Apia, SAMOA – The Samoan government marked a significant milestone today in its transition to low-emission transport with the official handover of the Government Central EV Charging Station Hub at Tuanaimato, and 20 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) to its government fleet.
The event is part of the ongoing Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Government of Japan.
“This day marks a significant leap forward in Samoa’s commitment to climate resilience and sustainable transport. It demonstrates what is possible when leadership, partnership, and vision come together to serve our national interest and our people,” said Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai, Minister of Finance.
“The Ministry of Finance is privileged to assume stewardship of this EV charging station — a facility that is not only a technical achievement, but a symbol of Samoa’s direction of travel: toward innovation, self-reliance, and low-carbon development.”
The EV charging hub, located behind the government bowser at Tuanaimato, features five DC (Direct Current) fast chargers and two AC (Alternating Current) chargers, supported by a 1000 kVA transformer station. It is designed to serve as a centralized, high-capacity facility to power Samoa’s transition toward an electrified government fleet and climate-resilient infrastructure, all funded through CAP-IT.
“The objectives of the CAP-IT Project align closely with the commitments made under PALM10, the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, held in Tokyo last year. At PALM10, Japan reaffirmed its pledge to support Pacific Island countries in achieving carbon neutrality, strengthening resilient infrastructure, and enhancing sustainable connectivity. This project is a direct reflection of those shared priorities, and we are proud to support Samoa’s leadership in this space,” said Mr. Ryotara Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to Samoa.
The 20 PHEV vans, now in service across government ministries, are part of a broader 76-vehicle electric fleet donation facilitated by CAP-IT. These vehicles are expected to reduce emissions, operational costs, and reliance on imported fuels.
“We are also proud that CAP-IT has supported a full ecosystem approach — from the development of Samoa’s first Transport Sector Decarbonization Strategy to capacity-building of EV technicians, the review of legislation, and the exploration of financing pathways for long-term sustainability,” said Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative.
Beyond land transport, CAP-IT is also supporting maritime innovation, with the first of five electric alia (e-Alia) vessels nearing completion, further advancing Samoa’s leadership in sustainable island transport.
UNDP commends the Government of Samoa for its strong leadership and commitment to climate action and reaffirms its ongoing support in building a resilient, inclusive, and low-emission future.
For media queries, please contact:
Laufālē’ainā Lesā, Communications Analyst
UNDP Multi Country Office, Samoa
📞 Tel. +685 23670
✉️ E: [email protected]
🌐 www.ws.undp.org
