Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare commended the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) for continuing to make a significant contribution to national priorities through its investment activities.
Speaking at the official opening of the GIPF Ondangwa regional office, Dr. Ngurare says the fund has invested extensively in strategic sectors of the Namibian economy, such as housing, infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, education and enterprise development.
Prime Minister Ngurare says by law GIPF is required to invest at least 45% of its value locally, but as of 31st March 2025, it has exceeded that requirement.
The pension fund investment has gone far in supporting national priorities in housing, infrastructure and economic diversification.
To address Namibia's development agenda, GIPF continues to contribute to poverty eradication, decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities and climate action.
He then called on GIPF to invest directly in agricultural and water projects such as the construction of canals from Onamakunde and Ondombondola as well as the Etaka canal from Olushandja to Lake Oponona.
Ngurare says the success and sustainability of any pension fund depends on trust earned through good governance, accountability, transparency and ethical leadership.
"GIPF recognises fraud as one of the fund's key risks, and it is encouraging to note the continued strengthening of governance systems, ethical management processes and whistleblower mechanisms. A missing or unaccounted-for Namibian dollar is a Namibian dollar that could have improved the livelihood of our citizens."
The government he says has consistently maintained that corruption, fraud and unethical behaviour have got no place in institutions.
"We support institutions that act decisively, uphold integrity and deliver measurable results. Citizens expect public institutions to be responsible custodians of public resources. They expect action. They expect consequences for unethical conduct. Most importantly, they expect accountability."
The office was constructed at a cost of N$100 million.