Old Mutual Investment appoints Esther Akweenda as business development manager

**Staff Writer **

The Old Mutual Investment Group Namibia (OMIGNAM) has appointed Esther Akweenda as business development manager for retail, a key appointment in its strategy to expand its presence in Namibia’s retail investment market and strengthen relationships with independent financial advisers, brokers and investment platforms.

With approximately N$64 billion in assets under management, OMIGNAM combines substantial investment scale with a strong local investment capability.

OMIGNAM’s investment capability is underpinned by a team of local portfolio managers, with portfolio construction and investment decision-making taking place right here in Namibia.

In her new position, Akweenda will drive retail distribution through the Old Mutual Unit Trust business.

Commenting on the appointment, Rex Mutelo, business development executive at the Old Mutual Investment Group Namibia, said the appointment reflects the organisation’s commitment to building a stronger and more growth-focused retail business, and that the business sees a significant opportunity to bring its investment capabilities to a broader retail audience.

“We have approximately N$64 billion in assets under management, local portfolio managers and portfolio construction taking place right here in Namibia. That is a substantial investment capability available to Namibian investors. Esther’s appointment is an important part of bringing that capability closer to the independent advisers and platforms through which many investors make their investment choices,” Mutelo said.

Akweenda joins the role from within the Old Mutual Group. She joined Old Mutual Namibia in 2020 as a Personal Financial Adviser before moving into a Broker Consultant role in 2023.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Honours degree in Strategic Marketing and Strategic Human Resource Management, as well as a Diploma in Local Government Studies from the University of Namibia.

Speaking about her appointment, Akweenda said she is looking forward to contributing to OMIGNAM’s next phase of growth, with her focus on building close working relationships with distribution partners and expanding awareness of OMIGNAM’s investment offering.