Digital Gateway Opens Global Markets for Tongan SMEs
NUKUʻALOFA, 26 May 2025 — A new partnership between ANZ Tonga and the Palladium Group is set to transform the landscape for Tongan entrepreneurs, unlocking unprecedented access to international e-commerce through the country’s first online payment gateway.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 22 May, the two organisations will work together to promote the uptake of ANZ eGate, a secure platform that allows local businesses to accept payments from overseas customers via credit or debit cards. The initiative is backed by the Market Development Facility (MDF), an Australian and New Zealand Government-funded programme supporting private sector growth across the Pacific.
This partnership is being hailed as a critical step in equipping local businesses to succeed in the global digital economy.
“This partnership is about empowering local businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy,” said Mr David Dudley, Country Head of ANZ Tonga.
“With the support of Palladium and MDF, we’re helping to remove a key barrier to growth for Tongan entrepreneurs—access to secure, reliable international payment solutions.”
Through the agreement, ANZ Tonga will refer eligible commercial clients to MDF, which will engage professional web developers to assist businesses with integrating ANZ eGate into their websites. This includes adding shopping cart functionality and ensuring ongoing technical support.
Mr Nicolas Wolf, Regional Director of MDF, added that the initiative aims to promote inclusive growth by creating digital pathways for small businesses across Tonga.
“By improving access to international payment systems, we’re helping local businesses and organisations unlock new markets and build resilience through digital innovation,” said Mr Wolf.
From the Market to the Marketplace
For local enterprises like Island Treasures Tonga, a Nukuʻalofa-based handicrafts retailer, the opportunity is game-changing. Currently reliant on foot traffic and manual overseas orders, the business could soon launch an online store with integrated payments—allowing Tongan-made tapa cloth, jewellery and woven goods to be purchased by customers in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and beyond.
More importantly, sales would be processed securely, and revenue deposited directly into a Tongan bank account. This enables true scalability—without the risks, delays, and currency conversion pitfalls of informal systems.
Localised Solutions, Global Reach
While global payment processors like PayPal or Stripe dominate other markets, they offer limited or no support for businesses registered in Tonga. For example:
- Stripe does not currently support Tongan businesses.
- PayPal accounts cannot reliably receive and withdraw funds into local bank accounts.
- Customer service for both is offshore and inaccessible to most local entrepreneurs.
ANZ eGate, by contrast, is designed for Tonga’s regulatory environment and comes with local support from ANZ Tonga. Transactions are processed securely and in full compliance with Tongan banking standards.
The Missing Link: Delivery
However, one major challenge remains: logistics.
For the digital economy to thrive, Tonga’s postal and delivery systems must evolve to keep pace. This means that Tonga Post and other logistics providers must modernise, including:
- Implementing reliable, trackable shipping for international parcels.
- Streamlining customs procedures.
- Offering affordable options for small businesses exporting low-volume goods.
Without this support, even the most seamless online transaction will stumble at the final hurdle—delivery.
Looking Ahead
This partnership is more than a technical upgrade; it is a strategic shift toward long-term economic resilience and diversification. It empowers the next generation of Tongan entrepreneurs to participate in global trade on equal footing, from the comfort of their villages or small storefronts.
As Tonga steps confidently into the digital future, the success of this initiative will now hinge on ensuring the nation’s delivery infrastructure keeps up.
Tonga Post was contacted for comment on potential upgrade plans to support e-commerce fulfilment.
