Development assistance in Tonga
Pillar 3 – Economic Recovery in Tonga
Overview
In collaboration with the Government of Tonga and other development partners, Australia’s budget support is boosting Tonga’s social protection mechanisms, leveraging fiscal and public sector policy reforms. We are supporting Tonga’s implementation priorities through the provision of earmarked budget support funding to assist the recovery of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption, tsunami and challenges of COVID-19. By providing this as earmarked budget support, Australia aims to support Tonga’s highest priorities. This funding extends from an initial $3 million of humanitarian assistance provided within days of the volcanic eruption, for immediate relief response.
Australia is contributing to private sector growth through support for growers to upgrade their operations and enter export markets, as well as identify vulnerabilities from COVID-19 and possible solutions.
Related initiatives
- Economic and Public Sector Governance Program
- Renewable Energy
- Tonga Parliament Buildings (Design)
- The Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Program Plus (PHAMA Plus)
Economic and Public Sector Governance Program
$23 million, 2019 – 2022
Australia’s Economic and Public Sector Governance program has actively supported Tonga’s important reforms including those that avoid debt, improve Tonga’s budget position and revenue, increase government efficiency and effectiveness and promote private sector development.
Related documents
| Name of document | Year published |
|---|---|
| Tonga Economic Governance Support (TEGS) Program Design Volume 1 - Narrative | 2021 |
| Tonga Economic Governance Support (TEGS) Program Design Volume 2 - Appendices | 2021 |
Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’api volcanic eruption, tsunami and COVID-19
Related documents
| Name of document | Year published |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 Response Package Design Framework | 2021 |
Renewable Energy
$3.5 million for the Tonga Renewable Energy Project, 2019-2022
$9.6 million for the Outer Islands Renewable Energy Project, 2013-2022
Australia is supporting Tonga to achieve its renewable energy targets and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. We are investing in the Outer Island Renewable Energy Project (OIREP) and the Tonga Renewable Energy Project (TREP) in partnership with the Asian Development Bank. The projects are increasing access to affordable, renewable energy throughout Tonga. Network upgrades are also ensuring the climate resilience of power supply to households and businesses.
Related documents
| Name of document | Year published |
|---|---|
| Tonga Renewable Energy Project | 2018 |
| Outer Island Renewable Energy Project – Design and Related Documents | 2013 |
Tonga Parliament Buildings (Design)
$2.1 million, 2019-2021
Australia is partnering with New Zealand to design Tonga’s new Parliament House and Office of the Legislative Assembly, which were destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Gita in 2018. The Tonga Parliament Buildings Project aims to deliver a modern and climate resilient building design that will strengthen Tonga’s governance and democratic participation.
The Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Program Plus (PHAMA Plus)
The Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Program Plus (PHAMA Plus) supports Tonga to increase export volumes, gain better income returns and help protect existing export markets. PHAMA provides a range of technical support and funding for infrastructure and facilities for producers and exporters.