NEW YEAR’S ADDRESS BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE INDEPENDENT STATE OF SAMOA, THE HON. LA’AULIALEMALIETOA LEUATEA POLĀTA’IVAO FOSI SCHMIDT. [Thursday, 1 January 2026]

As 2025 draws to a close, the new year is expected to be a time of positive change, deep reflection, and strengthened community connections. We stand at the threshold of the New Year, with thanksgiving and gratitude for God’s grace that has embraced Samoa during our hard and arduous journey in the last 12 months.

On reflection, what were achieved we achieved well. What remains incomplete, heralds the opening season for our continuing journey into the new Year along with the associated challenges that we need to overcome.

Following the general elections in August, and the subsequent commencement of Cabinet’s responsibilities as the new government, the Budget for Financial Year 2025-2026 was approved. A seamless implementation phase across all sectors of the economy has begun towards a secure and stable economy now and into the future. The Budget reflects the Government’s broader strategy of empowering communities, building resilience and inspiring growth.

Our economy continues to thrive steadily with Samoa’s Real Gross Domestic Product recording an annual average growth of 4.2 percent in FY24/25. Samoa’s external sector has remained robust with Official foreign reserves translating to 15.2 months of import cover in FY 24/25. Both tourist earnings and private remittances remained strong, contributing to stable growth in our foreign reserves.

The one million Tala project for district developments is on target with preparations to commence all operations for 51 districts on the 12th of January 2026. We have learnt from both the successes and failures that the empowerment of communities promotes innovation for more economic opportunities to reduce disparities and vulnerabilities.