The Central Bank of Samoa had the privilege to host the 2024 Cohort of the Global Women New Zealand
– Breakthrough Leaders Program at Roko’s Restaurant on Monday, 9 September 2024. This special
event provided a valuable opportunity for the 23-member group of women leaders from New Zealand
to gain a foundational understanding of Samoa’s economic and socio-political environment. The
keynote speaker for the event was the Honorable Prime Minister, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa who
shared her political and leadership journey. Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Samoa, Sili Margaret
Tafunai, presented an update on Samoa’s economy and shared insights in the future outlook for the
Samoan economy. The group had the opportunity to engage in valuable discussions with the Prime
Minister and Acting CBS Governor on social issues, leadership challenges and opportunities as well as
economic issues faced by small island countries.
The Global Women New Zealand – Breakthrough Leaders Program is made up of a diverse group of New
Zealand female leaders in their respective areas of work and use this platform and program as further
advocacy for female leadership. This year’s cohort included several ladies with Samoan and Tongan
ethnicity, with leadership roles in New Zealand’s educational, accountancy, finance, energy,
communications, military and business sectors, to name a few.
Prime Minister Fiame Mata’afa acknowledged the organization’s drive and vision and wished the
program success in its future undertakings.