The leading provider of microfinance in Tonga
Following the success of SPBD Samoa, we successfully launched our first replication in the Kingdom of Tonga in 2009. SPBD Tonga reached financial sustainability within 18 months of inception and has disbursed more than US $87,000,000 in loans to hard-working women. SPBD operates on the four major islands/islands groups of Tonga.
Why Tonga?
Only 30% of Tongan women are employed and 40% of them are underemployed being engaged in subsistence farming, fishing, and handicrafts. 23% of the population lives below the poverty line. Opportunities for salaried employment are scarce.
SPBD Tonga by the numbers
US $87.3M
Value of loans disbursed
since inception
75,700
Number of loans made to
hard-working women since inception
10,400
Number of
savings accounts
4,800
Number of
loans outstanding
“I am very thrilled that SPBD has recognized my hard work and commitment to my business. I am very proud to be one of the many who has succeeded in using these loans to further my business.”
Pasiano, Weaver, Tonga
About Tonga
Tonga went through a period of violent civil unrest in 2006 but has since then enjoyed political stability. GDP per capita is about USD 3,700. Remittances form 24% of GDP and 82% of households benefit from them. Four private commercial banks are active in the country: BSP (Bank of South Pacific), ANZ, Malaysian Banking Finance (MBf Bank) and the Tonga Development Bank (TDB).
Latest News
SPBD Expands Services to Malaita
SOUTH Pacific Business Development (SPBD) officially opened its Auki branch on Thursday, expanding its microfinance services to women and small business operators in Malaita Province. The official opening was attended by women leaders, representatives from business houses, Malaita Provincial Government officials and Malaita Province Deputy Premier Randol Sifoni, who was the guest of honour. SPBD [...]
From $1,000 to $50,000: Tauala’s Journey Marks SPBD Samoa’s 125,000th Loan
When Tauala Apineru Pulou received her first South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) loan in 2013, it was WST$ 1,000 and enough to start a small baking business. She made donuts and pancakes and sold them in her community. Thirteen years later, the 59-year-old mother of five from Matatufu has become the recipient of SPBD Samoa’s [...]
New SPBD Korovou Branch to Boost Financial and Business Support for Women
Women in Korovou and the greater Tailevu North areas will now be able to get better support through South Pacific Business Development Microfinance after the opening of its new branch in Korovou. Speaking during the opening of the new branch, Korovou District Officer Salanieta Baleigau says women continue to face barriers in areas including education, [...]
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