Samoa can expect a boost to its commitment to achieve a 100 per cent renewable energy use by 2025, thanks to a partnership between Bluesky Samoa, Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa, and New Zealand-based Indigenous Business Consultants (I.B.C.).

The three companies launched the Bluesky Sustainable Business and Investment Showcase yesterday with the event scheduled to be held May 23-26 at the Sinalei Resort. 

I.B.C. Managing Director, Billy Te Kahika said in light of the transition to a greener economy, Samoa is also in a period of transition to capture global interest as an investment destination and a producer of high value organic produce.

The showcase is intended to attract international investors to engage with local small and medium enterprises, individual innovators and rural dwellers involved in home-based business, who are interested in marketing their products.

“As we all know that Samoa experiences a very high cost of electricity, one of the highest in the South Pacific, which is a huge challenge for many businesses and private house owners in Samoa,” Mr. Kahika said. 

“This transition will affect the way tourists see Samoa as a tourist destination, the way village-based startup initiatives can be developed without the crippling effect of high cost experienced with electricity.”

With the financial support and assistance of Bluesky Samoa, in the next few years the three companies will develop a campaign that will address solar energy and tourism development under the banner of promoting Samoa as a green destination while promoting trade and economic development. 

“Economic and development aspect of our programme, which will be rolled out in the next one-three years, really needs to start from the ground up. 

“We are working with Samoa Association of Manufacturer and Exporters (S.A.M.E.) to develop a new trade and enterprise arm that will be responsible on a daily business, developing international connectivity for Samoa-made produce and products.” 

Mr. Kahika said they have also engaged the services of AA Solar (NZ), a trusted supplier of quality, robust power systems which recently won a contract to supply solar to the Pacific Climate Change Centre in Apia. The objective of their engagement is to help Samoa develop a range of solar power options for private and corporate business, including Government agencies in Samoa. 

Bluesky Samoa C.E.O. Toleafoa Douglas Creevey said the company is committed to Samoa’s ongoing wellbeing and development, which is demonstrated by their providing of world-class high speed telecommunications. 

“We are proud to launch an annual event that will connect Samoa businesses and investment opportunities to the world and that will promote tourism. 

“Bluesky is delighted to have a project that we can grow over the coming years that will feature major events and concerts, international marketing of Samoa and grassroots trade development while helping Samoa reach its goal of being 100 percent renewable energy users by 2025.

“We are also pushing hard is the innovation of our young people and the utilising of our technology to develop businesses. There are a lot of businesses that are benefiting from technology, and I think we’ve only scratched the surface of what modern technology can do to actually assist your businesses," he added. 

I.B.C in association with Sinalei Resort are partnering to develop a pilot programme that will see a major solar energy system installed at the resort, which will eventually be rolled out throughout Samoa in the near future.