AGP Executive Report

Ocean & Fisheries Policy: Samoa is hosting the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Scientific Committee meeting in Apia, with Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt urging stronger, credible science to protect tuna stocks and the “Blue Pacific” livelihoods that depend on them. Green Finance: Samoa’s Central Bank, with UNDP, brought banks and development partners together to push green banking and sustainable finance, with renewable energy—especially solar for homes and businesses—front and centre. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders used CSW66 to stress that women and girls must be at the centre of climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, linking gender equality to safer, stronger communities. Culture & Tourism: Samoa’s Teuila Festival returns in late August under a new Measina Festival name, spotlighting arts, culture, performances, food and family events in Apia. Sports & Community Stories: Former Manu Samoa captain Chris Vui is seeking crowd-funding to finish a documentary about his doping ban and alleged contamination. Energy Security (Regional): Fiji and Malaysia discussed fuel security and resilient supply chains, including possible offshore storage and maritime arrangements—an issue Samoa also faces as an import-dependent island economy.

Green Finance Push: Samoa’s Central Bank workshop with UNDP brought banks, the Development Bank and other finance players together to expand green lending, with solar for homes and businesses a key focus, while noting capacity and awareness gaps. Fisheries Science in Apia: Samoa is hosting the WCPFC Scientific Committee with delegates from 26 countries to review tuna stock status and management, including observer programmes and harvest strategy work—Prime Minister Schmidt stressed science-led decisions that will reach coastal villages. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger climate action ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership, with Samoa attending at senior officials level. Teuila/Measina Festival Update: Samoa’s flagship cultural festival returns 30 Aug–5 Sep 2026 in Apia under the Measina Festival name, spotlighting fa’a Samoa through dance, music, crafts, food, sports and family events. Fintech & Remittances Angle: A Pacific-focused piece argues Samoa’s digital finance story should start with diaspora remittances, aiming to make transfers cheaper and more regular through mobile wallets and direct-to-wallet payments. Tourism Policy Watch: Fiji’s Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill drew warnings from former AG Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum that it could unsettle tourism investors and lenders by changing marine area arrangements. Sports Media: Banned former Manu Samoa captain Chris Vui is seeking crowdfunding to finish documentary “SPIKED,” telling his doping-ban story and alleged contamination claims.

Culture & Tourism: Samoa’s Teuila Festival is back as the Measina Festival, running 30 August–5 September 2026 in Apia, with dance, music, local food, arts and crafts, plus long boat and paopao races and kilikiti cricket. Fisheries & Food Security: Samoa is hosting the WCPFC Scientific Committee meeting in Apia, with delegates from 26 countries urged to use stronger, credible science to guide tuna management and protect livelihoods across Pacific coastal communities. Climate & Energy Finance: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership through Pre-COP31 meetings. Green Banking: Samoa’s banks are exploring more green financing, with a workshop led by the Central Bank of Samoa and UNDP focusing on scaling solar and sustainable investment while building capacity and managing climate risks. Sports & Community Stories: Former Manu Samoa captain Chris Vui is seeking crowdfunding to finish his documentary “Spiked,” telling his doping-ban story and the impact on his family. Industry & Trade Tech: HTX says July performance hit record daily trading volume as it expands TradFi Zone futures listings, including AI and semiconductor-linked assets.

Sports & Reputation: Former Manu Samoa captain Chris Vui is seeking crowd-funding to finish his documentary “SPIKED,” aiming to clear his name after a four-year World Rugby doping ban in 2023, with the film focusing on alleged inadvertent contamination and the stigma felt by his family. Fisheries & Regional Governance: Samoa is hosting the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Scientific Committee meeting, with delegates from 26 countries reviewing stock status, data and observer programmes, and discussing a harvest strategy framework to protect the Blue Pacific Ocean. Renewable Finance: Samoa’s banks are exploring more green financing, including solar for homes and businesses, following a Green Banking and Sustainable Finance workshop led by the Central Bank of Samoa with UNDP support. Education & Community Build: HXP has fully funded a new canteen at Malie Primary School, with youth volunteers doing much of the construction work and supporting local foremen and handymen. Culture & Creative Industries: Tonga has ratified UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on cultural diversity, strengthening policy support for artists and creative enterprises, with Samoa already a party since 2015. Pacific Rugby Business: Brian To’o will leave Penrith for the PNG Chiefs on a three-year deal, bringing a strong Samoan identity to the new Pacific-focused NRL franchise.

Fisheries Management: Samoa is hosting the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Scientific Committee meeting, with delegates from 26 countries reviewing stock status, data and stock assessments, plus observer programmes and a harvest strategy framework. Green Finance: Samoa’s banks and partners are exploring more green financing, with a Central Bank of Samoa workshop focused on renewable energy—especially solar—for homes and businesses. Community Infrastructure: Humanitarian Experience (HXP) has fully funded and supported youth-built construction of a new canteen at Malie Primary School, covering materials and local workers. Regional Industry & Trade: Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia is bringing 15 food and beverage exporters from eight Pacific economies—including Samoa—into Fine Food Australia 2026 to connect with buyers and distributors. Cultural Spotlight: USP’s Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture, and Pacific Studies (OCACPS) staged sold-out SINA performances at the Japan ICT Centre, celebrating Pacific storytelling and dance. Sports & Identity: Former Manu Samoa captain Chris Vui is turning his doping ban into a documentary, while rugby news also keeps the Pacific spotlight on PNG Chiefs’ Pacific identity with Samoan winger Brian To’o signing.

Fisheries & Regional Cooperation: Samoa welcomed delegates from 26 countries for the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Scientific Committee Session, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, with discussions on stock assessment, harvest strategy models, and the Regional Observer Programme. Green Finance: Samoa’s banks and key institutions met at a Central Bank of Samoa and UNDP workshop to expand green financing, with solar for homes and businesses a major focus, alongside gaps in capacity, awareness, and climate risk management. Solar & Sustainable Investment: Samoa’s financial sector is actively exploring more financing options for renewable and green projects, aiming to turn growing demand into practical products. Tourism Trade Push: The Solomon Islands is keeping regional tourism in the spotlight at the Treasures of the South Pacific roadshow in Australia, with Samoa listed among core member destinations. Pacific Minerals Debate: A new look at polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone weighs mineral wealth against deep-sea environmental risk. Community Support: Humanitarian Experience (HXP) fully funded a new Malie Primary School canteen in Samoa, with youth volunteers doing much of the build. Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest Australia is bringing 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies, including Samoa, to Fine Food Australia 2026 to connect producers with buyers.

Green Finance Push: Samoa’s banks are exploring more green financing, with a Central Bank of Samoa workshop bringing commercial banks and key institutions together to boost renewable energy deals—especially solar for homes and businesses—while tackling gaps in capacity, awareness, and climate risk management. School Infrastructure Boost: Humanitarian Experience (HXP) has fully funded a new canteen at Malie Primary School, with youth volunteers doing most of the build work and HXP covering materials plus local foremen and handymen. Pacific Cultural Policy: Tonga has ratified UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on protecting and promoting cultural diversity, with the move set to take effect in October 2026—adding momentum for Pacific cultural and creative industries, including alongside Samoa’s earlier participation. Regional Economy Watch: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic growth has slowed sharply to 0.4% in FY2025/26, citing weak demand and higher energy costs, and expects a gradual recovery if inflation and household pressures are managed. Food Trade Link-Up: Pacific Trade Invest is set to bring 15 food and beverage exporters from eight Pacific economies—including Samoa—into Australia’s Fine Food Australia 2026, aiming to connect producers with buyers and distributors. Sports Talent Pipeline: Brian To’o is set to leave Penrith for the PNG Chiefs in 2028 on a three-year deal, reuniting him with Jarome Luai and highlighting the Chiefs’ Pacific identity and Samoan links.

NRL & Pacific Talent: Brian To’o will leave the Penrith Panthers after the 2027 season to join the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural NRL campaign in 2028, on a three-year deal from 2028—linking up with Jarome Luai and highlighting the Chiefs’ push for a strong Pacific identity, with To’o’s Samoan heritage front and centre. Green Finance: Samoa’s banks are exploring more green financing, with the Central Bank of Samoa running a workshop with UNDP to boost renewable energy lending—especially solar for homes and businesses—while tackling capacity, awareness, and climate risk management. Climate & Energy Politics: Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa says Australia should avoid new coal and gas projects ahead of COP31, warning that ongoing or expanded fossil fuel plans would undermine climate goals. Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest is bringing 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies—including Samoa—to Fine Food Australia 2026 (31 Aug–3 Sep) to help premium food and beverage producers reach buyers and distributors. Economy Watch: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic growth has slowed sharply to 0.4% in FY2025/26, with weak demand and higher energy costs weighing on the outlook.

Green Finance Push: Samoa’s banks are exploring more financing for solar and other green projects after a Central Bank of Samoa workshop with UNDP brought together commercial banks and key financial players to discuss demand, capacity gaps, and managing climate-related risks. EU Funding Link: Malawi’s parliament warned that delays in ratifying the Samoa Agreement could block access to EU funding and development opportunities—highlighting how the agreement’s rollout affects OACPS countries’ ability to benefit from renewed EU partnership programmes. Climate Politics Pressure: Samoa Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa said Australia should avoid new coal and gas projects ahead of its COP31 bid, stressing climate change as a major threat and urging action that matches higher emissions targets. Economic Outlook Watch: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery has slowed sharply, with weak demand and higher energy costs weighing on growth, inflation rising, and the current account turning back toward deficit—calling for stability, support for households, and structural reforms. Pacific Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest Australia is set to bring Samoa and other Pacific exporters to Fine Food Australia 2026, aiming to connect premium food and beverage producers with buyers across the region.

Green Finance Push: Samoa’s banks are exploring more financing for solar and other green projects after a Central Bank of Samoa workshop with UNDP brought together commercial banks, the Development Bank of Samoa, housing and pension bodies, and industry groups to discuss demand, capacity gaps, and managing climate-related risks. Hospitality Careers: Award-winning marketer Areez Khan has been appointed multi-property director of marketing for Fiji Hotels with Marriott Fiji, based on Denarau Island and reporting to the Fiji and Samoa marketing team. Trade & Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest Australia is set to bring 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies—including Samoa—into Fine Food Australia 2026 (31 Aug–3 Sep, Melbourne), aiming to connect premium Pacific food and beverage producers with buyers across retail and foodservice. Economic Outlook: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery has slowed sharply, with weak demand and higher energy costs weighing on growth, inflation, and the near-term outlook. Energy & Climate Pressure: Samoa’s Prime Minister says Australia should avoid new coal and gas projects ahead of COP31, warning that ongoing fossil expansion would undermine climate targets. Ocean Protection Call: Pacific leaders and advocates are urging opposition to deep-sea mining, warning it could cause irreversible harm to ecosystems and Pacific identity.

Energy & Utilities: Samoa’s Electric Power Corporation reported an unexpected power outage that plunged Upolu into darkness shortly after 7pm Friday, disrupting hospital operations, businesses and traffic as street lights failed; EPC said backup generation kicked in about 10 minutes later, restoration work continued through the evening, and power to the Hospital Feeder and parts of the Palisi/Industrial feeders was progressively restored, with the 33-kilovolt network restoration completed by the latest update. Macroeconomy: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery has slowed sharply, estimating FY2025/26 growth at 0.4% (down from 4.2%), with weak demand, higher global energy prices and structural issues weighing on households, tourism and project delivery, while expecting a gradual return toward 2% growth. Climate & Energy Policy: Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa warned Australia would be “a concern” if it pursues new coal and gas projects ahead of COP31, urging a broad set of actions to meet higher emissions targets. Trade & Food Industry: Pacific Trade Invest will bring 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies—including Samoa—under a Pacific Showcase at Fine Food Australia (31 Aug–3 Sep, Melbourne), aiming to connect premium food and beverage producers with major buyers. Ocean Protection: A Pacific call is growing to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could cause irreversible damage to ecosystems and threaten the ocean’s role in Pacific identity and livelihoods.

Energy & Climate Policy: Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa says Australia should ban new coal and gas projects ahead of COP31, warning that fresh fossil-fuel plans would undermine emissions targets. Economic Outlook: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery has slowed sharply, with growth at 0.4% in FY2025/26 and risks from weaker demand, higher energy prices, and structural constraints. Power & Industry Disruption: A major blackout hit Upolu, taking down hospital operations, businesses, and traffic lights; EPC restored power in stages, including the hospital feeder and parts of industrial feeders. Trade & Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest is bringing 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies—including Samoa’s Wilex Samoa—to Fine Food Australia 2026, aiming to connect premium Pacific food and beverage producers with major buyers. Ocean Protection: A Pacific call is growing to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could cause irreversible damage to ecosystems that communities depend on. Governance & Funding: Malawi’s delay in ratifying the “Samoa Agreement” is flagged as a risk to access EU funding and development programmes.

Energy & Politics: Samoa’s PM Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa says Australia should ban new coal and gas projects as it prepares for COP31, warning fresh fossil projects would undermine climate targets. Local Power & Services: A major blackout hit Upolu, plunging parts of Apia into darkness and disrupting hospital operations and traffic lights, with EPC restoring power to key feeders by nightfall. Economy Watch: The IMF warns Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery has lost momentum, with growth slowing to 0.4% in FY2025/26 and higher oil prices weighing on households, tourism and project delivery. Renewables Push: Sunergise says Samoa could scale up renewable energy to cut reliance on imported diesel, pointing to Niue’s new solar-plus-battery system as a model. Ocean Protection: Former Miss Samoa Moemoana Schwenke urges Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, calling it an irreversible threat to Moana ecosystems. Trade & Food Industry: Pacific Trade Invest will bring 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies—including Samoa—to Fine Food Australia 2026, aiming to connect premium food and beverage producers with buyers. Community Events: Arcata’s 42nd Lantern Floating Ceremony at Klopp Lake invites people to remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki and reaffirm a nuclear-free peace focus.

Energy & Climate Policy: Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa says Australia should ban new coal and gas projects ahead of COP31, warning fresh fossil-fuel developments would undermine climate targets and hit the region’s biggest threat—climate change. Public Finance Watch: The IMF warns Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery has lost momentum, with growth slowing to 0.4% in FY2025/26 and higher oil prices weighing on households, tourism, and project delivery. Power & Infrastructure: A major blackout hit Upolu, plunging areas into darkness and disrupting hospital operations, traffic lights, and businesses while EPC worked to restore the 33-kilovolt network. Renewables Push: Niue’s new solar plus battery storage system is being held up as a model for Samoa to cut diesel reliance, with Sunergise saying more renewable investment is the path forward. Ocean Protection: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urges Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, calling it an irreversible threat to ecosystems and Pacific identity. Trade & Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest Australia will bring 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies—including Samoa—to Fine Food Australia 2026 to connect premium food and beverage producers with buyers. Human Rights at Sea: A Busan case highlights alleged trafficking of a seafarer tied to deep-sea fishing operations, with authorities reviewing the probe after a confinement-related fall.

Energy & Climate Diplomacy: Samoa PM Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa says Australia’s planned new gas and coal projects would be a major concern ahead of COP31, urging a real shift away from ongoing and especially new fossil projects. Public Finance & Growth Outlook: The IMF warns Samoa’s recovery has lost momentum, with FY2025/26 growth at just 0.4% as weak demand, higher global energy prices, and structural constraints bite—while inflation is expected to rise. Power & Critical Services: A major blackout hit Upolu, disrupting hospitals, businesses and traffic lights; EPC restored power in stages, including the hospital feeder and parts of industrial feeders. Shipping & State-Owned Enterprise Leadership: Cabinet approved new CEOs for the Development Bank of Samoa and Samoa Shipping Corporation, signaling fresh management for key finance and logistics services. Renewables for Resilience: Niue’s solar-plus-battery system is highlighted as a model for reducing diesel dependence—an approach Samoa could scale up. Ocean Protection Push: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urges Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning of irreversible ecosystem harm. Trade & Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest will bring Samoa and other Pacific exporters to Australia’s Fine Food Australia, aiming to connect premium food and beverage producers with buyers. Governance & Trade Rules at Home: Samoa’s House questioned DOH limits on food travelers can bring from Samoa and raised concerns about passport use for dual citizens.

IMF Watch: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery is losing momentum, with FY2025/26 growth estimated at just 0.4% as weak domestic demand, higher global energy prices, and structural issues weigh on households, tourism, and investment. Energy & Power Reliability: Upolu suffered a major blackout on Friday evening, disrupting hospitals, businesses, and traffic lights; EPC said restoration work is underway and power was progressively returned to key feeders. Shipping & State-Owned Leadership: Cabinet approved new CEOs for the Development Bank of Samoa and Samoa Shipping Corporation, aiming to steady governance and drive performance in two critical industry backbones. Food Exports & Trade: Pacific Trade Invest Australia will bring 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies—including Samoa—to Fine Food Australia 2026, giving local food and beverage producers direct buyer access in Melbourne. Ocean Protection Push: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could cause irreversible damage to ecosystems and Pacific identity. Regional Security Context: ASPI’s Fault Lines highlights RIMPAC’s scale and South Korea’s growing naval role, underscoring how maritime drills keep reshaping the Indo-Pacific security picture. Commonwealth Business Angle: A Commonwealth Games-linked piece argues the network’s shared ties can make trade and enterprise among member states cheaper and bigger.