Nedbank spends N$495 million on campus
• By Tracy Tafirenyika
THE Nedbank Namibia Campus, which stands in the Windhoek central business district and built at an estimated cost of N$495 million, was officially inaugurated by President Hage Geingob on May 31.
The Nedbank Campus now wears the crown of commercial real estate investments in Namibia, with its striking design, innovative working environment and a ground breaking six-star Green Star design rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa, pending approval.
Speaking at the inauguration, Geingob stated that the local banking sector has been an integral stakeholder in Namibia’s journey of economic development and moving forward, having navigated a challenging period of economic downturn and severe drought exacerbated by Covid-19.
“The banking sector is expected to play a role in propelling Namibia towards sustainable economic development and shared prosperity.
The banking sector plays an important role in the modern economy, namely through financial intermediation collecting savings and lending them out to businesses among others. The banking sector engages in the practice of mobilising resources from surplus generating sectors and directing them to sector responsible for bringing about economic growth.
“Namibia is an environmentally conscious country.
We are one of the first countries to enshrine the protection of the environment into our constitution. Since independence, we have demonstrated a consistent commitment towards the promotion of a greener, environmentally friendly world through the reduction of our carbon footprint. Whether through the promotion of green energies or via the commitment towards the call for Ocean-Based Climate Action.
”
Geingob further added that: “Namibia continues to demonstrate its commitment towards a low carbon, climate resilient future. Thus, it is pleasing to take note that Nedbank Namibia is placing great importance towards ensuring that the Namibian banking sector plays a vital role in accelerating the local market’s transition towards a lower carbon-energy future.”
Nedbank managing director Martha Murorua expressed her excitement about the new building stating that this state-of-the-art building is an addition to the central business district which has redefined the Windhoek skyline.
“Author Luanne Rice encapsulated so nicely where we as Nedbank Namibia find ourselves on our journey, with a quote that reads: ‘Happy endings start with new beginnings’. The successful completion of the Nedbank Campus is a new beginning as we look forward to serving our clients better.
“This decision reflects the shareholder’s commitment not only to the future growth of the bank but, more importantly, to the future development of the country.
Today, we operate 25 branches across the length and breadth of our country with close to 150 cash-out points including point of sale, 60 ATMs and scores of Retail Cash out points at tills,” she stated.
Nedbank Africa region managing executive, Terence Sibiya in his speech said Nedbank is committed to play its part in the achievement of the aspirations of the Harambee Prosperity Plan.
“Nedbank supports the call that ‘No Namibian Should Feel Left Out’ and we will contribute to all Namibians living in harmony as One Namibia, One Nation. We want to contribute meaningfully to building this country and investing in infrastructure, energy, tourism, and other key growth sectors of the economy.”