A new partnership aims to boost Tongan businesses’ access to international markets through enhanced digital payment solutions.
ANZ Tonga and the Palladium Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand access to ANZ eGate, Tonga’s first international payment gateway. This initiative, supported by the Australian and New Zealand Government-funded Market Development Facility (MDF), seeks to empower local entrepreneurs by facilitating online credit card transactions.
David Dudley, Country Head of ANZ Tonga, stated, “This partnership is about empowering local businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy. 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.”
Under the agreement, ANZ Tonga will refer eligible commercial customers to MDF. MDF will then engage experienced web developers to assist these businesses with website integration, shopping cart functionality, and ongoing maintenance.
Nicholas Wolf, Regional Director of MDF, added: “MDF is proud to support this initiative, which directly contributes to inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Tonga. By improving access to international payment systems, we’re helping local businesses and organisations unlock new markets and build resilience through digital innovation.”
Launched in late 2023, ANZ eGate enables Tongan businesses to accept online payments from customers worldwide using Visa and Mastercard. This development is expected to significantly enhance the digital presence of Tongan SMEs, allowing them to tap into global markets more effectively.
The partnership highlights ANZ’s commitment to fostering economic development in Tonga through innovative financial solutions and strategic collaborations. The project is set to run until 31 December 2026.
