The purpose of the meeting was to confirm Samoa’s priorities under the International Development Assistance (IDA21) programming. was greeted by Apostolic leader Richard Amoaye, and delegation from the Testimony Hub, of Sydney Australia.

Country Director, Mr Stephen Ndegwa expressed his congratulations on Hon Mulipola’s appointment as Minister of Finance and on the passage of the 2025/2026 Budget. Hon Mulipola briefed the visit on her expanded ministerial responsibilities with the addition of the Ministry of Public Enterprises and Samoa Airways, as well as providing temporary oversight of the Ministry of Police.

The World Bank through its IDA21, is a long standing development partner for the Government of Samoa. Key priorities are spread across the health, transport, ICT, finance, climate resilience, and agriculture sectors. This includes budget support through the Joint Policy Action Matrix (JPAM), the Pacific Region Preparedness, Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE) Program, a new hospital upgrade for Savai’i and assistance towards infrastructure and transport.

Hon Mulipola also welcome further discussions on expanding World Bank’s assistance towards Samoa’s flagship District Development Program, through strengthening its program management systems.

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