AGP Executive Report

Power & Utilities: Upolu was hit by a major blackout shortly after 7 p.m. on Friday, disrupting hospitals, businesses and traffic lights; EPC said restoration work on the 33-kilovolt network was completed by 9.19 p.m., with power restored to the Hospital Feeder and parts of the Palisi and Industrial feeders. Economic Outlook: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery is losing momentum, with FY2025/26 growth estimated at 0.4% (down from 4.2%), as weaker domestic demand, higher global energy prices and structural constraints weigh on households, tourism and investment. Shipping & Public Sector: Cabinet approved CEO appointments across government-linked bodies: Tamaletā Taimang Jensen to lead the Development Bank of Samoa, Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown to head Samoa Shipping Corporation, and Unasa Viane Faifuaina Toala as inaugural CEO of the new District Development Authority. Ocean & Environment: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could cause irreversible harm to ecosystems and threaten the ocean communities rely on. Agriculture & Biosecurity: MAF warned that illegal honey and bee products imports could damage Samoa’s bee population, agriculture and food security, stressing the existing ban and continued inspections.

IMF Economic Watch: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery is losing momentum, with FY2025/26 growth at just 0.4% as weak demand, higher global energy prices, and structural issues bite—though it expects a gradual rebound to 2% next year. Power & Services: Upolu suffered a major blackout on Friday night, disrupting hospitals, businesses, and traffic lights; EPC reported staged restoration and completion of work on the 33-kilovolt network. Shipping & Public Sector Leadership: Cabinet approved new CEOs for the Development Bank of Samoa and Samoa Shipping Corporation, plus the inaugural CEO of the District Development Authority—moves aimed at strengthening delivery across key state services. Ocean Protection vs Deep-Sea Mining: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning of irreversible ecosystem damage. Tourism Update: Samoa’s tourism improved in Q2 2026, with international arrivals up nearly 7% year-on-year, led by visitors from New Zealand and holiday travel. Biosecurity Alert: MAF warned that illegal honey and bee products threaten Samoa’s agriculture and food security, urging travellers to declare and not smuggle prohibited items. Governance & Rights: Samoa’s new Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson pledged stronger public awareness of the office and focus on protecting children and vulnerable groups, including from online harm.

Power & Services: Upolu was hit by a major blackout shortly after 7pm Friday, disrupting hospital operations, traffic lights, businesses and a football match, with EPC saying restoration work on the 33-kilovolt network was completed by 9.19pm and power restored to the Hospital Feeder and parts of Palisi/Industrial feeders. Government Appointments: Cabinet approved three CEO changes: Tamaletā Taimang Jensen as CEO of the Development Bank of Samoa, Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown as CEO of the Samoa Shipping Corporation, and Unasa Viane Faifuaina Toala as inaugural CEO of the new District Development Authority. Economy Watch: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery is slowing, with growth estimated at 0.4% in FY2025/26 as weaker domestic demand and external shocks (including higher energy prices and structural constraints) weigh on medium-term prospects. Energy & Renewables: Sunergise highlights how Niue’s solar-plus-battery system reduced diesel reliance, suggesting Samoa could scale up similar renewable investments. Food Security & Trade Controls: MAF warns illegal honey and bee products could threaten Samoa’s bee population, agriculture and food security, urging passengers and importers to declare and avoid prohibited items. Human Rights & Governance: New Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson pledged stronger public awareness of the office and protection of rights, flagging online harm, violence against women and girls, climate risks and seabed mining. Maritime & Aviation: Samoa added an in-country option for NZCAA-approved pilot and AME exams, cutting the need for overseas travel; and a ferry incident ended with a separated boy found before arrival at Mulifanua.

Power & Utilities: Upolu was hit by a major blackout shortly after 7pm Friday, disrupting hospitals, businesses and traffic lights; EPC said backup power kicked in for the hospital and restoration was completed on the 33kV network by 9.19pm. Shipping & Public Sector Appointments: Cabinet approved new CEOs for three government bodies: Tamaletā Taimang Jensen at the Development Bank of Samoa, Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown at Samoa Shipping Corporation, and Unasa Viane Faifuaina Toala as inaugural CEO of the District Development Authority. Tourism Watch: Samoa’s tourism kept climbing in Q2 2026, with international arrivals up nearly 7% year-on-year, led by visitors from New Zealand and a strong rise from the United States. Food & Biosecurity: MAF warned illegal honey and bee products could threaten Samoa’s agriculture and food security, urging travellers to declare and not bring prohibited items. Governance & Rights: New Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson pledged stronger public awareness of the office and protection of rights, flagging concerns from online harm to seabed mining. Renewables Insight: Niue’s solar-plus-storage system is cutting diesel reliance, with lessons for scaling renewables in Samoa.

Power & Utilities: An unexpected blackout hit Upolu shortly after 7pm Friday, knocking out hospital operations, traffic lights and businesses while EPC teams worked to restore the 33kV network and feeder power. Shipping & Finance Leadership: Cabinet approved new CEOs—Tamaletā Taimang Jensen at the Development Bank of Samoa, Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown at Samoa Shipping Corporation, and Unasa Viane Faifuaina Toala as inaugural CEO of the District Development Authority—signaling a fresh push in public-sector delivery. Economy Watch: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery is cooling, with growth slowing to about 0.4% in FY2025/26 amid weaker demand, higher energy costs and structural constraints. Tourism Numbers: Samoa’s tourism continued to rebound in Q2 2026, with international arrivals up nearly 7% year-on-year, led by visitors from New Zealand and a strong rise from the United States. Agriculture & Biosecurity: MAF warns illegal honey and bee products could threaten Samoa’s bee population, pollination and food security, urging travellers to declare and not smuggle prohibited items. Ocean Policy: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, calling it an irreversible risk to Moana ecosystems. Maritime Mystery: The MV Joyita disappearance off Samoa remains one of the South Pacific’s best-known unsolved maritime cases.

Power & Services: A major blackout hit Upolu shortly after 7pm on Friday, disrupting hospital operations, traffic lights and businesses, with EPC restoring power in stages and completing work on the 33kV network by the latest update. Shipping & Finance Leadership: Cabinet approved new CEOs for the Development Bank of Samoa and Samoa Shipping Corporation, plus the inaugural CEO of the new District Development Authority—moves aimed at strengthening key public services and delivery. Economic Outlook: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery is cooling, with subdued growth tied to weaker domestic demand and external shocks, urging focus on stability, inflation control, and structural reforms. Renewables in the Region: Niue’s solar-plus-battery upgrade is held up as a model for Samoa to cut diesel reliance as Pacific nations push more renewable energy. Ocean Protection vs Mining: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning of irreversible harm to ecosystems and culture. Food & Biosecurity: MAF warned illegal honey imports could threaten Samoa’s bee population, agriculture and food security, while authorities say they’ll investigate reports of Australian honey being sold locally. Tourism Pulse: Samoa’s tourism rebounded in Q2 2026, with international arrivals up nearly 7% year-on-year.

Pacific Energy & Industry: Sunergise says Niue’s solar-plus-battery system is cutting diesel reliance, and Samoa could scale similar renewable investments as the region looks to lower fuel imports. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke and other Pacific voices are urging Samoa to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could cause irreversible harm to ocean ecosystems. Samoa Economy Watch: The IMF says Samoa’s strong post-pandemic recovery is slowing, with weak domestic demand and external shocks weighing on growth. Cabinet Appointments: New CEOs are confirmed for the Development Bank of Samoa and Samoa Shipping Corporation, plus the inaugural CEO of the District Development Authority—moves aimed at strengthening public service delivery. Tourism Numbers: Samoa’s visitor arrivals rose nearly 7% in Q2 2026, led by New Zealand, with holiday travel driving demand. Food & Biosecurity: MAF warns illegal honey imports threaten agriculture and food security, while lawmakers question DOH limits on what travellers can bring into Samoa. Maritime & Aviation: Samoa’s in-country aviation exams for pilots and AMEs mark a manpower boost, and a ferry incident ended with a missing boy found before arrival.

Renewables & Energy: Samoa could scale up renewable energy as Pacific neighbours cut diesel reliance, with Niue’s new solar-plus-battery system (installed by Sunergise) cited as a practical model. Ocean Protection vs Deep-Sea Mining: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urged Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning it could cause irreversible damage to ecosystems that scientists are only beginning to understand. Shipping & Public Sector Leadership: Cabinet approved new CEOs—Tamaletā Taimang Jensen at the Development Bank of Samoa, Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown at Samoa Shipping Corporation, and Unasa Viane Faifuaina Toala as inaugural CEO of the District Development Authority—signalling a push to strengthen key services and district delivery. Economy Watch: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery is slowing, with subdued demand and external shocks weighing on growth. Food & Biosecurity: MAF warned illegal honey imports threaten Samoa’s agriculture and food security, while Biosecurity says it will investigate an online sale of Australian honey. Tourism Update: Samoa’s visitor numbers rose in Q2 2026, with international arrivals up nearly 7% year-on-year.

Government Appointments: Cabinet has approved three CEO changes that will shape Samoa’s core services and delivery—Tamaletā Taimang Jensen takes over as CEO of the Development Bank of Samoa, Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown becomes CEO of the Samoa Shipping Corporation, and Unasa Viane Faifuaina Toala is named inaugural CEO of the new District Development Authority. District Development: Toala’s role is tied to the District Development Project under the FAST Government, with his background in leading the project from its start. Shipping & Industry: Brown replaces Leiātaua Samuel Phineas at SSC, bringing long maritime experience and marine engineering certifications. Biosecurity & Agriculture: Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries warns that illegal honey and bee products sold online could threaten local bee populations, pollination, and food security; Biosecurity Samoa says it will investigate an Australian honey listing. Tourism Numbers: Samoa’s tourism keeps climbing—Q2 2026 international arrivals rose nearly 7% year-on-year, led by visitors from New Zealand. Human Rights & Governance: New Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson vows stronger public awareness of the office and protection of rights, flagging online harm and violence against women and girls.

Economic Outlook: The IMF says Samoa’s post-pandemic recovery is cooling fast, with FY2025/26 growth estimated at just 0.4% as weak domestic demand meets higher global energy prices, external risks, and structural constraints—urging steady fiscal support, inflation vigilance, and stronger financial-sector resilience. Public Sector Appointments: Cabinet has named Tamaletā Taimang Jensen as CEO of the Development Bank of Samoa, Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown as CEO of the Samoa Shipping Corporation, and Unasa Viane Faifuaina Toala as inaugural CEO of the new District Development Authority. Maritime & Conservation: Pacific nations are moving toward a Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a large transboundary marine protected area that will need real enforcement to avoid “paper parks.” Food & Biosecurity: Samoa’s agriculture ministry warns illegal honey and bee products could threaten local bee health, pollination, and food security, after concerns about prohibited imports being sold online. Governance & Rights: New Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson pledges to boost public understanding of the office and protect rights, flagging online harm, violence against women and girls, and risks from climate change and seabed mining. Tourism & Labour: Visitor arrivals rose nearly 7% in Q2 2026, while Samoa’s RSE participation continues to be shaped through PM consultations with 700 workers in Blenheim.

Government Appointments: Cabinet has approved three new three-year CEO roles, naming Tamaletā Taimang Jensen to lead the Development Bank of Samoa, Tau’ili’ili Vaelua Sonny Brown to head the Samoa Shipping Corporation, and Unasa Viane Faifuaina Toala as the inaugural CEO of the newly established District Development Authority. Biosecurity & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is warning that illegal honey and bee product imports could threaten Samoa’s bee population, agriculture and food security, with Biosecurity Samoa also set to investigate reports of Australian honey being sold locally. Maritime Safety & Passenger Concerns: A missing boy was found and reunited with his father shortly before the MV Lady Samoa III reached Mulifanua, after a frantic search that also sparked questions about ferry seating and air-conditioning. Aviation Skills at Home: Samoa’s first pilot sat the NZ Civil Aviation Authority-approved licensing exam in-country, cutting the need for costly overseas travel for pilots and aviation maintenance engineers. Tourism Update: Samoa’s tourism recovery continues, with international arrivals up nearly 7% in Q2 2026, led by stronger visitor numbers from New Zealand and the United States. Human Rights Focus: The new Ombudsman, Vui Clarence Nelson, says his office will boost public understanding and protect rights, including concerns around online harm and the growing threat of seabed mining. Energy & Industry Context: The ADB has approved major financing to scale India’s rooftop solar rollout, including support for digital monitoring and end-of-life PV and battery management.

District Development Authority: Cabinet has approved Unasa Viane Faifuaina Toala as CEO of the newly formed District Development Authority for a three-year term, drawing on his experience launching the District Development Project since 2022 and his agriculture and executive leadership qualifications. Food & biosecurity: Samoa’s MAF/Biosecurity is warning that illegal honey and bee products sold online could bring in destructive pests and diseases, threatening pollination, local beekeepers, and food security, with inspections and traveller reminders continuing. Aviation training: For the first time, a Samoan pilot sat the Air Transport Pilots License Law exam in-country at Talamua House, cutting overseas travel costs; more pilots and AMEs are now preparing for local sittings. Tourism rebound: Samoa’s Q2 2026 visitor arrivals rose nearly 7% year-on-year, led by stronger arrivals from New Zealand and the U.S. Human rights: New Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson was sworn in, pledging stronger public understanding of the office and protection of rights, including concerns over online harm and seabed mining. Local safety: Police arrested two men in Vaitele with over 50 marijuana sticks after reports of street vending sales. Regional influence: Australia’s Pacific aid push and China’s shift in strategy are reshaping the competition for influence, according to a new Lowy Institute report.

Biosecurity & Food Security: Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries warns illegal honey and bee products could bring destructive pests and diseases, threatening pollination, biodiversity, and food security; Biosecurity Samoa says it was unaware of an online sale of Australian honey and will investigate, while travellers are urged to declare and not bring bee products. Aviation Skills in Samoa: For the first time, a Samoan pilot sat the Air Transport Pilots License Law exam in-country at Togafu’afu’a, cutting the usual overseas costs and opening doors for more local pilots and aviation maintenance engineers. Tourism Recovery: Samoa’s Q2 2026 visitor arrivals rose nearly 7% year-on-year, with New Zealand still the biggest source market, followed by Australia and a strong lift from the United States. Human Rights & Governance: New Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson was sworn in, pledging stronger public awareness of the office and protection of rights, with focus on online harm to children and ongoing violence against women and girls. Labour & Training Regionally: Trade unions from across the Pacific, including Samoa, took part in labour law and dispute resolution training, covering grievances, bargaining, mediation, and arbitration. Transport Safety Concern: A boy separated from his father aboard MV Lady Samoa III was found before arrival at Mulifanua, but passengers raised questions about ferry seating and air-conditioning. RSE Consultation: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Polataʻivao Fosi Schmidt met 700+ Samoan RSE workers in Blenheim, following site visits to workplaces and accommodation to improve conditions under the scheme. Industry & Trade Policy: Samoa’s TRIPS-related legal review updates were discussed at the WTO, including geographical indications and IP enforcement responses. Digital Safety: A Pacific-wide push is highlighted as Samoa-linked youth climate and digital inclusion efforts continue, including work on online safety and resilience.

Biosecurity & Food Security: Biosecurity Samoa is investigating reports of illegal Australian honey sales in Samoa, warning the long-standing ban on bee products exists to protect the country from destructive pests and diseases that could hit pollination and food security. Aviation & Skills: Samoa held its first in-country Air Transport Pilots License Law exam, cutting the need for costly overseas travel for pilots and opening more opportunities as aviation manpower shortages loom. Tourism Update: Samoa’s tourism recovery continues, with Q2 2026 international arrivals up nearly 7% year-on-year, led by stronger visitor numbers from New Zealand and the United States. Governance & Rights: Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson was sworn in and pledged to boost public understanding of the office, with a focus on protecting vulnerable people from online harm and raising concerns including climate change and seabed mining. Maritime Safety: A boy separated from his father during MV Lady Samoa III’s crossing was found and reunited before arrival at Mulifanua, renewing passenger concerns about ferry seating and comfort. Labour Mobility: Samoa’s Prime Minister met 700 RSE workers in Blenheim, discussing working and living conditions and how to strengthen Samoa’s participation in the RSE scheme. Public Safety & Drugs: Police arrested two men in Vaitele and seized over 50 marijuana sticks, after reports they were selling drugs disguised as street vendors. Aviation Industry Investment: Samoa Airways welcomed back its oldest Twin Otter after a major overhaul funded from airline revenue, aimed at extending service life and supporting tourism and trade.

Maritime Safety: A young boy separated from his father aboard the MV Lady Samoa III was found about 20 minutes before the ferry arrived at Mulifanua, ending a frantic search; passengers also raised concerns about overcrowding and air-conditioning issues on the vessel. Aviation Skills: For the first time, a Samoan pilot sat the Air Transport Pilots License Law exam in Samoa at Talamua House, after negotiations added Samoa as an exam location—cutting the cost of overseas travel for pilots and aviation maintenance engineers. Public Health in Industry: A flight physician described how air ambulance ICU teams “keep people alive” during medical evacuations, highlighting the growing role of specialist care in aviation-linked services. Tourism Recovery: Samoa’s tourism continued to rebound in Q2 2026, with international arrivals up nearly 7% year-on-year, led by stronger visitor numbers from New Zealand and Australia. Human Rights & Governance: New Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson pledged to boost public understanding of the office and protect rights, flagging online harm, violence against women and girls, and emerging seabed mining concerns. Biosecurity: Biosecurity officials say they were unaware of an Australian honey being advertised for sale in Samoa and will investigate, after Samoa’s long-standing honey import ban. Aviation & Connectivity Investment: Samoa Airways welcomed back its oldest Twin Otter after a major overhaul by Unity Aviation Canada, extending its service life by 30 years and supporting tourism and trade. Labour Mobility: Samoa’s PM met New Zealand’s PM in Wellington, focusing on sustaining the RSE scheme, worker welfare, and labour mobility policy settings. Digital Safety: Police ran a perimeter relay to raise awareness of cyber safety and online bullying, involving new recruits and police IT partners.

Tourism rebound: Samoa’s tourism keeps climbing, with international arrivals up nearly 7% in Q2 2026 as total arrivals hit 64,181 and visitor numbers rose 6.9% year-on-year, led by New Zealand (48.2% of visitors). Human rights & governance: New Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson was sworn in and vowed stronger public understanding of the office, with a focus on protecting children from online harm and tackling ongoing violence against women and girls. Public safety in industry areas: Police arrested two men in Vaitele after finding more than 50 marijuana sticks wrapped in foil, with reports they were selling drugs disguised as street vendors. Food & trade links: Biosecurity is investigating an online sale of imported Australian honey, despite Samoa’s long-standing ban aimed at protecting bee health. Labour skills for the region: Trade unions from Samoa and others joined a labour law and dispute resolution training, covering grievances, collective bargaining, mediation and unfair dismissal hearings. Aviation upgrade: Samoa Airways welcomed back its oldest Twin Otter after a major overhaul in Canada, extending service life by about 30 years. Digital safety: Samoa Police ran a perimeter relay to raise awareness on cyberbullying and harassment.