About Monica Geingos
The woman behind the work.
From a young age, Monica understood that strong families, communities and systems are built on shared values. Raised in a loving and inclusive home in Namibia, she saw first-hand how education, stability and support could set someone up to thrive. Determined to extend those same foundations to others, she built a career rooted in purpose and progress.
A qualified lawyer and former investment banker, Monica rose to become a respected corporate leader, and later, the First Lady of Namibia. But titles were never the goal. Her focus has always been on building systems that work to create tangible, measurable impact.
Over the years, Monica has established herself as a trusted leader across both corporate and public sectors, not only shaping policy but actively building platforms for social and economic progress. As the founder of multiple initiatives focused on youth empowerment, social equity and economic reform, Monica continues to use her skills, experience and networks to help others rise and lead across the continent.
- Experience in investment banking and capital markets with over 20 years experience
- 2004 – Co-founded Stimulus Private Equity – Namibia’s first private equity firm
- 2006 – Awarded Business Personality of the Year by Namibian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- 2013 – Co-founded and chaired eBank Namibia – Namibia’s first fully digital bank
- 2014 – Received National Honours for Most Distinguished Order of Namibia
- 2015 – Became the First Lady of Namibia – using her platform to expand social and economic impact
- 2016 – Founded the One Economy Foundation to close opportunity gaps for youth across Namibia
- 2016 – Appointed UNAIDS Special Advocate – advancing youth-focused HIV advocacy
- 2018 – Received the World Without AIDS Award from the German AIDS Foundation
- 2019 – Named one of Africa’s 100 Most Influential Women by Avance Media
- 2022 – Elected President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) – strengthening First Lady-led development initiatives in Africa
- 2023 – Appointed Chairperson of The Africa REACH Leadership Council
- 2023 – Launched the #WeAreEqual Campaign as President of OAFLAD, with the programme rolling out in 20+ African Countries
- 2024 – Inducted into the Hall of Femme by IWF South Africa
- 2024 – Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Jharkhand Rai University, India
- 2024 – Appointed as a UN SDG Advocate for sustainable development
- 2024 – Recognised among Africa’s Top 100 Economic Leaders
- 2025 – Named the Inaugural Chancellor of Kepler College, Rwanda
- 2025 – Appointed to the Adjunct Faculty of Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program
Monica's Purpose
To bring opportunity and talent together, enabling others to unlock their full potential.
Vision
To see young Africans excel and credibly compete without limitations, for themselves, their families and their societies.
Mission
To use our talents, influence and network to inspire and lead others to break through and flourish.
Leadership Roles
- Executive Chairperson, One Economy Foundation Namibia | 2016 – Present
- SDG Advocate, United Nations - International | 2024 – Present
- Co-Chair, Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemics - International | 2023 – Present
- Chancellor (Inaugural), Kepler College - Rwanda | 2025 – Present
- Founder and Co-Chairperson, Leadership Lab Yetu | 2025 – Present
- Special Advocate for Young Women and Adolescent Girls, UNAIDS - International | 2016 – Present
- Board Member, WomenLift Health International - International | 2022 – Present
- Adjunct Faculty Member, Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program - International | 2024 – Present
- Chairperson, Africa REACH Leadership Council - Africa | 2023 – Present
- Chairperson, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development - Africa | 2021 – Present
- Leadership Council Member, Concordia - International | 2019 – Present
- Board Trustee, Virchow Foundation for Global Health - International | 2023 – Present
- Patron, Monica Geingos Junior Secondary School - Namibia | 2015 – Present
- Patron, Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia - Namibia | 2015-2024
- President, Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) - Africa | 2022 – 2024
- Co-Patron, PLO Lumumba Foundation's Africa Mentorship Programme - International | 2018 – 2024
- Chairperson, Urban Poor Fund International - International | 2018 – 2021
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