DDP – MWCSD

NEWS

Government Signs District Development Programme Funding Agreements

The Government of Samoa has today marked another significant milestone under the District Development Programme (DDP) with the formal signing of Funding Agreements between the Government and District Councils.

The Funding Agreements represent the Government’s trust and commitment to empowering District Councils to manage and implement development priorities for their people, families, villages, and districts. Each district will receive $1.8 million to support locally identified development initiatives.

The ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD), was attended by representatives from 48 districts participating in the initial signing. This milestone signals the commencement of the implementation phase of the Government’s $91.8 million national investment, approved by Parliament for the Financial Year 2025–2026, benefiting all 51 districts across Samoa.

The District Development Programme reflects the Government’s policy direction to strengthen community-led development, enabling districts to lead and deliver their own priorities within national policy and accountability frameworks.

The programme commenced with a prayer service led by the Honourable Minister, Susuga Hon. Seuamuli Fasi Toma, acknowledging divine guidance and unity in advancing national development.

The keynote address was delivered by the Honourable Prime Minister, Hon. Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, who emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, sound governance, and prudent financial management to ensure that public funds deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes for all communities.

The Prime Minister also announced the temporary postponement of the $150 Back-to-School Assistance payment until after the by-election process concludes, with disbursement scheduled to commence following the election on 28 February 2026. This measure ensures transparency and integrity in all public financial processes. The release of funds will proceed in accordance with established guidelines and compliance requirements administered by the Ministry.

The event concluded with the formal signing of Funding Agreements by 48 District Councils in the presence of the Minister of Finance and the Minister for Women, Community and Social Development. The Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Finance were also present to witness and oversee the process.

Following approval of each district’s Annual Plan and Budget by the District Development Programme Steering Committee, the 48 districts became eligible to sign their respective agreements for the release of the allocated $1.8 million per district.

Submission of the required documentation to the Ministry of Finance will enable the initial disbursement of 70% of allocated funds into the respective District Council bank accounts.

The Government reaffirms its commitment to strengthening district leadership, accountability, and shared prosperity under the guiding principle:

“Atina’e Fa’atasi ma Manuia Fa’atasi”

Developing Together, Prospering Together

Strengthening District Leadership: DDP National Induction Continues in Upolu

The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) today continued the national induction programme for the District Development Programme (DDP) in Upolu, engaging District Chairs, Council members, supporting staff and Village Representatives as part of the Government’s ongoing reset of Samoa’s flagship community-led development programme.

The induction brings together Cabinet Ministers, central agencies and district leadership to reaffirm the DDP as the Government’s primary mechanism for delivering development outcomes at district level anchored in accountability, transparency and shared responsibility.

In his address, Hon. Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt underscored that the success of the District Development Programme depends on fa‘atuatua (faith), fa‘amaoni (integrity) and unity of purpose across all levels of leadership. He reminded participants that development cannot succeed in isolation, stressing that no programme can move forward unless leaders, institutions and communities act as one.

Cabinet Ministers reaffirmed that the DDP is a core delivery arm of the Pathway for the Development of Samoa, returning ownership of development priorities to families, villages and districts, while Government provides policy direction, oversight and safeguards to protect public trust.

The induction continues to address DDP processes and implementation challenges identified in earlier phases of the programme, including reporting delays, weaknesses in monitoring and compliance, and inconsistent application of inclusive development principles. Updated Programme Operating Manuals (POMs), strengthened governance arrangements and clearer accountability requirements now guide district operations.

Participants are receiving practical guidance on governance authority, financial accountability, mandatory reporting obligations, monitoring and verification processes, and expectations for professional, values based and community centred leadership.

MWCSD emphasised that the DDP involves public trust funding and must be managed with discipline, transparency and integrity, consistent with the principles highlighted by the Prime Minister.

The Ministry further advised that targeted deep dive sessions will follow the induction, focusing on operational support and governance requirements to further strengthen district-level implementation.

MWCSD Commences 3-Day District Development Programme National Induction in Savai‘i

The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) today commenced a three-day national induction for District Development Programme (DDP) Chairs, Council members, supporting staff and Village Representatives in Savai‘i, marking a decisive reset for Samoa’s flagship community led development programme.

Led by MWCSD, the induction brings together Cabinet Ministers, central agencies, district leadership and village-level representatives to reaffirm the purpose, authority and accountability of the DDP as Samoa’s primary mechanism for district-level development delivery.

Opening the induction, the Honourable Prime Minister of Samoa underscored that the DDP is a core delivery arm of the Pathway for the Development of Samoa, placing shared responsibility for development outcomes back with families, villages and districts, supported by Government systems and oversight.The induction directly responds to challenges identified during earlier phases of DDP implementation, including delayed reporting, weak monitoring, misuse or misalignment of funds, and inconsistent application of inclusive development principles. In response, revised Programme Operating Manuals (POMs) and strengthened governance, monitoring and compliance requirements are now in effect.

Over the three days, participants will receive clear direction on governance authority, financial accountability, mandatory reporting standards, monitoring and verification processes, and the professionalisation of district delivery.

MWCSD reaffirmed that the DDP is public trust funding, not discretionary funding, and that disciplined, transparent and community-driven leadership is non-negotiable going forward.

District Development Project

The District Development Project (DDP) is bringing people together — unlocking local solutions, strengthening families, and empowering every village to rise. This initiative is built on partnership: Government, districts, and communities working side-by-side to shape the future they want for their children.