UNCDF in Samoa
Our work
UNCDF works in Samoa to advance inclusive economic development by expanding access to financial services, strengthening resilience to climate and disaster risks, and supporting the growth of an inclusive digital economy. Through partnerships with government, regulators, financial service providers, development partners, and local communities, UNCDF promotes financial inclusion, expands digital financial services, strengthens digital and financial literacy, improves the delivery of social protection payments, and develops innovative financial solutions that help communities better prepare for and recover from climate-related shocks.
Scaling insurance solutions for climate resilience
In response to Samoa’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, UNCDF has supported the development and deployment of inclusive insurance products to build financial preparedness among low-income communities.
Following a UNCDF-led Demand and Supply Study in 2023 that revealed significant insurance protection gaps, Samoa established a scalable Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) ecosystem through regulatory reform, digital innovation, and inclusive product development. With support from UNCDF and regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Samoa, Samoa Surety Insurance Limited launched the country’s first parametric microinsurance product in 2023 and was later joined by Tower Insurance. Products have evolved from single-peril cyclone coverage to multi-peril and anticipatory action solutions at micro and meso levels. By the end of 2025, combined online and in-person outreach exceeded 30,000 people, and over 3,000 clients – 48.5% of whom are women – were enrolled, positioning Samoa to further scale an inclusive, digitally enabled national parametric insurance market. These innovative financial solutions are strengthening the resilience of households and businesses, especially those in climate-vulnerable communities, by offering timely support and minimizing economic recovery time, following climate shocks.
Extreme weather events in Samoa highlight the growing need for CDRFI solutions that provide rapid financial support to vulnerable households and businesses. Photo: UNCDF.
Advancing digital finance and literacy
UNCDF is also supporting the inclusive growth of Samoa’s digital economy by strengthening the digital payments ecosystem and building financial literacy.
With technical support to the National Financial Inclusion Taskforce and working groups, UNCDF is facilitating the implementation of Samoa’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2022/2023–2025/2026). These efforts are designed to ensure financial services are accessible, affordable, and customer centric.
To expand digital payment access, UNCDF has partnered with local mobile network operators to increase the number of mobile money users, agents, and merchants. As of March 2025, one major operator had recorded 14,209 registered mobile money users, supported by 43 agents, and 57 merchants across the country.
In addition, UNCDF led Samoa’s first digital and financial literacy survey in collaboration with the Central Bank. The findings are being used to design awareness campaigns and community education programmes, to improve people’s digital financial skills.
UNCDF is also actively digitizing government payments. A successful pilot project with the Samoa National Provident Fund demonstrated end-to-end digital disbursement of social transfers through interoperable bank and mobile money systems. This digital system has significantly improved efficiency, accessibility, and transparency for vulnerable groups, including pensioners and persons with disabilities.
To complement these efforts, UNCDF is expanding digital financial services and agent networks while delivering evidence-based literacy programmes, equipping citizens to safely and effectively participate in the digital economy and helping build a resilient, inclusive, and trusted digital ecosystem.
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Our partners
UNCDF’s work in Samoa is made possible thanks to collaboration with the Government of Samoa, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), the Government of Australia, the Government of New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Documents
This section brings together key documents related to UNCDF’s work in the country. It includes a curated selection of publications, papers, and reports that reflect the scope of engagement at country level, from programme design to implementation and outcomes.
These documents offer additional context on how initiatives are developed and delivered, and how partnerships contribute to advancing national priorities. They are intended to support transparency, facilitate knowledge sharing and serve as a practical resource for partners, stakeholders and others seeking a deeper understanding of UNCDF’s work.
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Contact us
For inquiries about UNCDF’s work in Samoa, including partnerships, investment opportunities, or ongoing initiatives, please contact our team at asiapacific.region@uncdf.org.
