Powerful Kavita

Mariselle Stofberg

Ella Lisa Kavita is driven by a Michelle Ruiz quote that reads: “If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you cannot hear them anymore.”

“I think the youth holds the key to driving the economy of our country and the journey starts with exceling where we are. If we make a difference in the roles we occupy, we will be successful in the future that awaits,” she says.

Kavita is employed as a private equity administrator in the Investments Department of the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF).

“Being an employee of this phenomenal organisation has been an exciting journey for me. I appreciate the role of the GIPF and the financial impact it has on the economy of Namibia. I have had the privilege of being involved in the process of evaluating potential business opportunities.”

This has exposed Kavita to understanding business strategies. She has also had the privilege to go out and visit some portfolio companies and learn more about their non-financial aspects, which include their operations, governance and the value added by investing in their businesses.

Kavita has further been able to get a better comprehension of private equity and the profound impact this asset class has on the livelihood of the everyday Namibian.

“I get to do research and gain knowledge on various industries and sectors, especially those that the GIPF has invested in like agri-businesses and solar farms, just to name a few. I get to build relationships, as these investments are long-term focused,” she says.

Kavita says engaging in conversations with potential venture capital firms and informing them that funding is not done directly, but through an appointed fund manager, as required by the regulator, is one of the challenges she faces. “It can be quite a challenge as not everyone understands the complexity and dynamics that comes with the funding process that involves fund managers.”

Kavita says one of GIPF’s strategic objectives is to be a responsible investor and as such the Fund is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI).

“Responsible investing principles are embedded in various subscription agreements, and within my role and that of the team, we need to ensure that we correctly measure the data provided and develop a standardised tool to rank and score towards improving ESG indicators and enhancing weaknesses,” she says.

Kavita adds that strengthening investment processes is another objective. She has been a catalyst in the development and maintenance of a database for the unit, which helps serve as a portfolio record keeping system.

Kavita is also a dedicated mother who values the insight and lessons her child teaches her daily. “I have a nine-year-old, and life through the eyes of a child can be very interesting. He helps me not to take myself too seriously. I think the recipe to juggling family and work life is taking care of yourself first. This allows an evaluation of how you will show up in each role, whereby the quality of your work is one you are proud of, and your relationships at home are fulfilling and joyous. A balance of priorities works for me.”

Over the past few years Kavita, has adopted a healthy lifestyle and her hobbies now include running, which she enjoys immensely. “I have done three half-marathons already and this has helped me to cope with the sometimes, demanding environment I find myself in. I love reading and I am currently reading ‘The Conscious Parent’ by Dr Shefali Tsabary.”

Kavita aims to remain committed to contributing and implementing the strategies of the investment department and GIPF as a whole. In the near future, she sees herself taking on a senior role in the investment industry.