Monica Geingos
Tribute
Between negotiating deals as Namibia's former First Lady and chancellor of Kepler College, Monica Geingos has negotiated peace between siblings, fair child-upbringing policies, and the complex territories of independence for her two children. While some honour her diplomatic skills, we celebrate the diplomacy required to parent through uncertainty and the treaties of trust established within her family's walls.
Profile
Monica Geingos is a Namibian entrepreneur and lawyer who served as the First Lady of Namibia from 2015 until 2024. Following her tenure as First Lady, she was appointed as the inaugural Chancellor of Kepler College in Kigali, Rwanda. Prior to her role as First Lady, Monica had an extensive career in the financial sector, notably as a private equity and governance expert. She co-owned and managed Namibia’s largest private equity fund for over a decade and held prominent positions on the boards of several major public and private sector companies, serving as either Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson. During her time as First Lady, Monica was actively involved in various developmental initiatives. She chaired the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and was appointed as the UNAIDS Special Advocate for Young Women and Adolescent Girls, focusing on issues related to HIV/AIDS and women’s health. She also served as the President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), collaborating with other African First Ladies to address pressing health and social challenges across the continent. Her commitment to youth empowerment and poverty alleviation led to the establishment of the One Economy Foundation, which implements programs aimed at bridging the gap between the formal and informal economies in Namibia. Monica holds B.Juris and LLB degrees from the University of Namibia. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is a devoted mother of two children.