Namibia Minute.
Monday, 7 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 7 September 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Namibian press · Organization

Government Institutions Pension Fund

Also known as: GIPF · GIPF's

Government Institutions Pension Fund — Namibia's largest pension fund manager controlling 69.4% of retirement fund assets (N$209 billion as of March 2026), investing in property, retail, and domestic enterprises.

2022-04-192026-09-07
Share on WhatsApp

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. January 2026

  2. Namibian Sun

    Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) employed Owen Sikanda for the past 15 years

    Source

    “For the past 15 years, Owen Sikanda, Head of Benefits Administration in the Operations Department at the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), has been a steady force of dedication, growth and service excellence.”

    Owen Sikanda: 15 years of service rooted in excellence

  3. New Era

    Government Institutions Pension Fund announced it had committed up to N$900 million to help members buy, build or renovate homes

    Source

    “Last year GIPF announced it had committed up to N$900 million to help its members buy, build homes or renovate their homes.”

    Mixed reactions to GIPF’s pension-backed home loans …SOE’s and others to be advised when the scheme is available

  4. The Namibian

    Government Institutions Pension Fund announced that its pension-backed home loan scheme will commence pension-backed home loan scheme (PBHLS) will commence today

    Source

    “The GIPF has announced that its pension-backed home loan scheme (PBHLS) will commence today.”

    GIPF home loan repayments to go back to members

  5. The Namibian

    GIPF says home loan repayments and interest will go back to members' pots

    Source

    “The repayments and interest that will be paid by members of the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) on home loans will go back to members' pots.”

    GIPF home loan repayments to go back to members

  6. New Era

    Government Institutions Pension Fund announced on Friday Pension-Backed Home Loan Scheme will officially launch today

    Source

    “The Government Institutions Pension Fund announced on Friday that its Pension-Backed Home Loan Scheme will officially launch today.”

    GIPF’s home loan kicks off today
  7. December 2025

  8. The Namibian

    Government Institutions Pension Fund has announced a 4% increase in monthly pension payouts, effective from 1 April

    Source

    “The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has announced a 4% increase in monthly pension payouts, effective from 1 April, to keep pace with Namibia's current inflation rate.”

    Top business stories of 2025
  9. November 2025

  10. The Namibian

    Government Institutions Pension Fund experienced missing millions

    Source

    “It is astounding that the government, or rather the state, still considers itself qualified and trustworthy in light of: Fuelrot, Fishrot, SME Bank collapse, the Government Institutions pension Fund's missing millions, and low foreign direct investment and poor fixed investment rates.”

    The Land Bill Demands a Land Audit: Accountability Over Acquisition
  11. April 2022

  12. The Namibian

    GIPF is alleged to be wanted to have enough funds forever to keep funding government projects and buy GRN bonds

    Source

    “They now want to make sure the GIPF has enough funds, forever, to keep funding government projects and to buy GRN bonds.”

    Leave My Penjen, maParasite!

  13. The Namibian

    GIPF is alleged to be kept funded by the government in order to fund government projects and buy GRN bonds

    Source

    “They now want to make sure the GIPF has enough funds, forever, to keep funding government projects and to buy GRN bonds.”

    Leave My Penjen, maParasite!
Mining & Energy

Twin Hills gold mine construction strains housing market

The News

Mining expansion around Karibib, driven by Osino Resources' Twin Hills gold mine development, is creating job opportunities but intensifying pressure on land and housing availability in Karibib, Omaruru and Usakos. The mine currently employs 1,500 people on site with first production expected around this time next year, and is projected to employ at least 1,000 directly once operational.

3 September 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 3 September

  1. Twin Hills gold mine construction strains housing market

    Mining expansion around Karibib, driven by Osino Resources' Twin Hills gold mine development, is creating job opportunities but intensifying pressure on land and housing availability in Karibib, Omaruru and Usakos. The mine currently employs 1,500 people on site with first production expected around this time next year, and is projected to employ at least 1,000 directly once operational.

    3 September 2026 · New Era →

Monday 17 August

  1. Proposed compulsory pension contributions worry businesses, workers

    Businesses and workers face potential financial pressure over compulsory contributions under a planned national pension fund. Employers warn that the contributions could squeeze struggling small businesses and reduce take-home pay for low-income employees, with concerns that adding another statutory obligation could discourage hiring.

    17 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia must own stake in oil finds, not just supply services

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia should prioritize equity ownership in its oil discoveries—particularly Venus, Graff, and Mopane in the Orange Basin—rather than limiting itself to local-content arrangements that only provide wages and services, contrasting this approach with Norway's wealth-building model.

    17 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 15 August

  1. Namibia's capital-allocation problem versus money shortage

    Namibia's economic debate centres on whether the country has insufficient money, but observers argue it has substantial institutional savings, pension assets, and private wealth that are not being channelled into Namibian-owned productive enterprises. Public debt stood at N$167.2 billion (67.3% of GDP) in 2024/25 and was projected to rise to N$182.9 billion (67.5% of GDP) in 2025/26, while the Government Institutions Pension Fund held approximately N$209 billion in assets as of March 2026, with 47.8% invested locally.

    15 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 14 August

  1. GIPF appoints Joanette Eises as communications practitioner

    The Government Institutions Pension Fund has appointed Joanette Eises to the role of communications practitioner.

    14 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Monday 27 July

  1. Experts call for overhaul of Namibia's unclaimed benefits system

    Consumer advocates and industry players are calling for reform of Namibia's unclaimed benefits system, with a parliamentary motion seeking a national audit of unclaimed pension, insurance and death benefits and stronger tracing obligations for institutions. Consumer analyst Salomo Iipinge argues the issue reflects a structural failure that disadvantages vulnerable families and rural and low-income Namibians, and warns against unscrupulous tracing agents while calling for greater transparency on interest earned on unclaimed funds.

    27 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 22 July

  1. GIPF chief urges rural water access before AI investment

    The Chief Operations Officer of the Government Institutions Pension Fund emphasized that basic water provision in rural areas should take priority before investing in artificial intelligence for water management. He argued that foundational infrastructure like rainwater harvesting and earth dams should be established first, noting that current AI technologies for water systems are primarily available in urban areas while rural communities lack basic access.

    22 July 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 17 July

  1. FIMA rules threaten pensioners' access to housing loans

    Since the Financial Institutions and Markets Act took effect in May 2026, concerns have arisen that Section 282(2) may unintentionally prevent thousands of pensioners from accessing affordable housing finance from their retirement funds. Industry experts worry the rule requiring a first mortgage bond for direct housing loans is hampering the consumer protection the Act was meant to provide.

    17 July 2026 · New Era →

  2. FIMA rules may block pensioners from retirement fund housing loans

    Pension fund industry experts warn that Section 282(2) of Namibia's Financial Institutions and Markets Act, which took effect in May 2026, may prevent thousands of pensioners from accessing affordable housing finance from their retirement funds. A pension funds expert emphasised the concern applies specifically to direct housing loans granted by retirement funds themselves, distinct from the Government Institutions Pension Fund housing initiative.

    17 July 2026 · New Era →

Monday 13 July

  1. Pension reform regulations may restrict home-ownership financing access

    The implementation of Section 282 of the Financial Institutions and Markets Act, designed to strengthen retirement savings protection, is inadvertently creating barriers to housing loans from pension funds by imposing strict first mortgage bond requirements and causing delays for members seeking to finance home construction or purchase.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. FIMA housing loan rules threaten pension fund accessibility

    The Financial Institutions and Markets Act's first mortgage bond requirement for pension fund housing loans, effective May 2026, may block thousands of Namibians from accessing housing finance through their pensions. GIPF says its schemes remain operational, but a pension industry professional warns Section 282(2) could render loans inaccessible to members who previously qualified under the repealed 1956 Act, unless NAMFISA grants exemptions.

    13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 12 July

  1. Namibia's housing crisis drives youth rental burden

    A national housing backlog of 300,000 units and average formal house prices of N$1.44 million have priced 70% of the population out of homeownership, forcing young working professionals in Windhoek to spend up to half their monthly income on rent as rental payments surge and informal settlements expand.

    12 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 6 July

  1. Oryx Properties proposes N$251m warehouse acquisition deal

    Oryx Properties has agreed to acquire a large industrial warehouse valued at N$251.2 million, with the deal subject to approval from the Namibian Competition Commission and other conditions. The transaction could materially impact the price of the company's listed units.

    6 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 4 July

  1. Namibia's retirement fund assets reach N$301.9 billion

    Namibia's retirement fund industry grew during the first quarter of 2026, with total assets reaching N$301.9 billion, up 0.1% quarterly and 14.9% year-on-year, according to Namfisa's quarterly report. The Government Institutions Pension Fund continued to dominate, controlling 69.4% of total assets.

    4 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 23 June

  1. GIPF commits N$800 million to Oryx Property retail expansion

    The Government Institutions Pension Fund has committed N$800 million towards a new unlisted commercial property investment vehicle managed by Oryx Property Limited to finance retail and mall-type properties across Namibia. The investment follows Oryx Property's development of Goreangab Mall in Windhoek, and GIPF holds a 29.46% shareholding in Oryx Properties.

    23 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 22 June

  1. Property fund distributes N$21.66 million to GIPF

    Tunga Real Estate Fund distributed N$21.66 million to the Government Institutions Pension Fund, bringing total distributions to N$265 million. The fund invests in retail centres, office developments, distribution facilities and housing projects across several Namibian towns.

    22 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Tunga Real Estate Fund distributes N$21.6m to GIPF

    Old Mutual Alternative Investments Namibia has announced a distribution from the Tunga Real Estate Fund to investor participants, with N$21.6 million allocated to the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), which holds a 99% stake. This brings total distributions to GIPF to N$266 million since the fund's establishment in September 2011.

    22 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 17 June

  1. FIMA prohibits employers from deducting theft losses from pensions

    The Financial Institutions and Markets Act now prohibits employers from deducting financial losses due to employee theft, fraud, or misconduct from pension benefits, a practice previously permitted under the repealed Pension Funds Act. Pension professionals describe this as a legislative shift to strengthen protection of retirement savings.

    17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 13 June

  1. PM urges GIPF to invest more funds domestically

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on the Government Institutions Pension Fund to invest more of its funds in Namibia to protect its reputation, citing past investment losses outside the country that have damaged public confidence. The GIPF reported an impairment loss of N$815 million from a South African investment in November and faced earlier concerns about untraceable losses exceeding N$600 million.

    13 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 11 June

  1. Acting prosecutor general plans to exit by year-end

    Martha Imalwa, the acting prosecutor general, says she is looking forward to leaving office at the end of the year. The Judicial Service Commission has restarted recruitment for a substantive prosecutor general after none of the eight shortlisted candidates met the required standard in a written assessment.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. GIPF receives N$134.4m in MTC dividend payments

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) increased total dividend payments to shareholders to N$467.1 million in the period ended 31 March, up 26% from N$369.5 million a year earlier. The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) received N$134.4 million in dividends, up from N$106.4 million previously.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Anirep delays financial results until June 2026

    NSX-listed renewable energy company Anirep has secured approval from the Namibia Securities Exchange to postpone publication of its audited annual financial statements until 30 June 2026, citing complexities in goodwill valuation assessments as the reason for exceeding the standard three-month deadline.

    2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 27 May

  1. TransNamib executives suspended for misconduct return to work

    Two senior TransNamib Holdings executives suspended in February over allegations of property mismanagement and statutory breaches returned to work on Tuesday following a directive from the works and transport minister. Their disciplinary hearing is continuing.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 18 May

  1. High Court orders two former GIPF employees to repay N$18.6m

    Judge Thomas Masuku ruled that two former annuity administrators, Martin Smith and Vabiola Aoses, were responsible for fraudulent payments totalling N$18.6 million from the Government Institutions Pension Fund and must repay that amount plus 20% annual interest.

    18 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 12 May

  1. High Court orders N$18.6 million repayment in GIPF fraud case

    High Court judge Thomas Masuku ruled in favour of the Government Institutions Pension Fund, ordering two former employees, Martin Eugen Smith and Vabiola Aoses, to repay N$18,664,657.59 they allegedly embezzled by creating false documents to reactivate suspended child annuitant benefits and channelling the funds into personal accounts.

    12 May 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 6 May

  1. New rules require interest on late pension benefit transfers

    Pension and retirement funds must now pay interest to members if benefits are not transferred within 60 days of request, under regulations from the Financial Institutions and Markets Act 2021 that came into effect on 1 May. Employers must also pay retirement contributions on time or face interest charges, with both employers and their directors liable for unpaid contributions.

    6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 5 May

  1. Namibia's oil discoveries offer chance to build local refining capacity

    Recent oil and gas discoveries in the Orange Basin, with an over 80% exploration success rate, position Namibia to avoid reliance on imported fuel and build local refining capacity—a lesson highlighted by recent fuel price shocks tied to Middle Eastern conflicts.

    5 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 4 May

  1. GIPF board members earned N$666,000 in two months in sitting fees

    The Government Institutions Pension Fund paid its board of trustees chairperson Penda Ithindi N$114,000 for attending three meetings in two months, and Napwu general secretary Petrus Nevonga N$92,163 during the same period, according to payroll records reviewed by The Namibian. The payments have revived concerns that clustered board and sub-committee meetings have become a parallel income stream for trustees already drawing civil service or union salaries.

    4 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 April

  1. President urges investigation into GIPF and Bank losses

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed concern that reportedly disappearing funds at the Government Institutions Pension Fund and losses at the Bank of Namibia "smell of corruption" and called for investigation. She emphasized that fighting corruption is a collective responsibility for all Namibians and must be treated as seriously as treason.

    13 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 31 March

  1. GIPF trains journalists on financial storytelling skills

    The Government Institutions Pension Fund held a media workshop in partnership with the Witwatersrand Centre for Journalism to help journalists turn complex financial data into clear stories for the public. GIPF Chief Executive Martin Inkumbi said the goal was to help journalists better understand and explain financial information to build trust and transparency with the fund's members and the public.

    31 March 2026 · New Era →

Government Institutions Pension Fund — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute