Establishment of the Association of the Namibian property industry

Neil Gopal, SAPOA CEO; Ben Jooste, NPA President, Oryx Properties CEO; Terence Makari, NPA Deputy President, O&L Director; Karen Keys, Broll MD; Charles Fourie, SAFLAND MD

In a historic move to strengthen Namibia’s expanding property sector, the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA), together with their Namibian counterparts, today launched the newly formed Association of the Namibian property industry, known as the Namibian Property Association (NPA).

This collaborative endeavour demonstrates the regional property industry’s commitment to promoting growth and sustainability in the region’s real estate market.

Following a call to action from Namibian property owners in early 2020, SAPOA mobilised resources and experience to assist with the formation of a specialised industry association. Consultations and meetings held throughout 2021 and 2022 culminated in the establishment of the NPA in late 2023, marking a watershed moment in the history of Namibia’s property sector.

Both Associations are working to further the interests of African property owners and industry professionals. Recognising Namibia’s untapped property market potential, SAPOA was excited to cooperate with local players, including industry giants like Oryx Properties, Broll and Safland, in setting up the NPA.

The NPA, modelled on SAPOA’s successful service offerings, intends to offer its members a full suite of resources and support. These will include training programmes and webinars on research initiatives and advocacy efforts to help position the NPA to drive innovation and growth in Namibia’s property sector.

The inaugural President of the NPA and CEO of Oryx Properties, Mr. Ben Jooste, shares his perspective, emphasizing the sector’s need for ongoing education, lobbying and advocacy.

“Given the growth, development and thriving sector, the NPA places a high value on continuing education. Our employees need to learn and expand on their existing knowledge to ensure we meet international standards. Getting involved in the NPA and becoming a member (www.npa.com.na) , also means you have a chance to help advocate for our industry at government level” says Jooste.

The NPA’s shared commitment to learning and professional development strives to empower its members to navigate the intricacies of the property landscape efficiently.

“The NPA aims to build community and collaboration among Namibia’s property players, propelling the sector to new heights of success and wealth whilst ensuring that the commercial property sector has a recognised voice.” adds Jooste

SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal emphasizes the organization’s dedication to fostering positive change in the industry: “Industry associations facilitate networking, industry updates, and growth opportunities for businesses. They function as a community, assists in networking with peers that share similar goals and interests”.

The NPA launch was supported by the presence of major organizations such as Nedbank, RMB, Old Mutual, Namdeb, Transnamib, Atterbury Property Group, GIPF, Safland, Broll Namibia, Accelerate, Bank Windhoek, ABSA and others.

With extensive support from the Namibian property companies, the NPA plans to be well-positioned to define Namibia’s real estate landscape for future generations by encouraging collaboration, promoting innovation, and pushing for positive change.