Key Activities
- Conducted a gender-sensitive diagnostic of Tuvalu’s investment climate, resulting in the Business Environment Reform Diagnostic (BERD) Report.
- Used BERD findings to inform a gender-inclusive National Investment Strategy and guide institutional reforms.
Outcomes
- Business registration processes were streamlined, especially for sole traders commonly used by women, reducing barriers to entry.
- BERD recommendations were integrated into Tuvalu’s National Investment Policy and the Department of Business’s Annual Work Plan, ensuring funded gender-sensitive reforms.
- Institutional coordination was strengthened among the Department of Business, Gender Affairs, and the Development Bank of Tuvalu to support women-led enterprises.
- A new grant facility, backed by Taiwan, was launched to improve access to finance for women entrepreneurs.
- A national conference showcased women entrepreneurs, placing them at the centre of policy dialogue and peer learning.
- Progressive tax reform was introduced, exempting small, often women-led businesses from taxation.
Theme
Investment Climate | Women’s Economic Empowerment | Policy Reform
Partners
Department of Business, Industries & Investments, Ministry of Finance