Source: NSSA investment income in sharp rise – herald
Theseus Shambare-Herald Correspondent
THE National Social Security Authority’s investment income has surged by 1 000 percent over the past four years, growing from approximately US$4 million in 2022 to US$40 million this year.
The sharp rise in returns comes at a time when inflationary pressures, economic volatility and geopolitical conflicts continue to threaten livelihoods globally, with pensioners and injured workers among the most vulnerable as the cost of living continues to spike.
Against this background, NSSA recently announced a once-off discretionary bonus equivalent to 100 percent of a beneficiary’s monthly pension for pensioners and beneficiaries under its Pension and Other Benefits Scheme (POBS) and Accident Prevention and Workers’ Compensation Scheme (APWCS).
The bonus payments range from a minimum of US$70 and US$100 to a maximum of US$372 and US$2 970,43 for beneficiaries under the Pension and Other Benefits Scheme and the Accident Prevention and Workers’ Compensation Scheme respectively.
According to NSSA, 83,33 percent of the minimum pension is being paid in US dollars, while the balance is being paid in ZiG at the prevailing official exchange rate.
The bonus, disbursed together with May 2026 pension payments, was approved by the NSSA board in consultation with Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo and was guided by actuarial advice.
In an interview, NSSA general manager Dr Charles Shava said the Authority’s diversified investment strategy had enabled the institution to preserve contributors’ funds while supporting pension obligations and national economic development.
“NSSA investments are guided by the need to preserve and grow contributors’ funds while supporting national economic development,” said Dr Shava.
“The authority maintains a diversified investment portfolio across strategic sectors of the economy, including property, hospitality, agriculture, financial services and infrastructure-related investments.”
Dr Shava said strong growth in rental income, interest income and dividend yields had boosted the authority’s financial position.
“Since 2022, the NSSA investment income has grown from about US$4 million to the current US$40 million, which is 1 000 percent growth in four years,” he said.
“Despite operating within a complex economic environment, several investments continue to perform positively and provide value preservation against inflationary pressures.”
Beyond financial returns, he said, some of the Authority’s investments were contributing towards employment creation, infrastructure development, national housing delivery and broader economic empowerment.
Dr Shava said NSSA remained conscious of concerns from pensioners over the adequacy of monthly payouts amid rising living costs and inflationary pressures.
He said NSSA is currently undertaking a statutory triennial actuarial valuation exercise expected to be completed by the end of June to assess the financial soundness and sustainability of its schemes.
Preliminary findings indicate that the schemes remain operationally sound and viable despite pressures arising from inflation, changing demographic trends and economic volatility.
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