Nestled on the northern coast of Upolu Island, Apia stands as Samoa's vibrant capital, where markets are abuzz with activity and historic landmarks tell stories of the past. Yet, amid its charm and rapid development, Apia faces growing challenges from climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and frequent flooding that threaten its coastal infrastructure and livelihoods. 

Compounding these pressures is a sharp rise in vehicle ownership, which has increased by 69.5% since 2013, alongside growing fossil fuel imports. As a result, transforming the transport sector has become an urgent priority. Samoa’s road transport sector remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, a major contributor to the country’s carbon dioxide emissions. According to Samoa's National Communications to the UNFCCC (2016), the energy sector, including transport, accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, with land transport being the dominant source within the sector, contributing to 54% to total CO2 emissions. 

But Samoa wants change.

In response to this need for change came a major milestone in October 2024: The handover of a fleet of 53 EVs by the UNDP Multi Country Office in Samoa, funded by the Government of Japan under the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) Project. The event was marked by the installation of key infrastructure to support the shift to electric vehicles. A total of 14 wall-mounted EV charging stations (up to 22 kW) were set up at various government locations, while five high-capacity, ground-mounted DC charging stations (60 kW) were installed at the Tuanaimato Bowser. Since then, a total of 76 EVs have been provided to the Government of Samoa, along with a specialized flatbed truck designed to carry oxygen tanks, further driving the country’s transition toward sustainable transport. Additionally, six more public charging stations with 14 charging points are currently under construction. This includes a solar-powered fast DC charger at Mulifanua Wharf and other fast DC chargers at Faleolo and Fagali'i airports.

Beyond the Vehicles: Building Policy, Infrastructure and Knowledge 

“This comprehensive support from UNDP was highly appreciated in Samoa. We not only supplied EVs, but also contributed to policy and regulatory development, along with ensuring proper disposal practices, offering a well-rounded approach. The CAP-IT project has produced several technical studies which have led towards the development of Samoa’s first Transport Sector Decarbonization Strategy with a comprehensive five-year Sustainable Mobility and Land Use Action Plan. Furthermore, CAP-IT has produced a technical study on End-Of-Life EV batteries, with a set of recommendations on handling, storage and management of depleted batteries. This set of recommendations will inform the Waste Management Plan for Samoa which is also being developed through UNDP support," says the UNDP Resident Representative of the Multi-County Office in Samoa, Ms. Aliona Niculita.

In many ways, this was more than just about the delivery of new vehicles — it symbolized a powerful shift in Samoa’s approach to sustainability, encouraging both the government and its citizens to embrace green alternatives.

And this is just the beginning.

These initiatives have sparked a significant behavioral shift in Samoa, demonstrating a strong commitment to reducing fossil-fuel dependence and advancing cleaner, greener mobility solutions. To facilitate the adoption of EVs, the project has supported the Government to open the Samoan market by eliminating barriers to the official introduction of various EV models. Further policy adjustments have supported the transition to decarbonized transport, paving the way for the Government of Samoa to introduce the Emissions Reduction Programme (ERP) in January 2025. The ERP provides two key incentives: grants of up to WST 100,000 (approximately USD 35,120) for green energy projects aimed at cutting emissions, and rebates of up to WST 40,000 (approximately USD 14,285) on the import of electric or hybrid vehicles. By making EVs more affordable, the rebate encourages people to embrace sustainable alternatives.

The Minister for the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure Mr. Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai remarks, “Transport is a key enabler of connectivity — supporting trade, employment, education, and healthcare. Yet, it is also one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in Samoa. The importance of these plans are clear: it ensures that Samoa remains steadfast in its commitment to transitioning to a lower-carbon future. It encompasses new legislation, policy changes, financing initiatives, and interventions to support our transportation needs in a way that minimizes environmental harm while ensuring that future generations benefit from enhanced mobility.” 

A Model for the Pacific

“The carbon dioxide emissions from Samoa are only a tiny fraction of the global total, but changes in the Earth's environment, extreme weather due to climate change, and rising sea levels pose significant threats to the very existence of small island nations in the Pacific. Therefore, the Samoan government is not only calling for emission reductions from larger emitting countries but is also making efforts to reduce emissions as much as possible within its own country. I believe this project could serve as a model for other small island nations,” remarks H.E. Mr. Ryotaro Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, referring to the value of the project in Samoa.

Samoa’s shift towards a low-carbon economy is well underway, and the handing over of the EV fleet has been a pivotal moment in this transformation, spurring both policy and behavioral changes that will drive the country’s future. As Samoa continues on this path, it is demonstrating how targeted action, and international partnerships can help address the unique challenges faced by small island nations to protect our planet for the generations to come.

The CAP-IT project is a part of the Pacific Green Transformation Project, a multi-country initiative supported and funded by the Government of Japan. This multi-country programme supports Samoa, along with Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu, transition to renewable energy, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and create sustainable, green solutions for future generations. By investing in sustainable solutions and fostering cultural and behavioral change for a better tomorrow, these island nations are building resilience against climate risks and accelerating their green transformation.