NAMIBIA – The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has invested over N$20 million (US$1.34m) in a housing development by Beucorp Group, through Koningstein Capital Investment Property Fund.

Beucorp, a Namibian company, was established in 2009 and developed over 120 housing units with prices ranging from N$800,000 (US$53,726) to N$1.5 million (US$100,736) in Extension 3, Tamariskia, Swakopmund.

Through the GIPF investment into the development of the booming township of Swakopmund, the fund not only contributed towards the employment of over 70 people but improved the living standards of their families.

“We are very proud to be a pioneer of this concept in Namibia and we are of the view that the impact of our investments in this area will be robust and sustainable,” said David Nuyoma, GIPF CEO.

“It should also be noted that even though our unlisted investment objectives are developmental in nature, the protection and growth of our assets remains top priority.”

The majority of the housing units have thus far been bought by individuals between the ages of 28 to 38 years who are in the public sector.

“In line with Regulation 13 of the Pension Funds Act, pension funds are required to hold a minimum of 45% of their investments in Namibian assets with the maximum of 3.5% in unlisted investments,” added Nuyoma.

“Through this legislation, pension funds are encouraged to invest in the domestic market and to ensure that Namibian savings are utilised to stimulate local development.”

Responding to this call, GIPF approved an Investment Policy for Unlisted Investments in 2008. The overarching objective of this policy is to make a meaningful contribution to the economy and development needs of communities by providing development capital to the non-listed sectors with high growth potential.

These sectors include micro-financing, venture capital, development capital, buyout financing and property which falls outside of the unlisted investment categories.

“Within the spirit of this policy, the fund adopted a broad-based view to socio-economic development through private equity, a relatively new investment concept to Namibia which could enhance our ability to capture significant performance while reaping diversification benefits,” Nuyoma added.

Beucorp was founded by Mariette Beuthen, who at the time was the only female concrete technologist in Namibia.

Beuthen expressed her gratitude to GIPF as she emphasised that not only did the fund assist in the construction of the homes but assisted the community by uplifting the living standards through job creation. She also added that she envisions constructing a playground in Tamariskia.

“GIPF consistently proved to be a pioneer in Namibia through the fund’s investments, and we are proud to be uplifting women in what was seen as male dominated industries,” said Nuyoma.

GIPF has asked its members and the public to watch a special production of the impact of the Beucorp investment on One Africa, NBC TV and on all GIPF social media platforms between 07 February 2022 and 18 February 2022.

Liked this article? Subscribe to DealStreet Africa News, our regular email newsletter with the latest news, deals, and insights from Africa’s business, economy, and more. SUBSCRIBE