Samoa Government Announces Cabinet Reshuffle, PM Takes On Major Infrastructure Portfolios

APIA, SAMOA — 18 August 2026: The Government has announced a reshuffle of Cabinet responsibilities, with Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt taking direct responsibility for a significant group of infrastructure, transport and state-owned entities.

The changes also formally confirm Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo as Deputy Prime Minister and bring Hon. Tea Tooala Peato into Cabinet as a Minister.

According to the Government document outlining the changes, Mulipola's appointment as Deputy Prime Minister takes effect from 26 May 2026, following the removal of Hon. Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo from the position.

Tea Tooala Peato joins Cabinet

As part of today's changes, Hon. Tea Tooala Peato has been formally appointed as a Cabinet Minister, with responsibility for the Legislative Assembly and the Ombudsman.

Tuia Pu'a Fuatogi Letoa has also been appointed Associate Minister for the same portfolios.

The appointments add another Minister to Cabinet while also redistributing a number of responsibilities across the Government.

Prime Minister takes major infrastructure responsibilities

One of the most significant aspects of the reshuffle is the concentration of major infrastructure and transport responsibilities under the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister's new responsibilities listed in the Government document include:

• Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI)

• Samoa Water Authority (SWA)

• Electric Power Corporation (EPC)

• Samoa Ports Authority (SPA)

• Samoa Shipping Corporation (SSC)

• Land Transport Authority (LTA)

• Samoa Shipping Services and Pacific Forum Line (SSS/PFL)

• Airport Authority

• Samoa Airways

• Civil Aviation

• Planning and Urban Management (PUMA)

• Pacific Forum Line (PFL)
  

The changes place many of Samoa's most important infrastructure, transport and utility portfolios directly under the Prime Minister.

Deputy Prime Minister takes PSC and Remuneration Tribunal

Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo has responsibility for the Public Service Commission (PSC).

She has also been assigned responsibility for the Remuneration Tribunal, the body associated with the determination and review of remuneration for public offices.

The Government document records both responsibilities alongside her appointment as Deputy Prime Minister from 26 May 2026.

Other portfolios redistributed

Several other government authorities and responsibilities have been reassigned.

Minister of Health Hon. Va'aaoao Salu Alofipo takes responsibility for the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA).

Minister of Women, Community and Social Development Hon. Moefa'auouo Julius Ah Kui Tafuna'i takes responsibility for the Samoa Housing Corporation and the Olomanu Juvenile Centre.

Minister of Education and Culture Hon. Aiono Alec Ekeroma takes responsibility for the Scholarship Committee.

Meanwhile, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour Hon. Fata Ryan Schuster has been assigned responsibility for the Gambling Control Authority and TAB.

Associate minister responsibilities

The reshuffle also outlines ministers and MPs who will provide support across key portfolios.

The Prime Minister will be supported by Hon. Moefa'auouo Julius Ah Kui Tafuna'i, Vui Iiga Sione Iiga, Taituave Seiuli Lafaitele Ta'aititi Valoaga and Asiata Tavu'i Tafu Salevao Leaoa.

Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola will be supported by Hon. Pauga Te'omatavu'i Talalelei Pauga, while Hon. Fesola'i Apulu Tusiupu Tuigamala is listed as Associate Minister supporting the Minister responsible for Lands and Survey.

A significant redistribution of Government responsibilities

While the reshuffle includes several changes across Cabinet, the biggest shift is the Prime Minister assuming direct responsibility for a broad range of infrastructure and transport portfolios.

From roads and land transport to electricity, water, ports, shipping, aviation and Samoa Airways, a substantial part of the country's physical infrastructure and transport network will now fall under the Prime Minister's portfolio.

The changes announced on 18 August 2026 mark a further restructuring of responsibilities within the Government as it continues its current term.