LocationsBoosting Business Growth: Financial Literacy Training Empowers Market Vendors in Luganville
October 1, 2025
The initiative supported vendors running side businesses, addressing the urgent need for financial skills in Vanuatu’s changing economy.
Luganville, Vanuatu - In a bold step toward strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship, the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) through the support of the Markets for Change (M4C) Project, has successfully concluded a week-long Financial Literacy and Business Management Training for Cluster 2 household vendors supplying food to the Luganville Municipal Market.
The initiative targeted vendors who operate additional businesses beyond their market stalls, recognizing the urgent need for financial skills in Vanuatu’s evolving economy.
Empowering Vendors with Practical Skills
The program focused on equipping participants with essential tools to manage and grow their businesses.
“Our mission is to support small businesses—including market vendors—by helping them manage and grow their operations effectively,” said Sali, the trainer. “We work closely with local entrepreneurs, especially those who are just starting out and may not know how to build or expand their business. In addition to training, we assist small business owners in marketing their products and offer ongoing coaching to keep them motivated and on track, especially during challenging times.”
The participants shared their learnings and received hands-on guidance in:
• Customer Service Excellence – Building lasting relationships and improving client satisfaction
• Bookkeeping Fundamentals – Tracking income, expenses, and managing records effectively
• Savings and Financial Planning – Strengthening personal and business financial resilience
Voices from the Market
The training’s impact was deeply felt by participants, many of whom shared personal stories of transformation and newfound confidence.
Marie Bule, a vendor from the Vusiroro community in Big Bay Bush, expressed heartfelt appreciation: “Over the years, I’ve earned a good income from selling peanuts and vegetables. But I never really knew how to manage my money properly. That’s why I’m so grateful for this training. The sessions on record keeping, budgeting, and pricing were especially valuable—these are things I’ve never done before.”
Rosina Jarawari, from Khole Village in eastern Santo, echoed similar sentiments, “I’ve never kept track of my spending before, and I realized that without records, I had no idea where my money was going. Now, I understand how important it is to write everything down. I’m committed to applying this knowledge from now on.”
Annie Leleray, a seasoned vendor from the Nambauk community, highlighted the broader significance of financial literacy: “Projects like Markets for Change, with partners like VCCI, NBV, and ANZ Bank, have already delivered financial literacy training to market vendors in Sanma Province. Through Northern Island Market Vendor Associations (NIMVAs), we advocate for more training, better access to financial services, and safer market environments. Vendors who’ve completed training can mentor others, especially in remote areas. We are the heartbeat of Vanuatu’s informal economy.”
These impact statements prove the transformative power of financial education for entire communities and not just individuals striving toward economic resilience and empowerment.
A Partnership for Progress
This initiative reflects a growing collaboration between government agencies, local institutions, and community leaders to uplift small-scale entrepreneurs and promote inclusive economic growth. It builds on previous capacity-building efforts in agriculture and value addition, creating a holistic support system for market vendors.
As Luganville continues to thrive as a commercial hub, empowering its vendors with financial literacy is a strategic investment in the region’s future, one that promises ripple effects across households, communities, and markets.
The M4C project is implemented by UN Women in partnership with UNDP and with support from the Government of Australia.
For more information, please contact:
Josian Merick, Project Associate, M4C Vanuatu josian.merick@undp.org and Vilisi Veibataki, Markets for Change Project Manager, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | vilisi.veibataki@undp.org | +679 3227701
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