31/12/2025
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]
Talofa lava Samoa,
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.
We have proven since independence 63 years ago that our greatest strength lies in our unity. This has anchored our efforts to successfully traverse the challenges of our democracy. Embracing the strengths of our culture and traditions, is the lynchpin of our shared identity that transcends boundaries. Let us continue to honour the values enshrined in our heritage – values that inspire unity and solidarity, to support and care for one another, uphold communal wellbeing and ensure no one is left behind.
Samoa subscribes to an expanded definition of security by the region as inclusive of human security, climate change, humanitarian assistance, environmental security and regional cooperation to build resilience. Right now, I emphatically call for urgent, collective and concerted efforts to combat illicit drugs in our country.
The need to bolster our vigilance at our national borders is critical and crucial. A devoted workforce, trusted and timely intelligence sharing, appropriate equipment and reliable networks are important requisites we must secure. This fight is not solely a government’s responsibility but that of the whole country.
A united Samoa in the fight against drugs can be the only hope of our children and youth growing in an environment without the shackles of addiction.
My government remains steadfast in its commitment to improving health and education. Every citizen has a right to access quality healthcare and quality educational services. Investment is greatly encouraged in initiatives to empower our youth, support education at all levels including early childhood education, prioritize reforms of our healthcare systems and equipment, and continuing efforts to build human capital capacity for effective and efficient service delivery.
With the democratic processes settled and the Government carefully reviewing its national priorities it is also time for Samoa to again take up its place among the leadership of the Blue Pacific region as well as the international arena.
At this juncture I acknowledge with gratitude the ready support of; and strengthened partnerships with all our development partners who have stood with us to address our priority development needs, as well as emergency needs during times of crisis. In this regard, I greatly welcome the underpinnings of the strengths of the partnerships through the provision of budget support by our partners which Samoa embraces as a reflection of trust, respect and transparency.
Likewise, I pay tribute to the public servants and those serving in the private sector. You have continued to play your role to deliver services to our people even in the face of political disharmony.
Our Diasporas around the globe are applauded for continuing to provide the lifeline for many families throughout Samoa. Migration has not severed the familial bonds for support in various forms.
The Head of State’s Christmas message called for reaffirmation of unity through prayer and supplication to the Lord for Samoa. As a nation founded on God, our unity in prayer, is the only way to seek divine guidance in our daily walk-through life, and what the future holds for us all.
I am happy to announce that our week of prayer and fasting will begin on Sunday, 11th January until the 16th of January 2026.
I wish you all a peaceful, blessed and safe New Year Samoa.
SOIFUA.
