Association established for property industry
The Namibian Property Association (NPA), a collaborative effort between the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and Namibian industry leaders, has been established to bolster Namibia's growing property sector. The initiative reflects the commitment of the regional property industry to foster growth and sustainability in the real estate market.Responding to a call from Namibian property owners in early 2020, SAPOA mobilized resources and expertise to assist in forming the specialised industry association. After extensive consultations and meetings in 2021 and 2022, the NPA was officially founded in late 2023, marking a pivotal moment in Namibia's property sector history.
Both SAPOA and NPA aim to advance the interests of African property owners and industry professionals. SAPOA, recognising Namibia's untapped property market potential, collaborated with local industry leaders like Oryx Properties, Broll, and Safland in setting up the NPA.
Modelled on SAPOA's successful services, the NPA plans to provide members with a comprehensive range of resources and support, including training programs, webinars, research initiatives, and advocacy efforts. These offerings aim to position the NPA as a catalyst for innovation and growth in Namibia's property sector.
Ben Jooste, CEO of Oryx Properties and inaugural president of the NPA, underscored the sector's need for ongoing education, lobbying, and advocacy. The NPA places a high value on continuing education to meet international standards and advocates for the industry at the government level.
Neil Gopal, CEO of SAPOA, emphasised the organisation's dedication to fostering positive change in the industry. Industry associations play a crucial role in facilitating networking, providing industry updates, and offering growth opportunities for businesses.
Major organisations, including Nedbank, RMB, Old Mutual, Namdeb, Transnamib, Atterbury Property Group, GIPF, Safland, Broll Namibia, Accelerate, Bank Windhoek, ABSA, and others, supported the NPA launch. With robust support from Namibian property companies, the NPA aims to define Namibia's real estate landscape for future generations by encouraging collaboration, promoting innovation, and advocating for positive change.