First Female CEO to Head Agriculture & Fisheries

Apia, SAMOA – 13 April 2026 – Cabinet has appointed the first female Chief Executive Officer to head the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. A career agriculturist – Afamasaga Taimalietane Matatumua moves to the top executive position with over 20 years experience in the Ministry.

Afamagasa began her service with MAF in 2003 as a Senior Information Officer then advanced to the management level as Assistant Chief Executive Officer for Policy, Planning, and Communication, a position she has held since 2018.

She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture, a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Diploma in Tropical Agriculture all from the University of the South Pacific.

She takes over from Seuseu Dr Tauati to head the Ministry that is already in the process of establishing a separate Ministry of Fisheries from the Ministry of Agriculture.

New Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Education and Culture

New Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education & Culture, Salāmatua Toiaivao Tautī Fa’atamāli’i Jenny Lauano.

Cabinet has also approved the appointment of Salāmatua Toiaivao Tautī Fa’atamāli’i Jenny Lauano as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education and Culture for a three-year term.

Prior to her appointment, Salāmatua served as Assistant Chief Executive Officer for Performance and Development since 2024 and previously held the role of ACEO for Teacher Development and Advisory Services from 2014 to 2024.

Prior to that appointment, she served as Head of the Business Department at Latter-Day Saints College, Pesega from 2007 to 2014.

With over 12 years of experience as an A.C.E.O. within the Ministry and seven years in teaching, Salāmatua brings extensive expertise in teacher performance and development.

She holds a Master of Education and Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of the South Pacific, as well as qualifications from Brigham Young University, and a Teaching Certificate from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture. She takes over from Aeau Chris Hazelman who served as CEO for one term.

Tupa’i Peter Peilua reappointed CEO of SQA

Tupa’i Peter Peilua reappointed as Chief Executive Officer for the Samoa Qualification Authority for another three years

Cabinet has also reappointed Tupa’i Peter Peilua as Chief Executive Officer for the Samoa Qualification Authority for another three years.

Tupa’i has had a long career in policy formulation and advisory role in education in government, especially in New Zealand and the Pacific.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in education and Postgraduate in Education. This is Tupa’i’s second term as CEO of the authority.