of his tenure at the Office of the First Spouse and a critical pillar for Africa’s long-term stability.

Ndaitwah addressed the 30th Ordinary General Assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) on Sunday.

“Following taking over the helm of the Office of the First Spouse, one of the focal points I have identified is the plight of the boy child,” he said, adding, “The proper upbringing of a boy child will serve as a balancing initiative towards our societies.”

The First Gentleman framed his remarks within a broader continental context, arguing that Africa’s resilience depends on institutions that serve all citizens equally.

“For Africa to build resilience, we must strengthen institutions that work for the people equally,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2026, Ndaitwah outlined specific priorities aimed at engaging young people through targeted programmes. 

These include sports development initiatives to productively occupy boys and girls, promoting participation in food security efforts within the agricultural sector, and linking such efforts to what he described as "positive and transformative masculinity". 

He also pledged advocacy for expanded educational opportunities for both boys and girls to advance balanced human capital development.

The Addis Ababa assembly brings together African first spouses to review key recommendations from technical advisors, to strengthen alignment between national programmes and collective continental strategies. 

Ndaitwah’s intervention signals a notable shift in emphasis within gender and development discourse, one that seeks to ensure that in advancing the rights of women and girls, Africa does not overlook the needs of its boys.

Report: Blanche Goreses