$14M in loans and growing
SPBD Microfinance (Vanuatu) Ltd. began operation in April 2017. It is the fifth entity in our network of microfinance institutions in the region following the success of SPBD Samoa (2000), SPBD Tonga (2009), SPBD Fiji (2010) and SPBD Solomon Islands (2012). SPBD has disbursed 24,000 loans worth almost $14M USD in Vanuatu.
Why Vanuatu?
The Republic of Vanuatu is ranked 140 out of 190 countries in the 2021 Human Development Index (HDI). With a $2,800 USD GDP per capita, it is listed as one of the United Nations Least Developed Nations. Similarly, 65% of the population does not have access to electricity.
SPBD Vanuatu by the numbers
US $13.7M
Value of loans disbursed
since inception
24,000
Number of loans made to hard-working women since inception
9,400
Number of
savings accounts
4,300
Number of
loans outstanding
When disaster strikes, SPBD’s ability to access and mobilize to remote areas makes our team an effective relief organization. In March 2023, Vanuatu was hit by twin cyclones. Nearly 80% of the country was impacted. Thanks to a grant from MicroDreams ($550,000 NZD/ $350,000 USD), we distributed 2,272 relief kits to our clients containing food staples and a cash component of $130 NZD (to purchase necessities like diapers or medicine).
About Vanuatu
Vanuatu has perhaps the lowest formal-sector employment in the region at 15%. In the rural economy, where about 70% of the population find their livelihoods, only about 10% of the workforce is in formal employment. Most of the ni-Vanuatu living in rural areas are engaged in subsistence agriculture. There are three banks in Vanuatu: Australia New Zealand (ANZ), Bank South Pacific (BSP) and the National Bank of Vanuatu. ANZ is headquartered in Australia while BSP is headquartered in Papua New Guinea. Port Vila serves as the Vanuatu headquarters for all three banks.
Latest News
SPBD Relocates Labasa Office to Boost Accessibility and Visibility
South Pacific Business Development (SPBD), a key player in Fiji’s microfinance market, has moved its Labasa operation to a new location on the main road of Labasa Town. The relocation was a strategic decision for the organisation, aimed at increasing visibility and accessibility for clients and stakeholders, according to SPBD Fiji’s managing director Elrico Munoz. […]
Crowdfunding Success: $15M in Micro Loans Delivered Through Kiva and SPBD Partnership
Nearly 10,000 micro loans amounting over $15 million have been funded through a partnership between crowdfunding firm Kiva and the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji. This was revealed by Kiva Microfunds’ Asia Pacific investment manager Mark McDonagh when he officially opened SPBD Fiji’s Labasa office yesterday. “Seven years into Kiva’s partnership with SPBD Fiji, […]
SPBD Fiji expands to tenth branch office in Nausori on the Island of Viti Levu
The South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji officially opened its 10th branch in Nausori in June 2024. The new brannch is its latest addition since it established operations in Fiji in 2010. The new branch will provide financial services and business development opportunities to women in the Tailevu region. “Nausori itself has a thriving presence […]
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