Vanuatu E-Commerce Symposium – May 13, 2025
Digital Week: May 13th – 16th, 2025, Unity Park, Luganville

As Vanuatu prepares for its E-Commerce Symposium on May 13, 2025, something exciting is brewing inside the Department of Industry (DOI) lab. A team of developers and tech experts is diligently working on a groundbreaking digital platform that will transform how Vanuatu’s local producers connect with the global market. This innovative project, currently in development, aims to bridge the gap between Vanuatu-made products and consumers worldwide, creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. With Digital Week kicking off on May 13th, this initiative will play a pivotal role in boosting the visibility of Vanuatu’s authentic, island-made goods, helping local businesses expand beyond national borders.

The goal of the symposium is to provide key insights into how e-commerce can help elevate Vanuatu’s economy by enhancing the visibility of local products, connecting producers to international markets, and fostering digital inclusion. As the global economy shifts toward online trade, small island economies like Vanuatu are leveraging e-commerce platforms to create new opportunities for growth and development. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for a digital economy, and now, through platforms like VanuatuMade.com.vu, we are empowering businesses to not only survive but thrive in a digital-first world.

VanuatuMade: Empowering Digital Transformation

VanuatuMade is not just an e-commerce platform; it is a comprehensive, multifaceted ecosystem designed to help Ni-Vanuatu producers showcase their products, connect with customers globally, and benefit from the power of digital tools. The project features a robust information and branding platform, producer registration and visibility tools, and an upcoming marketplace inspired by global giants like eBay and Amazon. This marketplace will enable local businesses to sell directly to consumers worldwide, streamlining digital engagement and expanding their reach.

The platform is powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), harnessing cloud scalability to provide a reliable, secure, and efficient infrastructure that can scale in response to demand. With AWS EC2, VanuatuMade hosts fast, reliable websites that can handle large volumes of traffic and ensure maximum uptime, even during peak demand. The flexibility of AWS allows the platform to manage multimedia content, collect real-time data analytics, and provide businesses with valuable insights to inform their growth strategy—all while keeping operational costs manageable and enabling future scalability as the platform grows.

M-VATU: Enabling Seamless Transactions

With the support of M-VATU, a digital payment system, the E-Commerce Symposium will be a key opportunity for local vendors to showcase their products online. All payments during the event will be processed through M-VATU, simplifying transactions for both vendors and customers. Local businesses can now register, deposit funds into their M-VATU accounts, and start selling their products at the symposium and beyond. This integration of digital payment solutions ensures a seamless, secure, and efficient e-commerce experience.

Global Inspirations for Digital Integration

Vanuatu is drawing inspiration from global leaders in digital integration. From Vietnam’s program that trained 10,000 SMEs to sell on Amazon, to India’s “Make in India” initiative supporting small exporters, other countries have demonstrated how digital partnerships can uplift entire industries. Similarly, the UAE and Singapore have utilized platforms like Amazon to create regional hubs that support local businesses. Vanuatu aims to replicate this success by fostering digital literacy, empowering its entrepreneurs, and establishing strategic partnerships with global e-commerce platforms.

The Road Ahead: Digital Engagement and Capacity Building

The upcoming Digital Week will provide a unique opportunity to deepen these initiatives. During the event, there will be training and onboarding sessions to equip local businesses with the skills they need to succeed in the digital marketplace. Regional learning centers in locations such as Luganville, Tanna, and Malekula will help spread digital literacy across the country. Additionally, discussions will focus on exploring partnerships with logistics providers and expanding the reach of local products on international platforms.

The E-Commerce Symposium marks an important step for Vanuatu’s digital economy. By streamlining digital engagement and creating pathways for local businesses to succeed online, this event will contribute to a more connected and digitally empowered Vanuatu.

A Vision for the Future

The symposium will showcase Vanuatu’s potential for digital trade and encourage local businesses to embrace e-commerce. As we continue building trust in local brands and expanding our digital capacity, the Department of Industry remains committed to supporting Vanuatu’s digital transformation. This is not just about selling online—it’s about creating digital pathways for Vanuatu’s future economy.