PUBLIC NOTICEVNPF OFFICE RELOCATION |
PRESS RELEASEINCREASE IN MANDATORY CONTRIBUTION RATE
The Vanuatu National Provident Fund (Amendment) Act (CAP189) No. 25 of 2025 has been enacted (legislated) by the Parliament, and it was officially gazetted by the office of the Attorney General on the 15th of December 2025, Extraordinary Gazette No. 11 of 2025. The new mandatory contribution rate of 12% (6% employee & 6% employer) will be effective on the 1st of January 2026, which will apply to the January 2026 contribution payable in February 2026. The current contribution rate of 8% (4% employee and 4% employer) will only apply up to the December 2025 contribution payable in January 2026 and cease thereafter. Please note that the 8% contribution rate will still apply to the arrears or late contribution payments for the past months up to December 2025, while the arrears or late contribution payments from January 2026 onwards will be paid under the new contribution rate of 12%. Should you require clarification or information, don't hesitate to get in touch with our office at our telephone number: +678 23808. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. VNPF Management VNPF Launches Quarterly Newsletters Showcasing Events & Achievements and Updated Office Hours
The Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) is proud to announce the launch of its new VNPF Quarterly Newsletters, a publication designed to keep members, stakeholders, and the public informed about some of the Fund’s latest events, initiatives, and achievements. Each edition of the newsletter will highlight key developments within VNPF, including updates on member services, community engagement activities, financial performance, and strategic projects undertaken during the quarter. The publication aims to promote transparency, strengthen communication, and celebrate the milestones that contribute to the Fund’s ongoing growth and service to its members. The VNPF Quarterly Newsletters are now available for viewing and download on the official VNPF website and Facebook page. For those who prefer printed copies, hard copies will also be distributed across all VNPF office branches nationwide. VNPF encourages all members and partners to stay connected and informed by accessing the newsletters regularly. Through this initiative, VNPF reaffirms its commitment to openness, accountability, and continuous improvement in serving the people of Vanuatu. Access the VNPF Quarterly Newsletters:
In addition to this exciting launch, VNPF also announces its updated office hours. The new office closing hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Cashier service desks will close at 4:00 pm and no longer at 3:00 pm, while VNPF office doors will remain open to the public until the official closing time of 4:30 pm. Please note that Friday closing hours have been extended from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm to better serve members and visitors. VANPAWA SIGNS 18 YEARS POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH MANA PACIFIC TO BOOST RENEWABLE ENERGY USE IN TANNA ELECTRICIY GRID
The Vanuatu National Power and Water Authority (VANPAWA), a subsidiary of VNPF, has partnered with Mana Pacific in completing the process and paperwork for establishing an 18 years power purchasing agreement (PPA)for supply of electricity in Tanna, generated by a 300kW solar PV system. Mana Pacific, an independent power producer (IPP), will develop, design, construct, own, operate and maintain the Solar Facility, and is currently planned to be operational in the first quarter of 2026. The partnership agreement was signed on April 23, 2025, at the Holiday Inn Resort in Port Vila. Mana Pacific is a social impact organisation that focuses on designing, developing, financing, and de-risking scalable resilience projects across Hawaii and 22 other Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). Their mission is to deliver resilient renewable energy solutions that reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, minimize environmental impact, and improve access to sustainable and affordable energy. This project represents a significant milestone in Vanuatu's energy landscape, akin to planting seeds that will grow into a flourishing trees in the future. The primary goal of this sustainable power producing initiative is to produce energy at a lower cost compare to fuel cost, making electricity more affordable . VANPAWA operates the Tanna and Malekula electricity services under a 20 years concession agreement with the Vanuatu Government. Electricity supply in Tanna is generated by diesel generators, hence, this renewable energy project aims to deliver clean energy at a price lower than diesel fuel for its customers. The Director of Energy also acknowledges the partnership: “Thank you, VANPAWA and Mana Pacific, for this opportunity to collaborate on a renewable energy project that will enhance the supply of sustainable electricity at a lower cost than diesel fuel,” stated Mr. Anthony L. Garae. He further commented on the changes in the Electricity Supply Act that enables independent power producers (IPPs) to operate in Vanuatu. This renewable energy project will commence on the island of Tanna and is expected to encourage further engagement among IPPs, in renewable energy initiatives moving forward. Congratulations VANPAWA and Mana Pacific on achieving this milestone! VNPF URGES IMMEDIATE ACTION ON OVERDUE STUDENT EDUCATION SUPPORT SCHEME (SESS) LOAN REPAYMENTS
The VNPF Board and Management wish to remind all students and their guarantors who benefited from the Student Education Support Scheme (SESS) between 2020 and 2021 that loan repayments are now overdue. We urge these individuals to come forward immediately to discuss repayment options with the SESS staff members for their SESS loans. Regardless of whether students have completed their studies, we will issue letters of demand to both students and their guarantors following this public notice. Please be advised that if there is no compliance, VNPF will exercise its authority under Section 44A of the VNPF Act to cease any funds belonging to the member or guarantor to recover the outstanding loan amount. Additionally, we encourage students and guarantors from the 2022 to 2024 cohorts who have not made any repayments to begin making contributions towards their loans. Demand letters will also be issued to those who have not initiated repayment efforts. It is important to note that any student evading their repayment obligations will result in their guarantors being held accountable. VNPF will take necessary actions to recover the total loan amount, which may include ceasing all or part of the guarantor's savings. For any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 23808 or email the SESS Team Leader at [email protected]. Thank you, VNPF Management. |
