LocationsWomen Market Vendors Graduate from Saver Plus Initiative, Advancing Financial Inclusion in Solomon Islands
July 17, 2026
Graduates of the Saver Plus Initiative celebrate the successful completion of the programme in Honiara.
Honiara, Solomon Islands - Twenty-five women market vendors from Honiara are celebrating a significant milestone in their journey towards financial empowerment after successfully completing the Saver Plus Initiative—a matched savings programme implemented through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with ANZ Bank.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Heritage Park Hotel, marked the culmination of a ten-month pilot programme that combined financial literacy with practical savings, equipping women market vendors with the knowledge, confidence, and financial tools to improve their livelihoods and strengthen their economic resilience.
Participants committed to saving SBD180 every month over ten months. Upon completing the programme, ANZ matched each participant's savings, enabling the women to purchase productive assets and essential household items they had identified through ANZ's MoneyMinded financial literacy training.
For many of the graduates, the programme has transformed not only their financial situation but also their mindset.
"Before joining the programme, I saved only when I had money left over. Through the MoneyMinded training, I learned how to budget, set financial goals, and save consistently. Completing the programme has given me confidence that I can plan for my family's future and achieve the goals I once thought were out of reach," shared one participant. Ms Betty Isu, market vendor, Honiara Municipal Market
The Saver Plus Initiative demonstrates the power of combining financial education with practical incentives to promote lasting behavioural change. Through regular saving, budgeting, and financial planning, participants have developed habits that will continue to benefit them well beyond the life of the programme.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the UNDP Solomon Islands Inclusive Growth Team leader, Mr Solomon Kalu, congratulated the graduates and reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to women's economic empowerment.
"Today's graduation is about much more than completing a savings programme. It is about empowering women with the confidence, knowledge, and opportunities to make informed financial decisions, strengthen their businesses, and invest in a more secure future. When women are economically empowered, families prosper, communities become more resilient, and nations grow stronger."
Betty Isu.
Grace PIko.
Martha Ossie.
Through the Markets for Change initiative, UNDP continues to work alongside governments, local authorities, development partners, and the private sector to create more inclusive economic opportunities for women, particularly those working in the informal economy.
The programme also reflects the strength of UNDP's long-standing partnership with ANZ Bank, whose MoneyMinded financial literacy programme has helped thousands of people across the Pacific build financial capability. By introducing the Saver Plus Initiative in Solomon Islands, the partnership has taken an important step beyond financial education by enabling participants to translate their new knowledge into meaningful financial assets.
Another graduate described the discipline required throughout the programme.
"Saving SBD180 every month was not always easy, especially when there were many family expenses. But the training encouraged me to stay committed, and knowing that our savings would be matched motivated me to keep going. Today, I am proud that I can purchase the items I planned for without taking on debt." Ms Grace Piko, market vendor, Honiara Municipal Market
The initiative highlights the important role of partnerships in advancing financial inclusion and achieving sustainable development outcomes. Working together, UNDP, ANZ Bank, and the Honiara City Council Division of Women have demonstrated how collaborative approaches can create tangible benefits for women market vendors and their families.
Beyond individual success stories, the programme contributes to broader national development priorities by strengthening women's participation in the economy, promoting financial inclusion, and supporting more resilient households and communities.
For another participant, the impact of the programme extends beyond her own family.
"This programme has taught me that financial independence starts with small, consistent steps. I will continue saving even after today, and I want to share what I have learned with other women in my community so they can also improve their lives and build a better future for their families." Ms Martha Ossie, market vendor, Honiara Municipal Market
As the graduates begin the next chapter of their financial journey, the Saver Plus Initiative stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when women are equipped with the right knowledge, supported by strong partnerships, and given access to practical financial opportunities.
UNDP remains committed to working with government, the private sector, and development partners to expand financial inclusion, strengthen women's economic empowerment, and ensure that no one is left behind.
About Markets for Change (M4C)
The Markets for Change (M4C) initiative supports women market vendors across Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Samoa by promoting inclusive market governance, strengthening women's leadership, improving livelihoods, and expanding access to economic opportunities. In Solomon Islands, M4C works closely with national and local partners to create safer, more inclusive, and economically empowering market environments that enable women to be empowered and contribute meaningfully to their family, and communities.
For more information, please contact: Ms Jilgina Kimisi, M4C Project Associate, UNDP Solomon Islands I jilgina.kimisi@undp.org and Ms Vilisi Veibataki, Markets for Change Project Manager, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | vilisi.veibataki@undp.org | +679 3227701
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