ANZ has celebrated the graduation of 28 market vendors in Port Vila from its Saver Plus pilot program— marking a major step toward financial empowerment and resilience for women in the country.

Launched 10 months ago in partnership with UNDP, UN Women, and the Markets for Change initiative, the program focused on financial education, goal-setting, and matched savings. Participants, most of whom were women from the Port Vila Market House, used their savings and matched contributions to purchase items such as stoves, fridges, fencing, water pumps, and school fees.

During the pilot:

• Participants saved a total of VUV 715,200, matched by ANZ with VUV 701,200.
• 90% of participants developed a long-term saving habit.
• 82% gained more confidence in managing money and planning for the future.
• 8 out of 10 reported being better equipped to manage their businesses and provide for their families.

UNDP Project Associate Josian Merick said the program is helping market vendors change their financial behaviours:

“Many vendors told us that while they were selling, they did not know how to manage their income. Saver Plus is giving them the skills to save and plan for the future.”

President of the Silae Vanua Market Vendor Association, Jeanette Wallace, also praised the initiative:

“I’m so glad to see our mothers saving for 10 months straight, even through disasters like the earthquake. This program has shown them that saving is possible and necessary to meet their goals and secure their families’ needs.”

ANZ’s CEO for New Zealand and the Pacific, Antonia Watson, said the success of the first cohort shows the program’s impact on women’s empowerment and community resilience.

“There is no better demonstration of our purpose than through Saver Plus. We are proud to continue this program in Vanuatu next year.”