The leading provider of microfinance in Tonga

Following the success of SPBD Samoa, we successfully launched our first replication in the Kingdom of Tonga in 2009. SPBD Tonga reached financial sustainability within 18 months of inception and has disbursed more than US $87,000,000 in loans to hard-working women. SPBD operates on the four major islands/islands groups of Tonga.

Why Tonga?

Only 30% of Tongan women are employed and 40% of them are underemployed being engaged in subsistence farming, fishing, and handicrafts. 23% of the population lives below the poverty line. Opportunities for salaried employment are scarce.

SPBD Tonga by the numbers

US $87.3M

Value of loans disbursed

since inception

75,700

Number of loans made to

hard-working women since inception

10,400

Number of

savings accounts

4,800

Number of

loans outstanding

“I am very thrilled that SPBD has recognized my hard work and commitment to my business. I am very proud to be one of the many who has succeeded in using these loans to further my business.”

Pasiano, Weaver, Tonga
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About Tonga

Tonga went through a period of violent civil unrest in 2006 but has since then enjoyed political stability. GDP per capita is about USD 3,700. Remittances form 24% of GDP and 82% of households benefit from them. Four private commercial banks are active in the country: BSP (Bank of South Pacific), ANZ, Malaysian Banking Finance (MBf Bank) and the Tonga Development Bank (TDB).

Latest News

Three-day workshop for women entrepreneurs

In a stride towards their shared goal of uplifting woman entrepreneurs, South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) and the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs and Communications organised a business training workshop in Taveuni. The Improve Your Business training workshop was attended by 16 women members of SPBD. The women attained Certificates of Completion after three days […]

SPBD businesswomen lauded at annual awards

The Vodafone Arena in Suva last week was full-packed with radiant businesswomen celebrating their efforts at the 12th annual South Pacific Business Development awards. SPBD Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Greg Casagrande, commended the women for their extraordinary determination and courage, stating: “Those qualities have helped each of you to endure and to pull through to […]

SPBD Solomon Islands celebrates the launch of its “White Goods Financing” product

South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Microfinance Solomon Islands Ltd is proud to announce the official launch of its newest loan product, “White Goods Financing,” in collaboration with Discount Electricals and Home Leisure (DEHL), one of the largest white goods distributors in the Solomon Islands. The “White Goods Financing” product will allow SPBD clients to access […]

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