The Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Finance, in partnership with the World Bank launched two (2) projects aimed at advancing Samoa’s digital connectivity and financial resilience during a combined Inception Workshop on Tuesday, 25th March 2025 at the Taumeasina Island Resort.

The event was attended by key implementing agencies, stakeholders and the World Bank delegation. The Ministry of Finance Chief Executive Officer - Sa'oleititi Maeva Betham-Vaai delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing Samoa’s financial systems and expanding access to digital services across the nation.

Ms Antonia Wong, the World Bank Liaison Office representative in Samoa underscored the importance of stakeholders’ collaboration for the success of these projects. She pointed out that these initiatives are key to enhancing digital service access, strengthening financial systems, and ensuring Samoa’s resilience in the digital era. Ms Wong also highlighted that the projects will have a lasting impact on economic growth, digital inclusion, and financial stability in Samoa.

The Samoa Finance Sector Resilience & Development Project with funding of US$21 million grant aims to strengthen Samoa’s financial supervisory systems and improve access to secure digital financial services. The project includes the development of a modern financial supervisory platform to enhance regulatory capacity, strengthening electronic payment systems for secure, fast, and inclusive transactions, and establishing a national digital identification system to streamline access to essential services and digital financial solutions. The project is implemented by the Central Bank of Samoa, Samoa Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Finance.

Moreover, the World Bank approved US$20 million grant to implement the Digitally Connected & Resilient Samoa Project with a focus on expanding broadband infrastructure, improving cybersecurity, and enhancing digital government services. This project includes deploying a fiber-optic network to improve digital connectivity across Upolu and Savai'i, the establishment of public Wi-Fi hotspots in underserved rural areas, the creation of a secure Government Integrated Data Center to support online government services, and strengthening cyber resilience to safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure. Regulatory reforms will also be supported to enhance data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital governance. This project is implemented by the Ministry of Communications, Information and Technology and the Office of the Regulator.

The Ministry of Finance is the Executing Agency for both projects provides the oversight responsibility and coordination support to the implementing agencies. These initiatives are instrumental in advancing Samoa’s digital development, strengthening its position within the Pacific region. The government remains committed to fostering sustainable and inclusive digital transformation, ensuring that the benefits of these projects are widely accessible and contribute to the country’s resilience and economic growth.

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