Pacific Regional
Private Sector
Investment leveraged
Private Sector
Investment leveraged
Pacific Regional
Value of additional
market transactions
Value of additional
market transactions
Key Focus Area
Key Focus Area
Agriculture
Agriculture
In agriculture, MDF’s approach is currently centred on a small number of agricultural commodities Kava, Vanilla and Pigs.
Tourism
Tourism
Within tourism, MDF’s focus is on three priority areas for government rebranding of Tonga Tourism and associated marketing strategy and related activities, growing the yachting tourism industry; and helping diversification of tourism activities.
Climate Change
Climate Change
Tonga is one of the most at-risk countries to the impacts of climate change. Extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent and intense, resulting in widespread flooding on the island of Tongatapu in 2024. Temperature highs will continue to rise, including sea temperatures, which will affect marine industries. Sea levels are expected to rise above global averages, threatening agriculture production, infrastructure and human habitation.
Tonga’s Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) include 70 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and a 13 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable electricity generation was at 20 per cent as of 2024. MDF is working on Tonga’s nascent solar photovoltaic (PV) market, which directly aligns with NDC commitments. MDF is also incorporating climate change adaptation solutions into work in agriculture and tourism.
In 2024, MDF completed a solar demand study and supported a partner with a solar feasibility assessment. These activities indicated there is scope for businesses and households to support these climate change and energy targets, which could be accelerated by business investment and regulatory changes.
Inclusion
Inclusion
MDF’s work in agriculture and tourism prioritises inclusive economic opportunities while addressing workload challenges and systemic barriers. In 2024, MDF supported the development of community and cultural tour activities, creating new pathways for women’s economic participation. Additionally, women represented 57 percent of entrepreneurs in the most recent Tonga Business Accelerator, highlighting their critical role in business and enterprise development.
A 2018 survey of over 4,800 individuals with disabilities found that the most commonly reported disabilities were visual impairments (24 per cent) and various forms of mobility impairments (36 per cent). MDF is seeking opportunities to reduce the workload of aging and mobility-impaired rural farmers through agricultural mechanisation. In 2024, MDF explored ways to include people with disabilities as a key customer segment in tourism, particularly by ensuring that tourism facilities are designed to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments and older visitors.
