
The strength of a nation lies within its people
The strength of a nation lies within its people—a belief that drives Samoa’s Minister for Women, Community, and Social Development, Mulipola Anarosa Molioo-Ale. Her efforts focus on empowering local communities toward economic prosperity through initiatives that emphasize inclusive development and sustainable growth.
Breaking New Ground in Governance

Between 2021 and 2023, Samoa made history by appointing Mulipola as the first female Minister of Finance. Following a Cabinet reshuffle, she now heads the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development, where she plays a pivotal role in the District Development Program (DDP). This initiative aims to provide funding assistance across 51 districts, focusing on inclusive growth despite Samoa’s vulnerabilities due to its size, isolation, and exposure to climate hazards—issues further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The District Development Program (DDP): An Overview

The DDP is a landmark project under Samoa's District Development Policy Framework, managed by a newly established Program Management Unit (PMU). The program enables each district to receive $1 million for development, overseen by District Councils chaired by Members of Parliament. These councils ensure proper utilization and management of funds, with a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability.
Mulipola highlights the success of the initiative in fostering partnerships between districts and various stakeholders, which has been crucial in delivering services and building the capacity of local communities. Each District Council is required to submit a detailed report on the use of the funds, and projects are subject to regular monitoring and evaluation by government officials.
Focus on People-Centered Development
According to the 2021 Census, Samoa has a population of approximately 205,557, with a near-even gender split. The government’s approach to development prioritizes human development, focusing on alleviating poverty, improving public health, and boosting productivity in sectors like fisheries and aquaculture. This people-centered approach ensures that development efforts are inclusive and beneficial to all citizens.
The DDP represents a strategic shift toward ensuring food and human security for all, aligning with Samoa's broader socio-economic goals. It has already benefitted 53,918 households and supported 145 development projects, including initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, cultural and tourism development, education, and health.
Ensuring Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
Minister Mulipola emphasises that sustainability is at the core of the District Development Program (DDP), with a focus on fostering local leadership, building support networks, and promoting innovative solutions to ensure lasting benefits for all communities. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic—which severely impacted Samoa’s economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and remittances—the country has made a remarkable recovery. Samoa’s economy rebounded with a 10.2% growth in 2023 compared to the previous year.
A key part of this recovery has been the DDP, which has delivered 145 projects in collaboration with various organisations and development partners. Remarkably, the government managed to secure $255 million for the DDP alone, all without incurring new debt—a significant achievement given that the national debt had previously reached its limit. This strategic financial management also helped reduce overall government debt, demonstrating the program’s long-term sustainability.
The DDP has also created numerous job opportunities, particularly in rural areas, encouraging skilled youth to return to their home districts and contribute to local development. Mulipola’s vision is that over time, each district will become self-sufficient, with ministries focusing on providing support, research, and monitoring. By prioritising sustainability and community-led progress, the DDP is ensuring that the benefits of development extend well beyond the immediate projects, fostering long-term growth and resilience in Samoa.
Shaping Samoa’s Future: Navigating Challenges and Ensuring Continuity

Since its inception, the District Development Program (DDP) has encountered numerous challenges. One of the primary obstacles, according to Minister Mulipola, was the transition period for the new government. Following the general election on April 9, 2021, the Cabinet assumed office only on July 23, which delayed the first budget until September 14. This left the government five months behind in its calendar year, directly impacting the timely rollout of the DDP.
Despite these setbacks, Mulipola and her team successfully disbursed $51 million over five years. However, challenges remain in ensuring meaningful participation from all communities, particularly those in remote areas. Mulipola’s focus remains on balancing the diverse needs of the districts, promoting inclusivity, transparency, and community-led decision-making.

One significant challenge was the government’s debt, which had reached its maximum limit when the new administration took office. "There was no space for new government borrowing, so we restructured the budget to accommodate our priorities. Up to 2024, we’ve incurred no new debt," Mulipola explained. Remarkably, the government secured $255 million for the DDP without adding to the national debt, and government debt has since begun to decline. This raises questions about the prior administration's financial management.
As Samoa's next general election approaches in two years, there is hope that the DDP will continue, irrespective of the political landscape, given its foundation on principles of community, inclusion, and shared progress. Mulipola’s vision and leadership reflect her commitment to shaping a better future for Samoa, demonstrating that when communities are empowered, they become the true strength of the nation.
Written by Adel Fruean, this is the inaugural edition of Tatou Olaga, where we dive deep into the 51 Districts Million Tala Project. In this issue, we explore the heart of the project, discussing its intricacies, the challenges it faces, and the transformative impact it has on communities across Samoa. Stay tuned as we unpack the stories behind the numbers, showcasing how this initiative is changing lives and shaping the future of the nation.
Acknowledgements:
Special thank you to the Office of the Minister of Womens & Social Development, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioʻo
Cover Photo: Bluwave Galumoana
Photo Credits: Government of Samoa | Ministry of Womens & Social Development | Savali Newspaper | Samoa Observer | Island Business
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