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.

Foloita Pulu 3

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

Group 6

US $87.3M

Value of loans disbursed

since inception

Group 7

75,700

Number of loans made to

hard-working women since inception

Group 3

10,400

Number of

savings accounts

Group 13 1

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
Pasiano 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

SPBD 2024 11 25
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 [...]
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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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The WE-Fiji Code: Valuing Women’s Voices in Fiji’s Finance Sector

South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji has joined financial service providers in a landmark move aimed at increasing funds and access to women-led micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). SPBD Fiji, Westpac, Merchant Finance and the South Pacific Stock Exchange signed their commitment to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WE-Fi) Code at a ceremony at […]

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