$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 Expands Services to Malaita
SOUTH Pacific Business Development (SPBD) officially opened its Auki branch on Thursday, expanding its microfinance services to women and small business operators in Malaita Province. The official opening was attended by women leaders, representatives from business houses, Malaita Provincial Government officials and Malaita Province Deputy Premier Randol Sifoni, who was the guest of honour. SPBD [...]
From $1,000 to $50,000: Tauala’s Journey Marks SPBD Samoa’s 125,000th Loan
When Tauala Apineru Pulou received her first South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) loan in 2013, it was WST$ 1,000 and enough to start a small baking business. She made donuts and pancakes and sold them in her community. Thirteen years later, the 59-year-old mother of five from Matatufu has become the recipient of SPBD Samoa’s [...]
New SPBD Korovou Branch to Boost Financial and Business Support for Women
Women in Korovou and the greater Tailevu North areas will now be able to get better support through South Pacific Business Development Microfinance after the opening of its new branch in Korovou. Speaking during the opening of the new branch, Korovou District Officer Salanieta Baleigau says women continue to face barriers in areas including education, [...]
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