The Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA) proudly welcomes Toshiba Corporation, Kyowa Shipping Co., Ltd., and Vanguard Industries to Vanuatu

 

Port Vila, Vanuatu – 02 March 2026 – The Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA) has welcomed the official launch of Radiant Technologies Ltd., held at The Melanesian Hotel, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Vanuatu’s renewable energy sector and expanding international investment partnerships.

The project, initially based in Malampa Province, is expected to expand to other locations across the country, further supporting nationwide development — an expansion VFIPA warmly welcomes. The launch, attended by government officials, private sector representatives, and development partners, highlighted the growing confidence of international investors in Vanuatu’s clean energy potential.

Mr. Raymond Vuti, Chief Executive Officer of VFIPA, emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration moving forward, noting that the Agency will continue working closely with strategic partners to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the initiative.

Mr. Vuti highlighted the participation of three renowned companies — Toshiba Corporation, Vanguard Industries, and Kyowa Shipping Co. Ltd. — partnering through Radiant Technologies Ltd. This milestone marks the official entry of Toshiba into the Vanuatu market, operating locally through Radiant Technologies.

“This investment reflects the confidence of internationally recognized companies in Vanuatu’s investment environment and renewable energy potential,” Mr. Vuti stated. “It demonstrates that Vanuatu remains an attractive and credible destination for quality foreign direct investment.”

The journey toward this achievement began with an in-depth feasibility study conducted on Wala Island, Malekula, followed by several months of a successful trial demonstration phase. These foundational efforts provided critical technical assessments, strengthened community engagement, validated commercial viability, and built strong local partnerships — ultimately leading to full commercial establishment.

Despite the unprecedented disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, continuous discussions and close coordination between VFIPA and Toshiba Corporation were maintained throughout the period. While global travel restrictions and economic uncertainties posed significant challenges, both parties remained committed to regular virtual engagements, technical consultations, and strategic planning. This sustained dialogue preserved momentum, strengthened mutual trust, and demonstrated a shared long-term vision — ultimately ensuring that the project progressed steadily toward successful commercial establishment.

The project contributes directly to the renewable energy sector and supports the implementation of the Vanuatu National Energy Road Map (NERM) 2016–2030, which aims to expand access to sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy nationwide, particularly in rural and off-grid communities.

It also aligns with VFIPA’s Investment Promotion Strategy (IPS) 2026–2030, advancing priority sectors — especially renewable energy — while strengthening international partnerships, promoting technology transfer, encouraging sustainable private sector growth, and supporting long-term economic resilience. The initiative reflects VFIPA’s proactive, relationship-driven approach to facilitating strategic investments that deliver measurable national impact.

Beyond its economic contribution, the project is expected to create employment opportunities, enhance local technical capacity through skills development and knowledge transfer, increase investor confidence in Vanuatu’s clean energy market, and support the country’s transition toward greener, climate-resilient infrastructure.

Mr. Vuti acknowledged the dedicated efforts of Mr. Alick Robsen Joe, Manager of the Investment Promotion & Facilitation Division (IPFD), whose sustained engagement with international partners over the past six years culminated in their commercial presence in Vanuatu. This achievement reflects VFIPA’s patient, strategic, and partnership-focused investment facilitation model.

Through the “Delighting Everyone Project,” Radiant Technologies will commence operations on the island of Malekula, focusing on supporting small vendors and local communities. The initiative will enhance grassroots access to renewable energy, promote inclusive economic participation, empower small enterprises, and improve livelihoods. As the project expands beyond Malampa Province, VFIPA will work closely with the Ministry of Trade and Commerce to ensure continued alignment with national economic priorities and equitable development across Vanuatu.

VFIPA acknowledges the valuable support of the Pacific Islands Centre (PIC), which played a key role in connecting Toshiba Corporation with the Agency and laying the foundation for this successful partnership.

Honourable Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change, Adaptation, Meteorology and Geo-Hazards, Energy and Environment, addressed the event, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to advancing renewable energy, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic growth through strong public–private partnerships.

VFIPA further extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan, the Japanese Embassy in Vanuatu, JICA, the Department of Energy (DOE), the Ministry of Climate Change, the Malampa Provincial Headquarters, and other key public and private sector stakeholders whose collaboration contributed to the successful commencement of this initiative. Their continued partnership will be essential to ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.

The launch significantly strengthens economic cooperation between Vanuatu and Japan, reinforcing longstanding bilateral relations while advancing shared objectives in clean energy development, infrastructure modernization, technology exchange, climate-resilient growth, and sustainable private sector expansion.

The initiative also supports the implementation of Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Plan 2030 (NSDP 2030), contributing to the country’s long-term vision of a stable, sustainable, and prosperous nation. By expanding renewable energy access, building human capital, encouraging responsible foreign investment, and strengthening community-level participation, the project enhances national resilience and promotes economic diversification.

At the global level, the initiative contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 13 – Climate Action

Through its focus on off-grid renewable solutions, community engagement, technology transfer, and inclusive economic participation, the project demonstrates how high-quality foreign direct investment can generate meaningful social, environmental, and economic benefits.

VFIPA remains committed to attracting strategic foreign direct investment that drives sustainable development, strengthens international partnerships, and delivers tangible benefits for the people of Vanuatu.

The Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency proudly welcomes Toshiba Corporation, Vanguard Industries, and Kyowa Shipping Co. Ltd. to Vanuatu’s business community and looks forward to a long-term partnership that contributes to national development, innovation, shared prosperity, and a more sustainable energy future.