News

Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) experts have worked alongside Samoa’s Ministry of Public Enterprises (MPE) to deliver a new framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs) and the efficient provision of public services.

PSDI State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) Reform and PPP Specialist Laure Darcy and PPP Expert Glenn Maguire on 18 July 2023 attended an MPE PPP consultation workshop in Apia.

PSDI's Laure Darcy addresses the Samoa PPP consultation workshop.

PSDI is supporting the MPE to establish an overarching policy for the provision of Samoa’s public services and an updated PPP handbook, to be launched later in 2023.

These reforms will focus on:

1. Assessing institutional options for the delivery of public services.
2. Enhancing SOE performance monitoring.
3. Screening larger projects for potential delivery via PPPs.

In opening remarks, Samoa Prime Minister the Hon. Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa said the updated policy frameworks would help Samoa expand its traditional approach to providing essential public services, from healthcare to infrastructure.

“It is the responsibility of any government to ensure that the community receives the public services that have been promised, at the expected level of service and in a manner that reduces the impost on the taxpayer and user,” Ms Mata’afa said. “PPPs are an important tool to be utilized in this endeavor. There is strong evidence internationally that PPPs can add value if suitably structured. Their potential in Samoa is yet to be fully realized.”

PSDI is an Asian Development Bank (ADB) technical assistance program undertaken in partnership with the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. PSDI supports ADB's 14 Pacific developing member countries to improve the enabling environment for business and to achieve inclusive, private sector-led economic growth.