Meet Emma Theofilus, 23, Namibia's youngest Minister and MP

In a recent cabinet reshuffle in Namibia, one name stood out; Emma Theofilus. The 23-three-year old was appointed deputy information and technology minister, making her the youngest minister as well as member of parliament.

The law graduate was informed of the appointment through a “rare call from State House.” She was one of the eight presidential nominees for the country’s national assembly and a deputy minister appointed by Namibia’s President, Hage Geingob. They were sworn in on Tuesday March 24.

Her appointment drew mixed reactions with her biggest critics being the country’s old elites who questioned her competence and capacity.

“I do not think I am special, but I do not think I am inexperienced, and I do not think being young or female has anything to do with my appointment. Anything I set myself to and any environment I want to work into, I can do it; so the issue of inexperience does not hold any water,” said Theofilus as reported by The Namibian.

Her appointment comes at a time when the Namibian youths have been calling for the youths to be incorporated into the country’s leadership, which features mainly old, familiar faces.

Theofilus, who was working as a legal officer in the country’s Ministry of Justice prior to her appointment, understands that she will be used as a benchmark for young people. In a separate interview, Theofilus said she is ready to take on the challenge.