30 Nov 2021

Debswana Pension Fund (DPF) through its Assets Under Management (AUM) has realised a growth of P9.79 billion in October.

Addressing the media in Gaborone Monday, the fund’s Chief executive officer Ms Gosego January said the fund which had 12 465 members had only P1 million in reserves in 2004 and already was poised to reach the P10 billion mark as its various investments continue to grow. 

She said the growth could be attributed to the fund’s robust and well diversified investment strategy that had been able to withstand periods of economic uncertainties. 

“In addition to delivering year-on-year growth for our members, as a fund we are putting even greater focus on our member needs as we strive to be member centric and improve our solution offering which includes, revamping our annuity products and introducing new options to meet the diverse needs of our members and their beneficiaries,” she said. 

She said it was imperative to extend the service and offerings not only to benefit the member but their families as well. 

Ms January noted that was accomplished through product extension that included amongst others, Mmila Preservation Fund and Mmila Beneficiary Fund. 

Meanwhile, DPF investment manager, Mr Thato Norman highlighted that the Fund’s aggregate growth was underpinned by a well-diversified portfolio, which sought to invest across different asset classes with low levels of correlation. 

Mr Norman said the unprecedented monetary and fiscal policy stimulus driven by governments and central banks across the globe provided much needed tailwind to asset prices, in particular global equities which had reached new historic highs. 

He stated that DPF remained cautiously optimistic and mindful of external shocks to the global and domestic economy. 

Furthermore, he highlighted that the fund had a resilient investment strategy that continued to withstand different economic and market cycles.

In particular, he noted that Botswana would benefit from the broadening global economic recovery and improving commodity markets which play a significant role in the country’s economy. 

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