Allexer Namundjembo
The Retirement Funds Institute of Namibia (RFIN) and the Batseta Council of Retirement Funds for South Africa have signed an agreement to strengthen governance and skills in Namibia’s retirement fund sector.
The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday in Windhoek.
The partnership focuses on training trustees and principal officers to improve oversight and decision-making in retirement funds.
Under the agreement, Batseta will provide training programmes. These include introductory courses for trustees, advanced masterclasses for principal officers, and training sessions for boards.
The programme will also include a Namibian trustees’ toolkit and modules on issues such as environmental, social and governance matters and cybersecurity risks.
RFIN will coordinate participation in Namibia. It will identify skills gaps and work with stakeholders to support the programme. The institute will also promote and manage the training locally during the agreement period.
Speaking at the signing, Batseta chief executive officer Anne-Marie D’Alton said the partnership aims to build skills in the sector.
“This collaboration allows us to extend our training expertise into Namibia in a way that is both locally relevant and globally informed. It ultimately supports stronger governance and improved outcomes for retirement fund members,” she said.
RFIN chairperson Klaus Laborn said the agreement is an important step for the industry.
“By partnering with Batseta, we are equipping our trustees and principal officers with the tools and frameworks needed to navigate an increasingly complex environment and fulfil their fiduciary responsibilities with confidence,” he said.
The programme will combine online learning, in-person training and industry engagement. It will also include ongoing checks to ensure the training meets current needs and regulations.
The agreement will run for 12 months. Both organisations will review the results and decide whether to extend the partnership.
Industry observer Johannes Smith said the partnership reflects growing regional cooperation in the retirement sector.
“Cross-border collaborations like this are becoming essential as retirement funds face more sophisticated risks and stricter regulatory expectations,” he said.
“By partnering with an established body like the Batseta Council of Retirement Funds for South Africa, the Retirement Funds Institute of Namibia is effectively accelerating the professionalisation of trusteeship in Namibia.”
