The Samoa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) introduced its Renewable Energy Report 2024 during a soft launch at its members’ meeting on Monday, 3rd March 2025. The meeting, sponsored by Digicel Samoa, concluded with the report’s launch event, which aimed to share insights on the business community’s approach to climate change and renewable energy adoption.
Australian High Commission First Secretary Greg Furness delivered the official address, expressing Australia’s support for Samoa and the Pacific region in building climate resilience. He acknowledged the shared regional and global challenge of climate change and highlighted the importance of the Australia-Samoa partnership in addressing this issue.
“Climate change and resilience is a shared challenge, a regional and global challenge, as such, it is formally a stated priority for the Australia-Samoa partnership,” said Mr. Furness.
SCCI President Fa’aso’otauloa Sam Saili outlined the report’s objectives, which included gauging businesses’ views on climate change impacts, assessing current sustainability practices, and exploring perspectives on renewable energy sources like solar power and electric vehicles. The report revealed that extreme weather events, particularly tropical cyclones, heavy rains, and floods, significantly affect business operations.
“These weather conditions have damaged infrastructure and interrupt productivity resulting in significant financial losses and underlines the vulnerability of businesses to climate change impacts,” said Mr. Saili.
The report also highlighted the proactive steps taken by businesses to adapt to climate change, including implementing recycling and waste management practices, using solar lights, and constructing seawalls. It emphasised the need for government support, capacity-building opportunities, and increased awareness to promote renewable energy initiatives in both the public and private sectors.
SCCI will continue advocating to the Government of Samoa for assistance to support renewable energy adoption among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The report noted that government involvement is crucial in driving initiatives that can help businesses adapt and thrive in a changing climate.
Fa’aso’otauloa expressed gratitude to the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Market Development Facility (MDF) for their financial support in producing the report. He also acknowledged the collaboration with MDF Country Coordinator Susan Inu and the MDF team, whose presence at the launch reinforced the partnership for future initiatives. Appreciation was also extended to the Government of Samoa and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ MFAT) for their continued efforts to green Samoa’s energy sector.
Attendees of the meeting received a QR code to access the online version of the Renewable Energy Report 2024. The report is also available on the Samoa Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc. website.
