Samoa has officially launched the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2026/27–2030/31, setting out the Government’s national development priorities for the next five financial years.
Prime Minister Afioga Laauliialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt delivered the keynote address at the launch, saying the national plan was shaped through consultations across Government, communities, the private sector, civil society and development partners.
The Prime Minister described the new pathway, known as PDS2, as Samoa’s roadmap for development over the next five years. It will be implemented under the theme, “Sustaining community empowerment, driving resilient growth and fostering good governance, social justice and partnerships.”
The vision of the plan is “A Highly Resilient, Safe, and Prosperous Samoa, grounded in the Faa-Samoa and Faith in God.”
In the Samoan keynote address, the Prime Minister placed strong emphasis on aiga, partnership and shared responsibility.
“O lo’o manino mai i le Ta’iala fou mo le Lumana’i Manuia o Samoa, o le atina’eina o le atunu’u, e lē o se matafaioi na’o le Mālo. O se galuega faifa’atasi a le Mālo, o nu’u ma alalafaga, o le vaega tūmaoti ma pisinisi, ma tagatānu’u uma o Samoa,” he said.
Translated, the Prime Minister said the development of the country is not the responsibility of Government alone, but a shared responsibility of Government, villages and communities, the private sector and businesses, and every citizen of Samoa.
The PDS2 is structured around five key strategic outcomes. These include inclusive social development, a sustainable economy, trusted governance and the rule of law, a safeguarded climate-resilient environment, and structured public works and sustainable infrastructure.
The Prime Minister said the plan recognises that Samoa’s progress must be measured not only by economic performance, but also by the health, education, culture and wellbeing of all Samoans.
The plan also places emphasis on strengthening the private sector, supporting community self-reliance, improving access to justice, protecting the environment, strengthening disaster preparedness and advancing Samoa’s digital transformation.
Climate resilience and gender equality have been included as cross-cutting principles across the five strategic outcomes, supported by 12 key priority areas.
According to the keynote address, the 2026/2027 Budget marks the first year of implementation for the new pathway. Key initiatives include the introduction of the Child Well Being Benefit, the revival of the First Harvest Program, continued support for sports development, an increase in the senior citizen pension for those aged 70 and above, and increased support for vulnerable families through the Shelter Financing Program.
The Government also highlighted increased provisions for scholarships, concessional business loan facilities, non-government organisations, legal aid, the construction of the Court House in Savai’i, and the District Development Program.
The Prime Minister said the Government remains committed to every district receiving $10 million talā by the end of the five-year term.
He also acknowledged the contributions of those involved in developing the plan and thanked Samoa’s development partners for their continued support.
The Prime Minister closed by commending the National Development Plan to Samoans both in Samoa and abroad.
“Fa’amanuia mai le Atua i le fa’atonufolauina o le tatou folauga e ala i lenei Ta’iala mo le isi lima tausaga. Soifua ma ia manuia.”
