Isoa Wainiqolo
Senior Economics Officer, Pacific Department, Asian Development Bank

Isoa Wainiqolo works at ADB’s Pacific Subregional Office in Suva, Fiji. He currently serves as the country economist for the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tonga, supporting ADB’s programs and initiatives. Prior to joining ADB in 2019, he worked as an economist and senior economist at the Reserve Bank of Fiji for 12 years. He holds a master’s degree from Columbia University in the US and a bachelor’s degree in economics and accounting from the University of the South Pacific.

Insight

Bridging the Financing Gap for Women Entrepreneurs in Tonga

Improving financial access and strengthening pathways from microfinance to commercial lending are critical to unlocking Tonga’s private sector potential and supporting more resilient livelihoods.

   Tonga; Gender Equality; Industry and trade; Private sector development
   SDG: Goal 1: No Poverty; Goal 5: Gender Equality; Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Insight

Expanding Access to Clean Water in the Cook Islands

Climate-resilient water infrastructure and integrated water resources management are critical to strengthening water safety and reliability in the Cook Islands’ dispersed and climate-vulnerable island setting.

   Cook Islands; Health; Water
   SDG: Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Insight

The Role of Tourism and Business Reform in Unlocking Growth in the Private Sector

Strengthening the enabling environment for investment and innovation can help build a more resilient and competitive tourism sector in Niue.

   Niue; Industry and trade; Private sector development
   SDG: Goal 1: No Poverty; Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth