TAFEA Economic Sector Development Plan 2026–2030 launched
August 10, 2026 11:25 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
Compiled by Anita Roberts.
A five-year plan to strengthen TAFEA’s economy, improve livelihoods and create new opportunities has been launched, with the provincial government seeking a more self-reliant future for the province.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Johnny Koanapo, launched the document on behalf of the Government during a ceremony at Lenakel. The event brought together community members, government agencies, development partners and private sector representatives from across the province.
Deputy PM Koanapo described the plan as a clear roadmap for building a stronger and more self-reliant provincial economy.
He commended the TAFEA Provincial Government Council (TPGC) for the quality of the document and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to partnering with provinces to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
“The TAFEA Economic Sector Development Plan (TESDP) 2026–2030 belongs to the people of TAFEA. It reflects their aspirations, priorities and vision for the future. The national government stands firmly behind this plan, and we are committed to working hand in hand with the provincial government to turn this framework into real opportunities, real livelihoods and real growth for every community across the province,” he said.
“I commend the outstanding work of the TPGC for producing a comprehensive, simple and very precise document that clearly lays out the economic plan of TAFEA Province. It will help guide the Government to take a more strategic investment approach and direction in the sectors the Province has identified as delivering economic benefit to TAFEA and to Vanuatu.”
The TESDP 2026–2030 is the outcome of extensive consultations undertaken across TAFEA. It establishes a strategic framework for economic growth, sustainable development and improved livelihoods, and is aligned with the National Sustainable Development Plan.
President of TPGC, Andrew Iawak, welcomed the Deputy PM’s presence as a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to provincial development and a strengthening of the partnership between national and provincial institutions.
“For TAFEA, this is a new beginning, a new chapter in the economic development of our province. The idea behind the TAFEA Rural Economic Development Initiative was first written down some 21 years ago, and from 2024 to now we have revisited it, consulted our communities and shaped it into this document,” he said.
President Iawak acknowledged the support of development partners in bringing the Plan to fruition, including the Government of Australia through the Governance for Growth program and the Vanuatu Skills Partnership, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs through the Department of Local Authorities, whose technical and financial assistance helped guide the Plan’s development and its path to implementation.
As part of the event, the Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Xavier Emmanuel Harry, participated in the official handover of the TAFEA Provincial Patrol Boat, another investment in the province’s future development that will strengthen transport, connectivity and service delivery across the southern province.
