Ngurare urges Elcin-Gipf to join forces for youth

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has proposed a formal partnership between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (Elcin) and the Government Institutions Pension Fund (Gipf) to fund development programmes benefiting young people in northern villages.

"If Elcin is running agricultural projects, Gipf should come on board. The church has a wide reach across various villages, and I urge that this initiative be launched promptly," Ngurare said.

He was speaking on Friday at the official inauguration of Gipf’s regional office in Ondangwa.

Ngurare said the partnership could unlock joint investments to address challenges facing young people, particularly in agriculture and rural enterprise.

The prime minister said he had met church leaders in the north the previous week, who expressed a strong desire to continue working with the government.

"The church played a crucial role during our liberation struggle. When Namibia faced isolation, the church was a steadfast supporter, providing support to many communities," Ngurare said.

Ngurare said that while Namibia has many commendable policies on paper, it needs to translate them into practical economic empowerment that reaches communities at grassroots level.

"If the church approaches any institution, like Gipf, for social or economic support, that should be seriously considered," he said.

Bringing services closer

Speaking about Gipf’s new office building, Ngurare said it would improve access to services and demonstrate how effective governance and strategic investment can deliver tangible benefits to communities.

He said Gipf’s total assets are worth about N$223 billion, with more than N$466 million already invested in Oshana across sectors including housing, education, energy and procurement financing.

"These investments reflect the strength of the fund's investment strategy and the potential for substantial value creation when institutional capital is utilised strategically to support national development objectives," he noted.

Gipf serves about 115 000 active members and provides income security to approximately 58 400 pensioners and annuitants across the country. In the first quarter of the current financial year alone, the fund disbursed around N$2 billion in benefits, the prime minister said.

"This new office means that members, pensioners, annuitants, child beneficiaries and surviving dependents from all corners of the country no longer need to travel long distances to access crucial services," Ngurare said.

"This significantly reduces travel costs, saves time and enhances convenience and dignity."

Meanwhile, Gipf board chair Penda Ithindi said construction of the N$100 million Ondangwa office began on 3 June 2022 and was completed on 12 December 2025.

"We believe that sustainable long-term value is achieved when investments not only yield returns but also foster economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development and social progress," he said.