SNPF is the Samoa National Provident Fund. Its basically a superannuation/retirement scheme for residents and those employed in Samoa. Contributions to the fund are mandatory at 7% of total wages/salary by the employee with a matching 7% contribution by the employer. Employee can voluntarily add more to their fund (up to $2k WST per month) and use it as a savings investment account. Same applies to employer as a bonus incentive for employee, usually another 3-7%.

One of the features of the fund is that a contributor can loan up to 50% of their contribution at interest rates that are normally offered by local banks. The fund is mandated to pay a minimum dividend of 4% per annum. So far in the last 5 years from memory, the fund has been averaging at least 7% returns, with this year being a first at 10%. There are exceptions especially after a natural disaster when the fund pays out 3-4% to members to assist with recovery.

That is the SNPF in a nutshell. Fortunately it is one of only two options that locals can invest in, as access to trading, stock, FOREX markets are fairly limited. The other option is known as UTOS (Unit Trust of Samoa), basically a mutual type fund of Samoan government investments both local (such as Telecoms companies) and foreign.