AGP Executive Report

COP31 Climate Push: Pacific leaders met in Fiji and Tuvalu to urge governments to keep global warming as close as possible to 1.5°C, citing UNEP warnings that the world is on track to cross the threshold within five years and that there’s no “safe” future above it. Tuvalu Coral Crisis: Ahead of COP31, leaders will visit Tuvalu’s atolls where scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave wiped out about 99.9% of the coral, threatening fisheries and habitability. Samoa Economy Watch: Samoa’s GDP contracted 8.1% in the year to June, driven mainly by a 33.9% plunge in investment and a sharp drop in inventories, even as household spending rose and exports edged up. EV Charging Plan: Samoa’s MNRE is developing a user-pay model for its solar EV charging station to recover costs and fund expansion, with details still under review. Fuel Costs: Diesel prices rise 22.6 sene to $4.44 per litre from Oct 1, with petrol and kerosene also increasing. Agriculture Leadership: ACIAR launched a new Meryl Williams Fellowship cohort for 21 women across the Pacific, including Samoa, focused on agriculture, fisheries and food systems. Maritime Security: Australia and Pacific partners backed Operation Nasse to deter illegal fishing and improve regional coordination, with Samoa among participating nations.

Rugby & Identity: Toa Samoa co-captains Junior Paulo and Jarome Luai say the jersey carries family sacrifice and a growing love for the game, with a home visit in Apia building momentum for the Rugby League World Cup. Climate Frontline: Ahead of COP31, leaders visiting Tuvalu will see the scale of damage from a 2024 marine heatwave that scientists say killed about 99.9% of the coral on the atolls. Samoa Economy: Samoa’s GDP contracted 8.1% in the year to June, driven by a 33.9% plunge in investment and a sharp inventory drop, even as household spending rose. EV Charging: Samoa is developing a user-pay model for MNRE solar EV charging stations to recover costs and fund expansion. Energy Costs: Diesel prices jump 22.6 sene/litre for October, alongside smaller increases for petrol and kerosene. Big Infrastructure: The Alaoa multipurpose dam is moving toward contractor prequalification, with bids expected in 2027. Investment Outlook: A U.S. State Department report says Samoa welcomes foreign investment but faces constraints from infrastructure, land rules and labour shortages. Climate Finance Push: Samoa’s finance minister calls at the UN for climate finance reform so small states aren’t forced to borrow for both development and survival.

Climate Frontline: Tuvalu’s pre-COP leaders’ visit spotlights reef collapse after a 2024 marine heatwave, with scientists warning the archipelago could become unliveable this century. Samoa Economy: Samoa’s GDP contracted 8.1% in 2025/26 as investment fell 33.9% and inventories swung sharply downward, though household spending rose and exports edged up. EV Charging Costs: Samoa’s MNRE is developing a user-pay model for its solar EV charging station, aiming for sustainable cost recovery and future expansion. Fuel Prices: Diesel jumps 22.6 sene to $4.44/litre for October, with petrol and kerosene also rising, linked to wider crude supply disruptions. Renewables & Power Deals: Samoa is pushing public-private partnerships and clearer power purchase agreements to attract investment for renewable generation and reduce diesel dependence. Climate Finance Push: Samoa’s finance minister calls at the UN for scaled-up, easier climate funding that doesn’t force small states to borrow for both development and survival. Maritime Security: Australia joined Pacific partners on Operation Nasse to deter illegal fishing and improve regional coordination. Agriculture Innovation: Samoa-linked taro research in Fiji highlights drought-resilient varieties that could protect rural incomes. Food Systems Leadership: ACIAR launches the Meryl Williams Fellowship cohort for Pacific women in agriculture and fisheries research, including Samoa.

EV Infrastructure: Samoa’s MNRE is developing a user-pay system for its solar EV charging station at Friendship Park in Apia, aiming to recover costs and support long-term expansion; a validation workshop in September reviewed business models and payment options, but no fees or start date are set. Fuel Costs: Diesel prices jump 22.6 sene to $4.44 per litre from Oct. 1, with petrol up 3.5 sene to $3.58 and kerosene up 12.5 sene to $3.90, linked to crude supply disruptions tied to the Iran-US conflict and shipping risks. Renewables & Power Planning: Samoa is moving toward public-private partnerships for electricity generation, with EPC pointing to renewable progress and experts urging clearer power purchase agreements to attract private investment. Climate Finance Push: Samoa’s finance minister told the UN General Assembly that climate funding must be scaled up, easier to access, and less conditional, warning small states are being forced to pay for both development and disaster recovery. Agriculture Leadership: ACIAR’s Meryl Williams Fellowship is bringing 21 emerging women leaders in agriculture research across the Pacific, including Samoa, for a nine-month leadership program. Energy Projects Pipeline: The Alaoa multipurpose dam is at contractor prequalification, with bids expected in Q2 2027 after an ADB-backed process to shortlist up to three firms.

EV Infrastructure & Costs: Samoa’s MNRE is developing a user-pay system for its solar EV charging station at Friendship Park in Apia, aiming for sustainable cost recovery and long-term expansion; a validation workshop reviewed business and payment options, but no fees or rollout date are set. Fuel Prices: Samoa’s diesel retail price jumps 22.6 sene to $4.44 per litre from Oct. 1, with petrol up 3.5 sene to $3.58 and kerosene up 12.5 sene to $3.90, linked to global crude disruptions affecting shipping routes. Renewables & Power Planning: Samoa is moving toward renewable energy with public-private partnerships, as EPC and experts say adding solar alone isn’t enough; work is underway to attract investment and reduce risk for independent power producers. Climate Finance Push: Samoa’s finance minister told the UN General Assembly climate funding must be scaled up, easier to access, and tailored for vulnerable states, warning small islands are forced to fund both development and disaster recovery. Agriculture Leadership: ACIAR is backing 21 Pacific women leaders, including a Samoa fisheries officer, through the Meryl Williams Fellowship to strengthen leadership in agriculture, fisheries and food systems. Regional Security: Australia’s Operation Nasse included Samoa in a Pacific fisheries patrol effort to detect and deter illegal fishing and improve maritime coordination.

Fuel & Transport Costs: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance set October retail prices higher, with diesel up 22.6 sene to $4.44/litre, petrol up 3.5 sene to $3.58, and kerosene up 12.5 sene to $3.90, citing crude supply disruptions linked to the Iran–US conflict and shipping risks in the Bab el-Mandeb route. Renewables & Power Planning: Electric Power Corporation says Samoa’s renewable push is moving toward public-private partnerships and combined solar-plus-storage, with experts urging clearer investment plans and de-risking for independent power producers. Climate Finance Push: Samoa’s Deputy PM called at the UN for a major overhaul of the international financial system—climate funding must be scaled up, easier to access, and free of heavy conditions, since small states are forced to pay for both development and disaster recovery. Agriculture Resilience: Fiji taro research found big differences between varieties under drought, with Tausala ni Samoa and Matadrala hit hardest while Tarova Damu and Tarova Vula held up better—useful for protecting rural incomes. Food & Business Online: Samoa youth are increasingly using social media to run side businesses, selling goods and services with low overhead and direct customer messaging. Regional Leadership in Ag Research: ACIAR launched the Meryl Williams Fellowship cohort for 21 emerging women leaders across Pacific countries, including Samoa, focused on agriculture, fisheries and food systems. Partnerships & Exports: Samoa Water and Taxi Soft Drinks signed on as Melbourne Storm’s official partners, aiming to bring Samoan-made products to Australian fans. Infrastructure Pipeline: The Alaoa multipurpose dam is now at contractor prequalification, with bids expected in Q2 2027 for a project to cut flooding, improve water supply, and generate hydropower.

Climate Finance & UN Diplomacy: Samoa’s Deputy PM and Finance Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo told the UN General Assembly that climate funding must be scaled up, easier to access, and tailored for small island states—warning that disaster recovery is diverting money from health, water and social protection. Renewables & Power Markets: Samoa’s EPC says renewable progress is shifting toward public-private partnerships and de-risking independent power producers, as experts argue solar alone isn’t enough to cut high power costs. Infrastructure Pipeline: The Alaoa multipurpose dam is moving toward contractor prequalification, with bids expected in 2027 after ADB-backed steps to shortlist firms for the dam and small hydropower plant. Fuel Costs: Samoa’s October retail prices rise, led by diesel up 22.6 sene to $4.44 per litre, with petrol and kerosene also increasing—linked to disruptions affecting crude supplies. Agriculture Resilience: New research in Fiji highlights drought-tolerant taro varieties, including Tausala ni Samoa and Matadrala showing the biggest biomass losses under water stress. Youth & Small Business: Young Samoans are increasingly using social media to run side businesses, selling goods without the overhead of renting physical premises. Regional Media Leadership: Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo elected Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association, boosting Pacific media leadership representation. Work Opportunities: Australia’s PALM scheme confirms Samoa among 10 eligible countries for legal work placements in Australia.

Fuel Costs: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance says October retail prices rise, with diesel up 22.6 sene to $4.44 per litre (petrol +3.5 sene to $3.58; kerosene +12.5 sene to $3.90). The changes take effect Oct. 1 and are linked to crude supply disruptions tied to the Iran-US conflict and shipping risks around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Climate Finance Push: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo told the UN General Assembly that climate funding must be scaled up, easier to access, and tailored to vulnerable states—warning small islands are being forced to pay for both development and disaster recovery. Renewables & Power Deals: Samoa’s power transition is shifting toward public-private partnerships, with experts saying adding more solar alone isn’t enough and that clearer plans and de-risking independent power producers are key to attracting investment. Infrastructure Pipeline: The Alaoa multipurpose dam is moving toward contractor prequalification, with bids expected in 2027 after ADB-backed steps to shortlist firms. Digital Commerce: Young Samoans are increasingly using social media to run side businesses—selling food, clothes, beauty products and services—without the cost of renting physical premises.

Climate & Oceans: Pacific leaders at the 8th Virtual Island Summit said island communities are already acting on climate adaptation and ocean governance, but need stronger collaboration, finance and partnerships to scale up. Climate Justice: A separate UN-focused discussion stressed the unfair burden on low-emitting island states facing cyclones, droughts, coastal erosion and coral damage. Samoa on Finance Reform: Samoa’s Deputy PM and Finance Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo told the UN General Assembly that climate funding must be scaled up, easier to access, and tailored—warning small nations are being forced to pay for both development and survival. Renewables in Practice: Samoa’s power transition is shifting toward public-private partnerships, with EPC pushing renewable projects and experts urging de-risking for independent power producers. Energy Costs: Samoa’s October fuel prices rose across the board, with diesel jumping to 22.6 sene per litre. Investment Climate: Samoa remains open to foreign investment, but infrastructure bottlenecks, land rules and labour shortages still constrain prospects. Local Industry & Trade: Samoa Water and Taxi Soft Drinks signed on as official partners of Australia’s Melbourne Storm, aiming to grow exports and brand reach.

Climate Finance Push: Samoa’s Deputy PM and Finance Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo told the UN General Assembly that climate funding must be scaled up, easier to access, and tailored for small island states—warning that disaster recovery is increasingly diverting money from health, education and water. Renewables & Power Procurement: Samoa’s shift toward renewable electricity is moving beyond “just more solar,” with experts pointing to public-private partnerships and clearer power purchase agreements to de-risk independent power producers. Water & Local Industry Exports: Samoa Water and Taxi Soft Drinks have partnered with Australia’s Melbourne Storm, aiming to grow brand reach while highlighting local sourcing and manufacturing stories. Infrastructure Pipeline: The Alaoa multipurpose dam is advancing to contractor prequalification, with bids expected in 2027 to cut flooding, improve dry-season water supply, and add small hydropower. Digital Small Business: Young Samoans are increasingly using social media to run side businesses—selling food, clothes and beauty products—without the cost of renting physical premises. Agriculture & Food Security: Breadfruit advocates across the Pacific are tackling supply chain and demand challenges to boost ‘ulu as a climate-resilient food crop. Regional Mobility: Australia’s PALM work-placement scheme confirms Samoa among eligible countries for legal work placements in sectors facing labour shortages.

Investment Climate: The U.S. State Department says Samoa is open to foreign investment, but infrastructure bottlenecks, land rules, and labour shortages are holding projects back; it flags slow 2025 growth, port congestion, and heavy reliance on remittances, while pointing to priority sectors like tourism, agriculture/agro-processing, fisheries, ICT, light manufacturing, renewable energy, and creative industries. Infrastructure & Energy: The ADB says Samoa’s Alaoa multipurpose dam is moving into contractor prequalification, with bids expected in Q2 2027; the project aims to cut Vaisigano River flooding, improve dry-season water supply, and add small hydropower. Digital Commerce: Young Samoans are increasingly using social media to run side businesses—selling food, clothes, beauty products, and services—without the cost of renting premises. Climate Finance Push: Samoa’s finance minister told the UN General Assembly that climate funding must be scaled up, easier to access, and tailored to vulnerable states, warning small islands are being forced to borrow for both development and disaster recovery. Renewables Power Model: Samoa’s EPC is leaning toward public-private partnerships and clearer power purchase deals to attract private capital for renewable generation and storage. Sports & Branding: Samoa Water and Taxi Soft Drinks have partnered with Melbourne Storm as official water and soft drink partners for the rest of 2026 and 2027.

Climate Finance Reform: Samoa’s Deputy PM and Finance Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo told the UN General Assembly that climate funding must be scaled up, easier to access, and tailored for small island states—warning that disaster recovery is increasingly draining money meant for health, water and education. Renewables & Power Markets: Samoa is moving toward renewable energy through public-private partnerships, with the Electric Power Corporation pushing projects that cut diesel reliance and support private power producers via clearer investment plans and power purchase agreements. Water Infrastructure: The Alaoa multipurpose dam is now at contractor prequalification, with bids expected in Q2 2027; the project aims to reduce Vaisigano River flooding, improve dry-season water supply, and add small hydropower. Digital Side Hustles: Young Samoans are using social media—especially Facebook—to sell food, clothes and services alongside full-time jobs, relying on low-cost online marketing and direct messaging. Regional Mobility & Work: Australia’s PALM scheme confirms Samoa among eligible countries for legal work placements, while Australia’s backpacker extension changes may shift more demand toward PALM. Sports & Business Partnerships: Melbourne Storm has partnered with Samoa Water and Taxi Soft Drinks as official water and soft drink partners for the 2026 season and 2027.

Infrastructure & Energy: Samoa’s Alaoa multipurpose dam is moving into contractor prequalification, with the ADB-backed project now seeking bids for the dam and a small hydropower plant; firms have until Nov. 2 to apply, and construction bids are expected in Q2 2027. Climate Finance: At the UN General Assembly, Samoa called for a major overhaul of the international financial system, saying climate funding must be scaled up, easier to access, tailored to small island needs, and not force countries to borrow for both development and disaster recovery. Renewables & Power Markets: Samoa’s shift toward renewable energy is increasingly pointing to public-private partnerships, with EPC and independent power producers pushing solar-plus-storage and the need to de-risk investment and power purchase agreements. Labour & Mobility: Australia’s PALM work placement scheme confirms Samoa among eligible countries, while changes to Australia’s backpacker extensions could further steer seasonal labour demand toward Pacific pathways. Industry & Trade: Samoa Water and Taxi Soft Drinks have partnered with Melbourne Storm as official water and soft drink partners for 2026 and 2027, boosting brand visibility in Australia. Digital Economy: A growing number of young Samoans are using social media to run side businesses, selling goods and services with low overhead. Media & Skills: Pacific media leadership continues to grow, with regional training and leadership updates highlighting stronger storytelling and newsroom capacity across the islands.

Climate & Debt: The World Bank’s 2026 Pacific Economic Update warns that climate shocks and higher fuel/shipping costs are squeezing fiscal space, with growth across 11 Pacific Island countries projected to slow to 2.8% in 2026 as debt rises and repeated disasters become “the new normal.” Renewables & Power Markets: Samoa’s shift toward renewable electricity is moving beyond “just more solar,” with the Electric Power Corporation pointing to public-private partnerships and combined solar-storage projects by independent power producers—plus calls to de-risk deals and strengthen transparent power purchase agreements. UN Climate Diplomacy: Nepal’s “Sagarmatha to the Sea” event at UNGA81 linked mountain glacier melt to sea-level impacts, co-hosted with Samoa and others, pushing an integrated “mountains-to-sea” approach to climate justice. Samoa-India Cooperation: At UNGA sidelines, Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister joined FIPIC talks where India reaffirmed support on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, healthcare, and capacity building. Local Governance & Jobs: Samoa swore in 14 new CEOs of government ministries and state bodies, urging responsiveness to the public. Community Environment Grants: Samoa CARES awarded 62 community groups $3.12m for coral/mangrove work, solar lighting, and livelihood projects like hydroponics and poultry. Industry & Branding: Samoa Water and Taxi Soft Drinks signed as Melbourne Storm’s official partners for 2026-27, boosting exports and brand visibility. Labour Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirms Samoa among eligible countries for legal work placements, while Australia’s backpacker extension caps may steer more demand toward PALM.

UN Climate Diplomacy: Nepal used UNGA 81 to push climate justice after the Aug. 26 Bhotekoshi floods, hosting “Sagarmatha to the Sea” with partners including Samoa, linking mountain melt to sea-level impacts and calling for accessible Loss and Damage support. Renewable Power in Samoa: Samoa’s Electric Power Corporation says the next step is public-private partnerships and better risk-sharing for independent power producers, as solar alone isn’t enough to cut high costs and diesel reliance. Pacific Media Leadership: Elizabeth Osifelo was elected PINA Vice-President, a win for regional journalism leadership. Samoa–Australia Business Tie-Up: Samoa Water and Taxi Soft Drinks signed on as Melbourne Storm’s official water and soft drink partners for the rest of 2026 and 2027. Work Pathways: Australia confirmed PALM eligibility for Samoa and others, while changes to Australia’s seasonal work rules may shift more demand toward PALM. Community Environment Grants: Samoa CARES awarded $3.12m to 62 groups for reef, mangrove, solar lighting, and farm projects.

Renewables & power planning: Samoa’s shift toward renewable energy is moving beyond “more solar” toward public-private partnerships, with EPC pointing to combined solar-and-storage investments by independent power producers and calls to de-risk deals and strengthen transparent power purchase agreements. Climate diplomacy: Nepal’s “Sagarmatha to the Sea” UN General Assembly event linked glacier melt to sea-level impacts, co-hosted with partners including Samoa, stressing climate risks from mountains to small island coasts as interconnected crises. Samoa in regional media leadership: Elizabeth Osifelo was elected Vice President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), saying the role is a humbled, unexpected responsibility for Pacific media over the next two years. Rugby league tie-up: Melbourne Storm has partnered with Samoa Water and Taxi Soft Drinks as official water and carbonated soft drink partners for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027. Workforce mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirms Samoa among 10 eligible countries for legal work placements, while broader changes to other work pathways may steer more demand toward Pacific labour programs. Community environment grants: Samoa CARES awarded 62 community organisations $3.12m for projects like reef and mangrove work, solar lighting, and agriculture support. Digital connectivity focus: Pacific leaders at UNGA81 discussed affordable, secure digital infrastructure, including protecting sovereignty and Indigenous knowledge as connectivity expands.