17 June 2025, Apia Samoa. Hon. Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai, caretaker Minister of Finance and a senior member of the Samoa Uniting Party (SUP), has reaffirmed Samoa’s strong and sustained economic recovery and growth since coming into office following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When we came into Government, our economy had suffered a major hit,” explains Lautimuia in a recent interview published on the Samoa Ua Potopoto social media page.
“After COVID-19, our economic output dropped significantly, but thanks to clear government priorities and sound financial management, we’ve seen a strong rebound”.
“Our donor and development partners were impressed with how quickly Samoa recovered and even more impressed with how we have sustained that growth.”
The SUP candidate for Vaimauga 3 noted that Samoa’s economic performance has been driven by responsible financial management and the fair distribution of resources based on national priorities.
“Partners and donors have not only commended how we manage our finances, but also how funding is allocated with discipline and purpose,” he added.
Speaking on the cost of living, Lautimuia said the cost of living is measured against inflation.
“After COVID, inflation reached 12 percent. Today, it has dropped to below 3 percent. That is a remarkable achievement, and one that has been positively noted by our development partners.”
National Debt: from 50% of GDP to below 20%
On the issue of national debt, Lautimuia revealed that when we came into government, Samoa’s debt stood at over SAT$1 billion, exceeding 50 percent of GDP and far beyond the legal threshold.
“Today, that figure has been reduced to below 20 percent of GDP. This reflects the responsible and effective fiscal policies we have implemented.”
Foreign Reserves
He also highlighted Samoa’s strong foreign reserves. “The international standard is for a country to hold enough reserves to cover three months of imports. Samoa currently holds reserves covering 15 months. That is a clear indicator of our economic resilience.”
National Budget of ST $1.2 billion
Commenting on the recent rejection of the national budget in Parliament, Lautimuia noted, “This is the first time in Samoa’s history that our national budget has reached SAT$1.2 billion. It is a reflection of a growing, stable and forward-moving economy. The challenge ahead is to maintain and build on this momentum.”
Campaign Promises Achievable under Strong Economy
When asked whether the campaign promises made by other political parties, already in the public domain, were achievable, Lautimuia said the Samoa economy is able to support the $100 million plus implicated in recent announcements.
“Yes, they are achievable because we now have a strong economy under this government. There is sufficient funding to support those goals. Voting SUP for the next four years will ensure continued sound management of our economy.”
- Samoa Wins Best Host Country Recognition at Miss Global - October 9, 2026
- ‘Ia Manumalo’: Signature Choir Releases New Anthem - October 9, 2026
- Spencer Leniu Joins Parramatta Eels on a Four-Year Deal - October 8, 2026
