By GEORGINA MICHAEL
NAMBAWAN Super Limited (NSL) has announced strong financial results for 2025, reporting a net asset value of K13 billion as of December 31, 2025, reflecting continued growth despite a challenging global and domestic economic environment.
The results were approved by the NambaWan Super Trustee Board and released today to members and stakeholders.
More than 9,600 new members joined the fund in 2025, increasing total membership by 4.1 percent to 244,514 members.
Based on strong growth and investment performance, NambaWan Super announced an annual interest crediting rate of 12 percent, up from 10.5 percent in 2024.
Chairman Mr Richard Sinamoi said the strong results were achieved despite ongoing economic pressures.
“Global inflation, geopolitical tensions and market volatility have shaped the international environment, while
domestically businesses have faced law and order issues, unreliable utilities, limited access to foreign currency and delays in major resource projects,” Mr Sinamoi said.
“NambaWan Super remains firmly focused on its core responsibility- protecting and growing the retirement savings of our members through disciplined investment management, strong governance and the dedication of our board, management and staff.”
He said the fund continued to deliver strong outcomes for members while maintaining its role as one of the country’s leading institutional investors.
“Today I am pleased to share the strong growth and investment performance of NambaWan Super and to announce an annual interest crediting rate of 12 percent, up from 10.5 percent in 2024,” Mr Sinamoi said.
“Our membership also increased by 4.1 percent with more than 9,600 new members joining the fund.”
Mr Sinamoi also highlighted NambaWan Super’s role in supporting national economic development and stability.
Key investment contributions in 2025 included:
- K5.6 billion invested in Treasury Bills to support the Government’s fiscal program
- K9.7 billion invested within Papua New Guinea’s domestic economy
- K3.3 billion invested offshore to diversify risk and strengthen returns
- K88 million paid in taxes and K4.3 million in regulatory levies
- K958 million injected into the economy through member benefit payments and operations
The fund also raised concerns about outstanding State obligations affecting superannuation members.
In 2025, NambaWan Super received K52 million towards unfunded liabilities and K50 million towards rental arrears earlier this year.
However, approximately K2 million remains outstanding in unfunded liabilities, including K204 million owed to retired members awaiting payment. In addition, more than K80 million remains unpaid in rental arrears for properties occupied by government departments.
“As stewards of our members’ retirement savings, we continue to engage with the State and urge the Government to provide a clear and accelerated roadmap for repayment,” Mr Sinamoi said.
The announcement also marked the first financial results presented by newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Mr Lachlan Baird, who brings more than 30 years of experience in financial services and superannuation leadership.
“It’s a pleasure to be here today, just two months into the job, and it’s fantastic to be able to talk about a return of 12 percent-a really good outcome for our members,” Mr Baird said.
“It’s also a high benchmark that we will need to continue delivering into the future.”
Mr Baird said the fund’s strong performance was driven by growth in domestic and international equities, improved yields from State securities and favourable foreign exchange movements.
“NambaWan Super maintains a balanced investment strategy, with approximately 75 percent of investments held locally and 25 percent offshore,” he said.
He also highlighted the value delivered to members during the year.
In 2025, the fund received K933 million in member contributions and paid out K716 million in member benefits.
Key benefit payments included:
- K410 million in retirement benefits paid to 4,595 members
- K115 million in housing advances, assisting 5,536 members
- K72 million in Retirement Savings Account withdrawals
- K40 million paid to beneficiaries of deceased members
- K23 million in unemployment benefits
Mr Baird said apart from investment returns, another key part of NSL’s mandate is providing quality services to members.
“Financial literacy will continue to be a priority as part of our mandate to help members achieve the best retirement outcomes,” he said.
He emphasized that educating and empowering members remains a key focus area for NambaWan Super.
A total of 8,700 members across the country attended financial literacy training in 2025 through the fund’s education program.
Looking ahead, despite global and domestic uncertainties -including Papua New Guinea’s recent Financial Action Task Force grey listing-the fund emphasized that members’ savings remain safe.
“NambaWan Super remains financially strong and fully compliant with both local and international standards,” Mr Baird said.
“As the operating environment continues to evolve, the board is working closely with management to review and revise the fund’s three-year strategic plan, centred on visionary leadership, investment excellence, operational effectiveness and reputational confidence.”
“This approach ensures the fund remains resilient, accountable and well-positioned to deliver strong outcomes for members in the years ahead.”