Apia, Samoa – In preparation for a Governmental fleet large scale move towards electric vehicles (EVs) in Samoa, two assessments were conducted.

The results of these assessments are detailed in two reports that were discussed today – the ‘Baseline assessment of Samoa’s traffic volumes, vehicle registration and imports, vehicle ownership disaggregated by gender and age, EV and hybrid vehicles, and market demand’, and the ‘Technical, policy, infrastructural and technological solutions for safe disposal and recycling of EV batteries in Samoa’.

These assessments were carried out under the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT): Accelerating the Decarbonisation of Samoa’s Land and Maritime Transport Sectors Project. The project, funded by the Government of Japan, and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Government of Samoa, aims to promote urgent and inclusive transformation of the land and maritime transport sectors towards decarbonization.

The project will expedite the adoption of EVs and electric outboard motors for vessels, while also supporting policy reforms and initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

These efforts align with Samoa’s enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the energy and transport sectors with a target set for achievement by 2030, as well as targets prioritised and set forth in the Transport and Infrastructure Sector Plan 2023-2028.

“In the pursuit of our national commitments towards climate change, the UNDP, in partnership with the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI), Land Transport Authority, various other government agencies, private sector stakeholders and community bodies form a collaborative unit that aims to deliver the project milestones. The encapsulation of the works involved in this project is to closely and diligently endeavour to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions for Samoa,” said Fui Tupai Mau Simanu, MWTI CEO.

The assessments considered the new challenges that the introduction of any new technology brings, especially in the related area of waste management and what to do with materials needed for EVs, such as batteries.

“These assessments provide invaluable insights and actionable recommendations for policymakers as we navigate the complexities of sustainable development in Samoa. By embracing innovative policies and transitioning towards eco-friendly transportation solutions, Samoa can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in alignment with its global commitments,” said Verena Linneweber, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative.

UNDP worked closely with MWTI and LTA to collect the necessary data, with relevant inputs from Samoa’s waste management companies and associations.

The CAP-IT project is a component of the Japan-funded regional project, ‘Promoting Green Transformation in the Pacific Region towards Net-zero and Climate-Resilient Development’, also supporting Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu in achieving their green transformation ambitions for a more inclusive, climate-resilient future.

“The Government of Japan, through its funding of the CAP-IT project, is delighted to contribute to Samoa's efforts towards decarbonization. This initiative not only aligns with our global environmental objectives, but also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting our Pacific partners in achieving their sustainable development goals, such as Key Priority Area 18: Sustainable Energy Development Enhances in Pathway for the Development of Samoa,” said H.E. Senta Keisuke, Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa.

The US$36.8 million regional project, with a country allocation of US$15.5 million for Samoa, is scheduled for completion in 2025.

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