Japan grants VT14.8M to help women micro-entrepreneurs after earthquake

February 4, 2026 10:08 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

The Government of Japan has approved a grant of US$125,244 (about VT14.8 million) under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) to support women micro-entrepreneurs in Port Vila affected by the December 2024 Port Vila–Efate earthquake.

The project, implemented by the Association of Alternative Communities Trade in Vanuatu Committee (ACTIV), will establish a dedicated sales hub near Port Vila International Airport.

The facility will include refurbished shipping containers for commercial use, sanitation facilities, and shared sheltered spaces, creating a safe, hygienic, and disaster-resilient marketplace for women vendors.

At the signing ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Vanuatu Naohisa Okuda congratulated all stakeholders involved in bringing the project to completion.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I extend my sincere congratulations to all those who contributed to the realisation of this project,” Ambassador Okuda said.

He said the December 2024 earthquake caused widespread damage to infrastructure and livelihoods across Port Vila, with women micro-entrepreneurs among the hardest hit after losing places of business and main sources of income.

“For these women, continuing their businesses in a safe and hygienic environment has become an urgent concern,” he said.

Ambassador Okuda said the initiative will support about 90 women micro-entrepreneurs to restart and maintain their economic activities in a safer and more stable setting. He added that the project reflects Japan’s commitment to the principle of human security.

“By supporting women’s livelihoods and self-reliance, we aim to help communities recover both economically and socially after disaster,” he said.

ACTIV President Sandrine Wallez said the funding will play an important role in supporting women through improved micro-enterprise livelihoods, particularly during the post-earthquake recovery period.

She said many women vendors and small entrepreneurs continue to face challenges due to the lack of affordable and secure commercial spaces.

“This signing marks an important step. Through our partnership with the Presbyterian Church, we will create a dedicated commercial village where women can sell food, handicrafts, and locally made products, presenting Vanuatu’s culture to local residents and international visitors,” Ms Wallez said.

She said the project will support local artisans, chefs, creative artists, and producers, while also prioritising disaster resilience through the use of shipping container infrastructure designed to withstand cyclones and earthquakes.

The project includes 25 containers, made up of seven 40-foot containers and 18 20-foot containers, which will be converted into food stalls, artisan booths, retail spaces, and creative performance areas.

The initiative is designed to be sustainable, with vendors paying affordable rent to support long-term maintenance and operations.

Ms Wallez said the model is intended to be replicable, allowing similar projects to be developed elsewhere in Port Vila and potentially in other provinces.

Private Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Economic Management, Shem Simon, said the project supports the Government of Vanuatu’s post-earthquake recovery efforts and aligns with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP).

“This initiative reflects national priorities around inclusive economic growth, gender empowerment, disaster resilience, and community-led development,” Mr. Simon said.

He acknowledged Japan’s contribution, along with container donations from Japan and Korea, support from local private contributors, and co-financing from the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives, describing the partnership as an example of effective donor coordination.

Mr. Simon said the project is designed as a commercially viable and self-sustaining model, with its location near the airport expected to generate steady income through affordable rents, food court operations, and community events.

He said the Government welcomes the initiative and remains open to supporting similar projects in the future, describing Japan as a valued development partner.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Development Committee of the Clifton Harvest Presbyterian Church, David Hopa, said the church welcomed the partnership with ACTIV and the Government of Japan to support women affected by the earthquake.

“This project forms part of the recovery programme to support our mothers impacted by the disaster. We thank ACTIV for securing the funding and the Government of Japan for its support,” Mr. Hopa said.

Ambassador Okuda said that since 1996, Japan has supported more than 140 grassroots projects across Vanuatu.

He added that the new facilities are expected to continue supporting women micro-entrepreneurs for many years while contributing to a more resilient and inclusive Port Vila.