National Investments
Executive Summary
National Investments demonstrates solid mid-range ESG performance, anchored by a comprehensive third-consecutive-year GRI-aligned sustainability report with double materiality assessment and robust governance disclosures. Environmental performance is steady but early-stage: NIC discloses a full-scope GHG inventory, energy intensity metrics, and water/waste data with a third-party-certified e-waste recycling partner, but lacks renewable energy, quantified reduction targets, and external assurance. Social performance is the strongest pillar, with a zero-harm safety record, improving gender diversity (40% female workforce, 20% female Board), a mature learning framework with ESG-specific training, and newly introduced ESG supplier contracting at 87% local procurement. Governance is mixed — strong ethics, anti-corruption (100% training, zero incidents), and compliance frameworks are offset by a KD 50,000 CMA fine for IFRS non-compliance, low board independence (20%), and an explicit statement that ESG is not integrated into the investment process. Overall, NIC is a credible regional ESG reporter with clear room to mature in assurance, targets, board independence, and sustainable finance.
Year-over-Year Analysis
vs 2024Compared to 2024, NIC's environmental disclosures matured modestly with the addition of full-scope GHG reporting, intensity metrics, and a certified e-waste recycling partnership, though the absence of targets and assurance keeps the pillar steady rather than markedly higher. The social pillar remains the company's strongest area but eased slightly from prior-year highs, reflecting more conservative scoring on community-investment scale, training effectiveness, and newly-introduced (and unproven) supplier ESG screening. Governance is the most pressured pillar this year, weighed down by a KD 50,000 CMA fine for IFRS non-compliance and clearer disclosure of low board independence and non-integration of ESG into investments. No material regressions in policy or program substance occurred; changes largely reflect more granular disclosure and stricter rubric application. The trajectory points to a maturing reporter that must now convert frameworks into verified outcomes and targets.
Environmental scores held broadly stable, with E1 strengthened by full three-scope GHG reporting and E4 supported by a UKAS-certified, KEPA-authorized Tadwire e-waste partnership, but the continued absence of renewable energy, reduction targets, and external assurance prevented further gains.
Social performance remained the leading pillar with consistent zero-harm safety (S2), improving gender diversity (S3 up on a 40% female workforce), and a mature L&D framework (S4), though scores eased slightly versus prior year due to modest community-investment scale (S1) and a newly introduced, unproven supplier ESG screening program (S5).
Governance came under the most pressure this year: while ethics and anti-corruption (G5) remained strong with 100% training and zero incidents, a KD 50,000 CMA fine for IFRS non-compliance constrained G2, low 20% board independence with tenure concerns limited G4, and explicit non-integration of ESG into investments held G3 at the lower end.
Key Improvements
Key Regressions
NIC is well-positioned to advance from solid mid-range performance by securing external assurance, setting quantified environmental targets, and genuinely integrating ESG into its investment process. Resolving board independence and the regulatory compliance lapse will be pivotal to restoring governance momentum in the coming cycle.
Strengths
Areas for Improvement
S: 6.70
G: 5.90
Recent Activities
View all →NIC Contributes USD 1 Million to Kuwait Emergency Response Fund
National Investments (NIC) contributed USD 1 million to the Kuwait Emergency Response Fund, launched by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development on 5 July 2026 to strengthen national preparedness for exceptional circumstances.
NIC Publishes Third Annual Sustainability Report
National Investments (NIC) published its third consecutive annual sustainability report, disclosing its environmental, social, and governance performance in alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The report covers 2025 activities including human capital development, emissions measurement, energy and water efficiency, recycling, and governance practices, and references the launch of the 'Wajha' sustainability identity and a Sustainability Ambassadors Network.
NIC Launches Ascend Talent Readiness Program
NIC launched Ascend, a talent readiness initiative targeting high-potential candidates from its SHIFT and Bidaya recruitment pipelines who were not selected due to competitive intake limits. The program delivered development sessions covering CV preparation, public speaking, LinkedIn optimisation, interview role-play, and mentor-led engagements with NIC professionals. Over 600 applications were received within two months, and participants received certifications upon completion.
NIC Launches SHIFT Series 3 Women Leadership Program
NIC launched SHIFT Series 3, a 6-week professional development program for 20 Kuwaiti female fresh graduates running from April 26 to June 4. The program has previously trained 42 women across two editions, with 10 joining NIC as employees, demonstrating measurable impact on women's career development and Kuwaitization.
NIC Holds Annual General Assembly
National Investments Co (NIC)mpany convened its annual general assembly, during which shareholders approved the Board of Directors' report, audited financial statements, corporate governance report, and authorized dividend distribution.