NUKUʻALOFA, September 30, 2026— The World Bank Group has approved support for a package of policy measures in Tonga that is expected to generate hundreds of additional, better-paying jobs while helping create new opportunities across the economy. The program aims to strengthen the foundations for private sector-led growth, expand economic opportunities for Tongans, and help country make better use of its public, human, and natural resources.
Economic opportunities remain limited, with more than one in four young Tongans not in employment, education or training, underscoring the need for action to boost productivity, strengthen resilience, and help more people participate in the economy.
The Tonga First Growth and Jobs Development Policy Financingis the first in a two-part program supporting reforms to expand access to digital payments and financial services, strengthen workforce skills and apprenticeships, improve conditions for private investment and business growth, and enhance the management of Tonga’s ocean resources.
“This initiative is about creating more opportunities for Tongans while simultaneously putting systems in place to amplify the resilience of our people and our economy,” said Hon. V. Sivoki Lavemaau, Tongan Minister of Finance. “This program will help people create jobs, support businesses to grow and thrive, strengthen assistance provided for vulnerable families when it’s needed most, and ensure our ocean resources continue to be protected and support future generations.”
These policy measures also support new approaches to marine spatial planning and ocean management to help balance conservation, livelihoods, and economic opportunities. These measures are expected to support the sustainable development of fisheries, tourism, and other ocean-based industries while safeguarding Tonga’s ocean resources for future generations.
“The people of Tonga have shown remarkable resilience in the face of significant economic and disaster-related challenges,” said Tatiana A. Proskuryakova, World Bank Division Director for the South and North Pacific. “By supporting private sector development, skills development, financial inclusion, and sustainable management of natural resources, these reforms can help created more opportunities for Tongans and lay foundations for stronger and more resilience growth.”
The new operation is supported by a US$15 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for low-income countries.
