Pacific Makete

01/10/2026

We talk to Fiji SMEs about how they have prepared for El Nino, and what impacts they are already seeing. Story on the Pacific Makete site, link in the comments.

01/10/2026

Some wonderful things for sale in Suva right now; support businesswomen from around the Pacific!

29/09/2026

A FJ$17 million commercial development in Kalabu is set to create new business and employment opportunities, following a partnership between Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL) and the Raibevu Family Trust.
FHL CEO Jaoji Koroi said it will see landowners no longer as simply lessors benefitting from their lessee.
“They’ll also take part in the development of this project. They’ll benefit in terms of the dividend they’ll receive as well as the growth in the value of their 40% in this business.”

16/09/2026

San Francisco Bay Area-based Pasifika Reach, the grassroots non-profit behind Viti Oil of Fiji, is using premium coconut oil to create sustainable livelihoods for Fijian communities while bringing locally made wellness products to the international market.

Viti Oil was born out of a desire to help the women of Raviravi, Macuata, market and sell their coconut oil.

Founders Ilaitia and Heather Rakadrudru said they mostly work with women and youth.

“We decided to work with our grass root team and take our coconut product back to the States,” Ilaitia said.

“We wanted to find a way to help them take the oil and turn it into body products.”

Full story on the site, link in the comments.

16/09/2026

A roadshow profiling products from Guangdong, China has returned to Fiji for its fifth edition, bringing about 43 companies together to showcase products and explore trade and investment opportunities.
The showcase featured a range of emerging technologies and products, including AI-powered robots, robotic dogs, drones, smart wearable devices, mobile communication technology, green energy solutions and energy storage equipment.
To read more, visit our site

13/08/2026

Eighteen aspiring entrepreneurs – half of them returning Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme workers – have graduated from the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training programme organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development.

Officiating the ceremony, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Business Development, Dr Radhika Kumar said the occasion marks the organising, commitment, determination and potential in the startup journey for the entrepreneurs.

The cohort consisted of 11 women and seven men is the fifth group to go through the program, but the first cohort to combine returned workers and local entrepreneurs.

Hailing from the province of Tailevu, PALM returnee Rusiate Tuilevukana said the training was an eye-opener, especially in terms of saving money to start a business.

Full story on the site/ link in the comments.

12/08/2026

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vulnerable to cybercrime and have limited cybersecurity literacy, a Cyber Security Conference in Suva has heard this week.

The conference brought together cybersecurity leaders, regional experts, and forward-thinking professionals to address the growing challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud complexity, and other evolving online security challenges.

Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) Chief Executive Officer, Edward Bernard laid out the challenges and opportunities of cybersecurity for MSMEs, including limited resources and expertise, as well as insufficient legal and regulatory frameworks.

He said that rapid digital adoption without sufficient safeguards is an issue , as is high dependence on external infrastructure and services and limited participation in national cybersecurity frameworks.

Bernard said there is still work to do around the existing National Cybersecurity Strategy.

Full story link in the comments.

12/08/2026

The Bank of the South Pacific Fiji (BSP) has launched its eWallet initiative, which will allow customers and businesses to make seamless transactions across participating banks and mobile wallet providers through a single QR code.

Chief Information officer Omid Saberi said the initiative was driven by the desire to improve convenience for customers, and interoperability between banks- something that has been a national priority for the Reserve Bank of Fiji and the broader financial sector.

Beyond everyday banking, the initiative could also benefit Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those looking to expand their businesses online.

The link to the full story in comments.

06/07/2026

16/06/2026

🚀 Something big is coming…

The hub is set to officially launch its physical space alongside the inaugural Fiji Innovation Hub 2026, happening on the 13-14 August at the Reserve Bank of Fiji.

This two-day event will bring together startups, partners, and ecosystem leaders to showcase bold ideas, share insights, and celebrate the growth of Fiji’s innovation ecosystem.

🔔 Registrations opening soon so stay tuned.