Monica Geingos (née Kalondo; born 15 November 1976) is a Namibian entrepreneur, lawyer, and former First Lady of Namibia (2015–2024) until her husband, President Dr. Hage Geingob, died. She redefined the First Lady role through advocacy on social development, HIV/AIDS, youth empowerment, and gender equity. She now serves as Chancellor of Kepler College in Rwanda and leads the One Economy Foundation.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Monica Geingos (née Kalondo) |
| Date of Birth | 15 November 1976 |
| Place of Birth | Ondonga, South West Africa (present-day Namibia) |
| Nationality | Namibian |
| State of Origin | Ondonga, Namibia (raised in Oranjemund) |
| Partner | Late Dr. Hage Geingob (President of Namibia, 2015–2024) |
| Children | 2 (blended family; both have children from previous marriages) |
| Occupations | Lawyer, Businesswoman, Entrepreneur, Former First Lady, Foundation Founder, Chancellor |
| Net Worth | Approximately $3 million USD (N$40–60 million Namibian Dollars) |
Early Life and Education
Monica Geingos was born Monica Kalondo on 15 November 1976 in Ondonga, South West Africa (present-day Namibia). She was raised in Oranjemund, Namibia’s diamond town.
Monica received all her education in Namibia and earned B.Juris and LLB degrees from the University of Namibia, qualifying her as a lawyer. Her academic training prepared her for a career in corporate law, governance, and private equity.
Career
Monica Geingos spent over two decades in Namibia’s financial sector before becoming First Lady. She worked at the Namibia Stock Exchange, became founding Chairperson of eBank Namibia, and served as Managing Director of Stimulus, Namibia’s largest private equity fund, for over a decade. She also held board positions as Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson for multiple public and private companies.
As First Lady from 2015 to 2024, she founded the One Economy Foundation in 2016 for poverty alleviation and launched the #BeFree Movement for youth sexual health and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Her international roles include UNAIDS Special Advocate for Young Women and Adolescent Girls (2016–present), President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (2022–2024), and Chancellor of Kepler College in Rwanda. She was named one of Namibia’s 12 most influential people in 2012 and one of the 100 most influential African women in 2020.
Personal Life
Monica Geingos married Dr. Hage Geingob on 14 February 2015. He served as President of Namibia until his death on 4 February 2024. He was 30 years her senior. They had a blended family with 2 children total, with both having children from previous marriages. They kept their family life private.
Monica resides at Casa Rosalia in Windhoek, Namibia, and is a member of SWAPO. The couple declared combined assets of N$110 million ($7.44 million) when taking office. Monica has pledged to donate her entire wealth, estimated at $3 million, to the One Economy Foundation when she dies.
Net Worth
Monica Geingos has an estimated net worth of approximately $3 million USD. In 2015, she declared personal assets between N$40–60 million Namibian Dollars. Her husband’s assets were N$51 million, bringing their combined wealth to N$110 million ($7.44 million).
Awards and Recognition
- World Without AIDS Award from the German AIDS Foundation for work ending AIDS by 2030
- Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up Award (third First Lady to receive this honour)
- Honorary Doctorate from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa (2026)
- Hall of Femme Award 2024 from the International Women’s Forum South Africa
- Most Distinguished Order of Namibia from former President Hifikepunye Pohamba
- Namibia Business Personality of the Year from the Namibia Chamber of Commerce
- Most Innovative Entrepreneur award from the University of Potchefstroom and Polytechnic of Namibia
- Named one of Namibia’s 12 most influential people (2012)
- Named one of the 100 most influential African women (2020)
- Named one of the 100 Most Reputable Africans (2020)
- Fortune 500 Global Women’s Mentoring Programme recipient
- Namibian Business Hall of Fame laureate
