Over the years, Kiribati has made significant strides in various areas of development. The government, in partnership with communities and international allies like the World Bank, UNDP, and regional organizations, has translated plans into tangible progress outlined in the Kiribati 20-Year Vision (KV20) and Kiribati Development Plan 2020-2023. Here we highlight some of Kiribati's notable development milestones and achievements.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Kiribati has dramatically improved its infrastructure through the National Infrastructure Investment Plan (NIIP) 2022-2032, prioritizing connectivity across its dispersed atolls. Key projects include the Kiritimati Infrastructure Project upgrading port facilities, airport runways, and roads to enhance trade, tourism, and internal migration, benefiting remote Line and Phoenix Islands. Road rehabilitation on South Tarawa and outer islands has reduced travel times and improved safety, while electrification expanded via solar street lights and grid extensions now reaching most villages. Telecommunications advanced with fiber-optic submarine cable projects connecting Kiritimati internationally, achieving mobile coverage across all inhabited areas and enabling e-learning, e-government, and digital entrepreneurship under the Ministry Strategic Plan 2025-2028. These advancements lay the foundation for economic growth, linking Kiribati's people more closely despite oceanic isolation.
Economic Development & Livelihoods
Kiribati's economy has seen robust growth led by its fisheries sector, which generates over 70% of fiscal revenues through tuna fishing licenses in the world's most productive waters, contributing to poverty reduction and job creation. The Atoll Seaweed Company expanded production on Line Islands, while live aquarium fish exports and onshore processing initiatives tap untapped potential, supported by regional Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency cooperation. Tourism surged with Kiritimati positioned as a sustainable growth engine via the Kiritimati Economic Integrated Development Plan (KEIDP), attracting eco-tourists through improved access and biodiversity projects. Business reforms under the Foreign Investment Act 2018 and PSDI-supported laws streamlined registration, offering national treatment to investors with incentives in fisheries, tourism, and renewables, fostering cooperatives and microfinance for local entrepreneurs. These efforts diversified beyond subsistence, declining youth unemployment through vocational programs and positioning Kiribati as investment-friendly.
Education & Youth Empowerment
Kiribati achieved near-universal primary enrollment through the Kiribati Education Improvement Program (KEIP), building classrooms, eliminating fees, and training teachers, boosting literacy and exam pass rates. The Early Childhood Care and Education Act 2017 marked a milestone, while inclusive policies support children with disabilities via the School Wellbeing program. Upper primary and junior secondary reforms extended quality learning to Years 1-9, with performance appraisals ensuring teaching standards. Youth councils and forums empower young I-Kiribati in beach clean-ups, cultural festivals, and sports, where national teams compete regionally, instilling pride and leadership. These investments create a skilled generation driving KV20 goals.
Healthcare & Social Welfare
Kiribati's primary health care system strengthened coverage, achieving 92% DPT immunization and 87% pneumonia care-seeking, with high reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) services via the COMPASS project. Hospital refurbishments, new maternity clinics, and deployments of doctors/midwives from partners like China and Cuba improved access, reducing child mortality and increasing life expectancy. Community health workers monitor elderly/disabled needs, while social assistance stipends support vulnerable households, reflecting commitment amid NCD challenges. These gains enhance social cohesion and resilience.
Environmental Conservation & Energy
Kiribati leads in conservation as a climate-vulnerable nation, protecting marine ecosystems through sustainable fisheries management preventing overfishing, with tuna stocks above critical thresholds. The Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP) and Kiribati National Energy Policy target 100% solar power by 2036, installing PV plants, mini-grids, and solar home kits on outer islands, cutting diesel imports by 45-60%. Reforestation, invasive species control, and energy efficiency roadmaps, backed by UNDP, reduce emissions while providing productive grants for PV-linked equipment. Kiribati's eco-friendly path preserves biodiversity for generations, enhancing climate resilience.