More than 1.1 billion vatu has been spent under the government’s national recovery program to help businesses and workers get back on their feet after the powerful earthquake on December 17 last year. The Prime Minister, Hon. Jotham Napat, presented the latest figures during the government’s 100-Day Update this week. Essen Jack reports.

The Government of Vanuatu has injected over 1.1 billion vatu into the economy through various recovery support programs, aimed at assisting businesses that were affected by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake late last year.

Speaking during the 100-Day Government update, Prime Minister Jotham Napat said the response includes a Soft Loan Program, a Wage Subsidy Scheme, and a Small Business Grant initiative.

“These recovery tools are critical steps to rebuild the economy and support our private sector. Many businesses and workers have struggled after the earthquake, but through this package, we aim to give them hope and a fresh start,” the Prime Minister said.

More than 500 million vatu has already been spent through the Soft Loan Program, which is being delivered by the Vanuatu Rural Development Bank and Bred Bank Vanuatu, offering loans at a low interest rate of just 2 percent.

“The government has provided 100 million vatu to the Rural Development Bank and 300 million to Bred Bank,” the Prime Minister confirmed.

The soft loan scheme focuses on businesses in Efate and surrounding islands considered most vulnerable, and applications are still open until the end of August.

In addition, the Government has allocated 561 million vatu for its Wage Subsidy Scheme, with 18 businesses already approved for support. So far, more than 68 million vatu has been disbursed under this scheme.

As for the Small Business Grant, over 62 million vatu was budgeted. Reports show that 44 million has already gone out to approved applicants, while more than 17 million vatu remains available.

“We are still waiting for other businesses to submit their applications to the government for processing in terms of economic stimulus,” Prime Minister Napat said.

He emphasised that these recovery efforts are among the largest government support programs in Vanuatu’s history—designed not only to help businesses bounce back, but to ensure families and communities can recover with dignity and financial stability.

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply before the August deadline to access the remaining support