$14M in loans and growing

SPBD Microfinance (Vanuatu) Ltd. began operation in April 2017. It is the fifth entity in our network of microfinance institutions in the region following the success of SPBD Samoa (2000), SPBD Tonga (2009), SPBD Fiji (2010) and SPBD Solomon Islands (2012). SPBD has disbursed 24,000 loans worth almost $14M USD in Vanuatu.

Why Vanuatu?

The Republic of Vanuatu is ranked 140 out of 190 countries in the 2021 Human Development Index (HDI). With a $2,800 USD GDP per capita, it is listed as one of the United Nations Least Developed Nations. Similarly, 65% of the population does not have access to electricity.

SPBD Vanuatu by the numbers

US $13.7M

Value of loans disbursed
since inception

24,000

Number of loans made to hard-working women since inception

9,400

Number of
savings accounts

4,300

Number of
loans outstanding

When disaster strikes, SPBD’s ability to access and mobilize to remote areas makes our team an effective relief organization. In March 2023, Vanuatu was hit by twin cyclones. Nearly 80% of the country was impacted. Thanks to a grant from MicroDreams ($550,000 NZD/ $350,000 USD), we distributed 2,272 relief kits to our clients containing food staples and a cash component of $130 NZD (to purchase necessities like diapers or medicine).

SPBD Microfinance disaster relief for Vanuatu
samoa image

About Vanuatu

Vanuatu has perhaps the lowest formal-sector employment in the region at 15%. In the rural economy, where about 70% of the population find their livelihoods, only about 10% of the workforce is in formal employment. Most of the ni-Vanuatu living in rural areas are engaged in subsistence agriculture. There are three banks in Vanuatu: Australia New Zealand (ANZ), Bank South Pacific (BSP) and the National Bank of Vanuatu. ANZ is headquartered in Australia while BSP is headquartered in Papua New Guinea. Port Vila serves as the Vanuatu headquarters for all three banks.

Latest News

Three-day workshop for women entrepreneurs

In a stride towards their shared goal of uplifting woman entrepreneurs, South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) and the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs and Communications organised a business training workshop in Taveuni. The Improve Your Business training workshop was attended by 16 women members of SPBD. The women attained Certificates of Completion after three days […]

SPBD businesswomen lauded at annual awards

The Vodafone Arena in Suva last week was full-packed with radiant businesswomen celebrating their efforts at the 12th annual South Pacific Business Development awards. SPBD Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Greg Casagrande, commended the women for their extraordinary determination and courage, stating: “Those qualities have helped each of you to endure and to pull through to […]

SPBD Solomon Islands celebrates the launch of its “White Goods Financing” product

South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Microfinance Solomon Islands Ltd is proud to announce the official launch of its newest loan product, “White Goods Financing,” in collaboration with Discount Electricals and Home Leisure (DEHL), one of the largest white goods distributors in the Solomon Islands. The “White Goods Financing” product will allow SPBD clients to access […]

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