The Retirement Funds Institute of Namibia’s (RFIN) 12th annual conference programme this year will take place against the environment of legislative changes and will explore how the industry can prepare for these changes, along with showcasing personal and professional development opportunities.
RFIN Acting Chairperson, Gerson Veundja Kamatuka states that the economic challenges facing the country including the decline of trade and commodities are impacting the economy, and retirement fund professionals must be both aware of this context and work to reduce the on retirement fund members. “The efforts to improve the sustainability of the sector are welcome and yet there are considerable implications which need to be discussed and prepared for. In recent years, the Ministry of Finance has undertaken fundamental reforms to the retirement funds industry as part of their comprehensive reforms of the Namibian financial sector, “Kamatuka adds.
As an event which attracts stakeholders including pension fund trustees and service providers such as pension fund administrators, insurers, asset managers, pension fund investment consultants, legal practitioners and auditors, the conference is uniquely placed to explore the issues impacting the entire retirement funds sector in 2018 and beyond. The RFIN Annual Conference brings stakeholders together in an environment which not only aids their understanding of the sector’s evolution, but it also provides them with a platform to represent themselves amongst their peers.
Kamatuka further states that retirement funds are growing in significance and importance within the Namibian economy as a growing recognition that they reduce old-age poverty and dependency on the government while contributing to an improved quality of life. “Retirement funds themselves contribute to Namibian revenue and make the collection of income tax more efficient. Citizens are aware of the challenges facing the economy and Namibian society more generally, and it is key for retirement professionals to demonstrate the positive impact of the sector on the country’s prosperity,” Kamatuka continues.
As a long-standing fixture in the retirement sector calendar, the RFIN Annual Conference is of exceptional value to the industry. “As at end 2017, the Retirement Funds industry collectively accounted for 88% of Namibian GDP, making it a significant contributor to economic activity. Its investment decisions therefore have a profound impact on the economy. Consultation to this effect is achieved amongst other at conferences where pertinent discussion points are brought to the fore for deliberation amongst a wide array of stakeholders. Therefore, RFIN has developed a programme of presentations and debates that are relevant to sector professionals and will be valuable to all attendees,” concludes Kamatuka.
The RFIN Annual Conference 2018 takes place at the Swakopmund Dome from the 27 – 28th September 2018. Delegates across the sector are welcomed, including senior management and decision makers, as well as independent professionals.