Joyce Hilda Banda

<p class="MsoNormal">Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda, Malawi’s first female president and
one of Southern Africa’s most prominent women in politics, is a presidential
candidate 2025 General Elections in Namibia on the ticket of the People’s Party.
<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Early Life and Activism</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Born on 12 April 1950 in Zomba District, Malawi, Banda built
her career as a women’s rights activist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist long
before entering frontline politics. She established the Joyce Banda Foundation,
the National Association of Business Women, and the Young Women Leaders Network,
which focused on improving education, livelihoods, and empowerment for women
and children.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Rise in Politics and Presidency</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Banda entered Parliament in the late 1990s and quickly rose
through cabinet roles. As Minister of Gender, Child Welfare and Community
Services (2004–2006), she championed Malawi’s Domestic Violence Bill. She later
served as Foreign Affairs Minister (2006–2009) and became the country’s first
female Vice-President (2009–2012).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Following the sudden death of President Bingu wa Mutharika
in April 2012, Banda assumed office amidst a constitutional crisis. She became Malawi’s
first female Head of State, serving until 2014.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Banda’s presidency was overshadowed by the “Cashgate”
corruption scandal in 2013, where tens of millions of dollars were siphoned
from government accounts through fraudulent payments. While Banda dissolved her
cabinet and invited investigations, the scandal eroded donor trust and weakened
her political standing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Post-Presidency and 2025 Comeback</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After losing the 2014 elections, Banda spent time abroad but
returned in 2018 to re-engage with Malawian politics. Her People’s Party (PP)
has since endorsed her as its 2025 presidential candidate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Her campaign promises include:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Expanding youth empowerment and entrepreneurship
opportunities,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Ensuring free secondary education,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Strengthening mobile health delivery systems, and<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Fighting corruption with tougher accountability mechanisms.<o:p></o:p></p><p>

</p><p class="MsoNormal">Her running mate is former Vice-President Khumbo Kachali.<o:p></o:p></p>