Four participants of the Tonga cohort of the 2023 Pacific Greenpreneurs Program graduated today, with two recipients awarded total funds of USD$55,000 (approximately TOP $130,000).

Mr Masa Kawaguchi, director of South Pacific Mozuku Ltd, a growth-stage green enterprise in Tonga, was awarded a USD $50,000 (approximately TOP $119,000) zero-interest repayable grant. He expressed his gratitude towards GGGI and QFFD by saying “despite a few setbacks the business experienced over the past years including the COVID and tsunami, we are ready to move into the new and exciting areas of business expansion and are very much grateful for GGGI’s assistance in this regard.”

Mrs Lu'isa Nau, owner of Culture Fusion Tonga, was the winner for the Business Plan competition, was awarded USD $5,000 (approximately TOP $11,900) in recognition of its innovative business model and plans that align with sustainable development goals.

Awards were presented by Ms. Lorraine Kauhenga, Deputy CEO for the Ministry of Trade & Economic Development’s Trade Negotiation & Policy Division, at the Graduation ceremony held at the Davina House in Nuku'alofa. Other graduates were Tupou Kolokihakaufisi, of Grace Nursery & Garden, and Anaseini Iotebatu, of Tini Media.

Ms Kauhenga said the program aligned well with MTED’s objectives towards the achievement of the national economic outcomes.

"The Government of Tonga is supportive of GGGI and QFFD’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network contributions to addressing the barriers to green enterprise growth and building Tonga’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

It had a positive impact on the environment and PGEN was focused on supporting green job creation, particularly in increasing opportunities for women and youth, she said.

Mr Sam Vea, President of the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), commended GGGI’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN) program.

“We recognise the transformative power of green businesses in minimising our national carbon footprint and improving our communities' resilience to climate change.

“In a world, and particularly us, here in the Pacific, who are facing the challenges of climate change and shifting weather patterns, nurturing green entrepreneurship is not only timely, but also critical to our nation's economic and sustainable growth,” said Mr Vea.

The Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator and Accelerator Program are initiatives of the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN), a program implemented by Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and funded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), which is dedicated to fostering green, sustainable, and innovative business solutions in the Pacific region.

Mr Lano Fonua, GGGI Investment Officer – Tonga, delivered remarks on behalf of GGGI’s Country Representative for Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Vanuatu, Mr. Daniel Muñoz-Smith. “As we celebrate the achievements of these graduates, let us also reflect on the profound impact their endeavours will have on our environment and communities in responding to the significant challenges of climate change. We commend their passion, resilience, and commitment to a green and sustainable Pacific", Mr Fonua said.

Ms. Al-Jazi Al-Hanzab, International Organizations Head Section Representative, spoke on behalf of GGGI’s funding partner, the Qatar Fund for Development.

She said in her recorded video remarks, “As we witnessed the announcement of the winners of the incubator business plan competition and the accelerator program, let us remember that these initiatives will contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. Congratulations to all graduates and grant recipients. Your work is an inspiration to us all. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts you will create in your respective countries and beyond.”

In total, USD 55,000 (approximately TOP $130,000) in grants were awarded at the event, bringing the total funds awarded to Tongan enterprises since the commencement of PGEN to USD $75,000 (approximately TOP $178,000) to date.

Ms. Mihwa Wi, GGGI Senior Project Management and Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist congratulated the achievements of the graduates of the incubator and accelerator programs and remarked that “GGGI’s support including financial assistance in the form of seed grant and repayable grant funding to selected Tongan businesses will have significant impact on our environment and communities in responding to climate change and contributing to innovations and inclusive growth.”

The Tonga Incubator & Accelerator Greenpreneur graduates are part of the regional Pacific Greenpreneurs alumni, joining green enterprises who have completed the program in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Vanuatu.