Ministry of Families Pioneers Whole of Ministry Centralized Digital Repository

Apia, SAMOA – 18 July 2026 – The Ministry of Family and Social Affairs (MFSA) has taken an important step in its digital transformation through the development of its first whole Ministry Centralised Digital Repository.

The secure platform will bring together information on programmes, policies, partnerships, budgets, communities reached, performance and results across all MFSA divisions. It will provide the Ministry with a clearer, real-time picture of what is being delivered, who is being reached, where gaps remain and where further actions or investment is required.

The Minister for Family and Social Affairs, Moefaauouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai, said the initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to becoming more efficient, accountable and evidence driven.

“Our responsibility is not only to deliver programmes but to know whether they are reaching the right people and creating meaningful change” said Moefaauouo. “This system will help us move beyond counting activities to measuring impact, how our work is strengthening children, young people, women, men, families, persons with disabilities and communities throughout Samoa.”

Operating under the principle “Record Once. Report Many Times” the repository will reduce duplicated reporting and reliance on disconnected spreadsheets, emails and individual filing systems. Validated information will support management dashboards, annual reports, Cabinet updates, budget planning, sector reporting and development partner requirements.

The system will also enable MFSA to identify emerging social issues, delayed activities, underserved communities, programme gaps and areas requiring management, policy or funding intervention.

Moefaauouo acknowledged the support of the United Nations Development Programme and expressed his appreciation to Ms Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative for the Samoa Multi Country Office, for supporting the Ministry’s institutional strengthening and digital transformation.

“We are deeply grateful to Ms Aliona Niculita and UNDP for recognizing that strong social outcomes require strong institutions” he said. “This partnership is helping is helping MFSA build the systems and capability needed to serve Samoa’s families with greater efficiency, transparency and care.”

The repository will be developed collaboratively with the Ministry to ensure full institutional ownership. Each division will help define its information requirements, reporting processes and approval pathways, while remaining responsible for the accuracy and integrity of its data.

The system will be supported by comprehensive Data Management Policy and Operational Manual, establishing clear requirements for data ownership, validation, privacy, cybersecurity, authorized access, quality assurance, system administration and the ethical use of information.

Sensitive information relating to child protection, family violence, individual beneficiaries and personnel matters will remain within authorized specialist systems. Only approved, de-identified or aggregated information will be used for Ministry wide planning and reporting.

“This is more than the introduction of a digital system,” said Moefaauouo. “It is an investment in better leadership, stronger decisions and better services for our people. One Ministry. One coordinated source of evidence. Stronger outcomes for Samoa’s families.”