In the heart of the Pacific, the Development Bank of Tuvalu (DBT) is lighting the path toward inclusive economic growth by investing in the potential of women, youth, and individuals with disability. With support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), DBT have been providing targeted training programs on Funafuti as well as the outer islands, nurturing a new generation of financially literate, entrepreneurial Tuvaluans.

DBT’s financial literacy and entrepreneurship training has become a cornerstone of community development. Initially launched in 2024, the first round of training was open to all, which had high participation from men. Although the sessions were open to everyone, the turnout highlighted a gap in reaching women, youth, and individuals with disability. In response, DBT redesigned its approach. Instead of broad, open sessions, DBT began engaging directly with smaller, targeted groups. This shift has proven to be far more effective in ensuring inclusive participation and meeting the specific needs of these underrepresented communities. This targeted approach was also driven by a critical insight: only 2% of women were accessing the bank’s loan products, highlighting a significant gap in financial inclusion. By equipping these groups with essential financial skills and entrepreneurial tools, women and youth can make informed decisions about accessing the bank’s loan products.

Recognising that true progress must include everyone, DBT has partnered with Fusi Alofa, a local disability organisation, to ensure individuals with disability receive tailored support and training.

“Why are we targeting people with disabilities? Because we [DBT] saw the need when Laasi Sotaga, a woman with visual impairment came in to get a loan. We noticed our previous sessions did not think about how best to approach people with disabilities who we believe should also have access to our product.” – Losafou Ampelosa, Corporate Services Manager, DBT

Collaboration with the Tuvalu Women for Change Association (Fatu Lei) has also brought critical awareness to the economic impact of violence against women, linking financial wellbeing with economic empowerment.

“Why we approached them [Fatu Lei] is because when we established our objectives for the project, we identified the do no harm approach for women so we wanted the men to understand the financial status of women in local settling so we [DBT]approached Fatu Lei to deliver that presentation and also be our referral pathway if women face any challenges.” – Losafou Ampelosa, Corporate Services Manager, DBT

DBT’s financial literacy and entrepreneurship training is specifically designed to support women and youth who are interested in applying for the newly launched Women and Youth Loan product. While the training is particularly beneficial for those looking to start or grow their own businesses, its value goes beyond entrepreneurship.

“We have seen individuals that have attended our training selling at the Tau Maketi market in Funafuti, so they are practicing what they have learnt and if they were already selling at the market, they have learnt new skills and knowledge and this means they are running their business differently.” – Losafou Ampelosa, Corporate Services Manager, DBT

Even for participants who may not pursue a business venture, the knowledge gained empowers them to make informed financial decisions within their households. It helps them understand budgeting, saving, and planning—skills that can improve family wellbeing, support children’s education, and contribute to long-term financial stability.

“I am a housewife and finding ways to make money for my family. I learnt about profits that I can make from a business and how I can use that to support the church and my family. Housewives should attend this kind of training as they need to make a living too. If women get a loan, they should know what the loan is about and how it can be used.” – Faaipo Letia, training participant.

By equipping individuals with practical financial tools, the training fosters confidence and independence, enabling participants to take a more active role in shaping their futures and supporting their communities. At the training at Fusi Alofa, Laasi Sotaga, who runs her own small perfume business from her home, learned that people with disability could access services at DBT.

“Before I thought only those with secured employment could secure loan with DBT but that changes after the outreach program in April. The training was very effective and useful. My business was created before the training, but when I attended the training, I realised that my pricing was not right, and I had to take into account transport and freight costs.” – Laasi Sotaga, training participant.

Attending the training gave Laasi the confidence to apply for a loan from the Women and Youth loan product at DBT.

Although the Women and Youth Loan product was officially launched in July 2025, DBT is committed to ensuring that its benefits reach those who are often excluded from traditional financial services. Through targeted outreach and inclusive training programs, the bank hopes to engage women, youth, and individuals with disability—groups that have historically faced barriers to financial inclusion not only to apply for the loan but also to make informed decisions that can positively impact their families and communities.