Investing in Samoa in 2026
East Asia & Pacific
32
Score
Caution Investment Destination
Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies
Samoa earns an investment score of 32/100, placing it in the caution category for global investors. Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies. The country's standout dimensions are political stability (40/100) and growth potential (35/100), with overall GDP of $0.95B and per-capita output of $4,700. Growth is running at 3.5% with 1.8% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is contained at 6.5%. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Tourism (sector score 40/100, currently growing), which represents 18% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 70% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Samoa is with the global economy.
How Samoa's investment score has evolved over time
Tourism
18% of GDP, growing
Remittances Services
3% of GDP, stable
Agriculture
12% of GDP, stable
Fisheries
8% of GDP, stable
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Samoa a safe country to invest in?
Samoa carries a caution risk rating with an overall investment score of 32/100. Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies. Sub-scores: economic health 28/100, political stability 40/100, business climate 30/100, financial strength 25/100, growth potential 35/100.
What is Samoa's sovereign credit rating?
Samoa holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Samoa?
The top investment sectors in Samoa are Tourism, Remittances Services, Agriculture. Tourism leads with a sector score of 40/100 and represents 18% of GDP. Its current trend is growing.
What is Samoa's GDP growth rate?
Samoa's most recent GDP growth was 3.5%, with total GDP of $0.95B and GDP per capita of $4,700. Inflation is running at 6.5% and the current account balance is -5.0% of GDP.
How does Samoa score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Samoa scores: political stability 0.7, rule of law 0.1, corruption control -0.1, and regulatory quality -0.3.
Can foreigners invest in Samoa?
Most industries in Samoa are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Samoa?
Foreign Direct Investment in Samoa runs at 1.8% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 70%. These figures show how integrated Samoa is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Samoa?
Samoa's government debt stands at 50% of GDP. This is a relatively conservative debt load, supporting fiscal flexibility.