Free digital coaching opens for 20 Vanuatu businesses
October 5, 2026 10:40 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
A new programme offering free digital coaching to small businesses in Vanuatu was officially launched on Friday, offering 20 Ni-Vanuatu businesses the opportunity to receive practical support to sell and get paid online.
The Vanuatu Digital Trade Accelerator for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) was launched at the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Port Vila.
The initiative is led by the Department of External Trade, supported by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) and delivered by Antap Digital.
Selected businesses will receive a free and confidential digital check-up covering their online presence, digital payments, delivery, compliance and security.
They will then receive a Digital Trade Work Plan identifying two to four practical and affordable steps to improve their digital operations.
One-on-one coaching will help businesses set up or improve a Facebook page, marketplace listing or website, as well as use mobile and digital payments.
Group workshops will cover getting paid online, marketing, customer service and online sales.
While smartphone access is widespread in Vanuatu, businesses are not yet making full use of digital tools.
About 80 per cent of adults have access to a smartphone, but only around one in four regularly use digital or mobile payments.
Self-employed adults have a digitalisation score of 6.20, below the national average of 6.99, while rural women record the lowest levels of digitalisation.
PPIU-Vanuatu Trade and Programme Advisor Michael Ligo said the programme would help Pacific businesses benefit from the growing amount of trade taking place online.
“This programme helps individual businesses reach customers and get paid digitally,” he said.
Antap Digital Director Karl Turnbull said many businesses had access to smartphones but needed practical support to turn digital tools into sales.
“Many MSMEs need practical, one-on-one help to turn that into sales,” he said.
At least 40 per cent of participating businesses will be women-led or co-led, while 20 per cent will be youth-led, involving owners under 35. Businesses from outer islands and those whose owners or staff have a disability will also be prioritised.
The programme is free and businesses must be Ni-Vanuatu owned or majority owned, already trading and able to use a smartphone or internet-enabled device. They must also be able to commit time for coaching and workshops between October 2026 and early 2027.
Applications can be completed in English, Bislama or French and take about 10 minutes. Businesses that attended the 2024 PIFS e-commerce workshop can also apply.
Applications close on Friday, 23 October 2026. Businesses will be selected jointly with the Department of External Trade, with coaching and workshops beginning in November.
