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Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa officially launching the new Transport Sector Decarbonization Strategy and Sustainable Land Use and Mobility Plan today
Apia, SAMOA – A significant educational milestone has been reached, with the opening of electric vehicles (EV) automotive workshops in three vocational institutions in Samoa, namely the National University of Samoa, Don Bosco Technical Centre, and Laumua o Puna’oa Technical College.
These workshops will be supported by the incorporation of an EV mechanics curriculum as a Professional Continuing Training (PCT) programme of these schools, pending the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding soon.
These will equip students with essential knowledge and skills in EV automotive and electrical fields, preparing them to become certified EV mechanics, and laying the foundation for integrating EV training into national education.
These were highlighted today at a ceremony at Don Bosco, Alafua, which also celebrated the launch of the Transport and Infrastructure Sector Decarbonization Strategy and Sustainable Land Use and Mobility Plan, with Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, doing the honours.
Automotive trainers from Don Bosco Technical Centre at their revamped workshop that was done under the CAPIT project
“Transport is a key enabler of connectivity — supporting trade, employment, education, and healthcare. Yet, it is also one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in Samoa. The importance of these Plans are clear: it ensures that Samoa remains steadfast in its commitment to transitioning to a lower-carbon future. It encompasses new legislation, policy changes, financing initiatives, and interventions to support our transportation needs in a way that minimizes environmental harm while ensuring that future generations benefit from enhanced mobility,” said Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai, Minister for the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.
These new developments have all been made possible under the CAP-IT Project – Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport – which aims to facilitate Samoa’s transition to a more clean and sustainable transport sector.
The project is funded by the Government of Japan, and jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.
“Japan is proud to support Samoa’s long-term journey towards a cleaner, more resilient transport sector. By advancing policies, building skills, and providing infrastructure through the CAP-IT project, we are investing in a sustainable future led by Samoa’s youth and powered by innovation,” said Ryotaro Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to Samoa.
CAPIT Project Manager, Vladimir Kalinski demonstrating how EV works as the Hon Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa looks on.
The Transport Sector Decarbonization Strategy and Sustainable Land Use and Mobility Plan will guide Samoa's transition from fossil fuel dependency to a decarbonized transport sector. This shift will not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve transport services, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable Samoa.
“The long-term benefits of these initiatives extend far beyond environmental stewardship. They create jobs, empower our youth, and open new economic opportunities in the burgeoning field of sustainable transport. UNDP remains steadfast in supporting Samoa's capacity-building efforts, fostering innovation, and implementing policies that drive systemic change in our transport sector,” said Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative in Samoa.
The CAP-IT project is a component of the Japan-funded US$36.8 million 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.
For media queries, please contact:
Alphonso Tutuvanu, Communications Officer, MWTI, Samoa I Tel. +685 21611 I E: alphonso.tutuvanu@mwti.gov.ws
Tomomi Ishikawa, Embassy of Japan, Samoa | Tel. +685 21187 | E: tomomi.ishikawa@mofa.go.jp
Laufaleaina Lesa, Communications Analyst, UNDP Multi Country Office, Samoa | Tel. +685 23670 | E: laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org
