The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL) held a foundational training workshop this morning for staff on the new eTrade Reform Tracker (eTRT), a digital platform developed by the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to monitor the implementation of Samoa’s National E-Commerce Strategy.
Launched in 2022, the Strategy provides a national roadmap for strengthening Samoa’s participation in the digital economy. The eTRT will serve as the cornerstone of National E commerce Strategy, ensuring that every step of the implementation is effectively tracked, resources are effectively allocated and real impact is measure. By using the tracker, each user is empowered and held accountable for their role in the implementation process, all within a transparent, secure and collaborative online environment.
Staff from the Ministry’s Fair Trading and ICT Divisions received practical instruction on using the Tracker. The training was led by Pegasus Retimanu, the Regional Programme Officer for the UNCTAD Pacific Digital Economy Programme, with support from the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and consultant, Edith Faaola, who will oversee the Tracker’s implementation over the next four months.
“The eTrade Reform Tracker is a vital tool for us. It enhances our ability to effectively manage, monitor, and report on our progress towards the goals set out in the National E-Commerce Strategy,” said Fepuleai Roger Toleafoa, Acting CEO of MCIL. “This ensures accountability and keeps our digital transformation on track.”
UNCTAD is proud to support Samoa in advancing its e-commerce agenda through the eTrade Reform Tracker. This tool strengthens coordination, enhances transparency, and accelerates progress toward a more inclusive and digitally driven economy.
This initiative forms part of Samoa’s wider commitment to building a robust and inclusive digital economy. It is made possible through the Pacific Digital Economy Programme (PDEP), a joint initiative of UNCTAD, UNDP, and UNCDF, with funding from the European Union, the Government of Australia, and the Government of New Zealand.
