Samoa strengthens investment management and infrastructure planning

Samoa is working to strengthen its public investment framework through assessments by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and infrastructure development discussions with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

An IMF mission recently reviewed Samoa’s public investment management system using the S-PIMA approach for Small Developing States. The review aimed to improve how public investments are planned, implemented, and monitored. This follows an IMF Article IV Consultation that highlighted a need for better project appraisal, procurement, and oversight to address persistent under-execution of capital spending, particularly within the District Development Program.

Simultaneously, Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa ‘Ale – Molio’o, met with AIIB President Zou Jiayi in Doha. The meeting focused on converting Samoa’s project pipeline into bankable infrastructure initiatives, including roads, ports, water systems, and interisland connectivity. Both parties emphasized the importance of feasibility studies and concessional financing to ensure debt sustainability and local capacity building.