SAFER Pacific was awarded by ADB to DT Global in March 2025 as an extension and change in scope of the supporting recovery by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Pacific from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic program (Pacific COVID-19 Business Recovery Program (CBRP)), which had an implementation period of 42 months (3.5 years), and a completion date of 31 December 2024.
The change in scope pivoted the program from recovery of MSMEs affected by the pandemic to resilience building by supporting climate adaptive and resilient practices in the finance and private sectors.
While the CBRP was successful in hastening the recovery of MSMEs after the economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic through its activities in the finance and private sectors, these businesses remain vulnerable to future climate-related shocks. Events like Tonga’s 2021 volcanic eruption and Vanuatu’s 2023 cyclones have underscored their fragility and the urgent need for climate resilience. Moreover, women-led MSMEs are especially vulnerable due to limited cash reserves and reliance on public aid. Strengthening their resilience reduces business disruptions and eases pressure on government resources.
SAFER Pacific works on increasing MSMEs' resilience to the effects of climate-change-induced shocks due to improved access to climate-focused financing and business development services.
The programme has the following areas of work:
SAFER Pacific’s goal is to foster economies that are more resilient to climate change-related shocks, contributing to improved stability and healthier living conditions for the populations of the targeted countries.
