Samoa Set to Strengthen Disaster Readiness, Protect Livelihoods and Create Jobs with New World Bank Support

Apia, March 20, 2026 - The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors has approved new financing that will significantly strengthen Samoa's capacity to prepare for, withstand and recover from climate and disaster-related events, protecting lives and livelihoods for approximately 180,000 Samoans, or 80 percent of the country's population.

Samoa is highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as cyclones, floods, and tsunamis, which pose a significant threat to its population, economy, and development gains. Over 70 percent of Samoans live in low-lying coastal areas, making them particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change.

The Pacific Region Preparedness, Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE) - Samoa project that will be implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure of Samoa, will enhance the country's multi-hazard early warning systems, improve the resilience of critical infrastructure. The project will also support risk-informed urban planning, and help protect jobs and businesses by reducing the economic disruption caused by disasters.

A significant portion of the project will focus on Sālelologa on Savai'i Island, where approximately 40,000 people will directly benefit from resilient infrastructure upgrades and better urban planning. This targeted investment aims to manage urbanization safely and reduce the exposure of people and assets to climate risks.  

This project will also directly finance civil works, creating employment opportunities for Samoan workers and businesses while strengthening local capacity. The project will train at least 300 personnel in multi-hazard early warning systems and ensure at least 50 percent female representation in formal urban planning committees.

"We are committed to supporting Samoa through this critical investment so communities are better prepared for disasters," said Stefano Mocci, World Bank Country Manager for the South Pacific. "By strengthening early warning systems and resilient infrastructure, this project will help protect lives and livelihoods, along with the businesses and jobs that sustain Samoa's economy."

The total financing package for PREPARE is USD 35 million (approximately WST 94.89 million) that includes a USD 5 million grant from the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) to enhance global observation networks for extreme weather and an emergency response component of USD 500,000 which allows for the rapid reallocation of funds for immediate recovery and relief efforts following an eligible crisis or emergency.

Preparation of the project was supported by a technical assistance program funded under the Africa Caribbean Pacific-European Union Disaster Risk Management Programme, and the Japan-Bank Program for Mainstreaming DRM in Developing Countries, both managed by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery.