A vision of financial inclusion for the South Pacific
In January 2000, Samoa became our initial and flagship microfinance institution of the SPBD Network. Today, SPBD Samoa is often used to launch new products and pilot initiatives. Our teams work in nearly every village in Samoa and have been financially sustainable since 2007. SPBD currently serves almost 20,000 families in Samoa, almost 60% of households.
Why Samoa?
Poverty in Samoa remains a challenge. According to the UN, 25% of all Samoan families live below the poverty line of US$2 per day. A substantial portion of the population continues to grapple with limited access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Additionally, issues such as limited infrastructure development in rural areas exacerbates the problem. Samoa has also been affected by external shocks such as the global economic downturn and, more recently, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SPBD Samoa by the numbers
US $103M
Value of loans disbursed
since inception
118,400
Number of loans made
to hard-working women
18,500
Number of
Savings accounts
6,400
Number of
loans outstanding
“I am not weak anymore because of SPBD. I am strong.”
Felauai, SME Member (Sausage Maker, Produce, Taxi), Samoa
About Samoa
Samoa is considered the cultural heart of Polynesia. However, underdevelopment of the financial markets has been identified as a binding constraint to private sector development. There are four commercial banks (ANZ Bank, BSP Bank, National Bank of Samoa, and Samoa Commercial Bank) and other non-bank financial providers (such as the Development Bank of Samoa, the National Provident Fund, and SPBD Samoa) the country still ranked 98th out of 190 economies for ease of doing business (ranking from the best to the worst) in Doing Business 2019 (www.doingbusiness.org).
Latest News
SPBD Solomon Islands and DBSI Forge New Funding Partnership
South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) in Solomon Islands is pleased to announce its new exciting partnership with the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) to support financial inclusion and economic empowerment in the Solomon Islands. According to a press statement from SPBD, this is the first funding arrangement between the two organizations which also marks [...]
SPBD Solomon Islands Celebrates Milestone of USD $5 Million Crowdfunded through Kiva Partnership
South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Solomon Islands, in partnership with Kiva, is thrilled to announce a significant achievement: reaching the milestone of USD $5 million (SBD $41M) crowdfunded to support micro-entrepreneurs across the Solomon Islands. This achievement reflects the commitment of SPBD Solomon Islands and Kiva to fostering economic empowerment and creating opportunities for women [...]
14th SPBD Figi Businesswoman of the Year Awards
The South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji celebrated its 14th Businesswoman of the Year Awards on 4 October 2024 at the Vodafone Arena. The Chief Guest was His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere President of Fiji. The theme of the celebration was Women-Led Microenterprises Enriching Lives and Building Futures. The President and Founder of the [...]
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