Pacific Makete

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.

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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.

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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.

16/06/2026

Fiji has welcomed the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, saying the development is a positive step towards reducing global tensions and will contribute to lower fuel prices.
But the FCCC says not to expect immediate price cuts, due to the two month lag in Fiji's fuel pricing methodology.
Read more:

(Pacnews) Fiji has welcomed the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, saying the development is a positive step towards reducing global tensions and will contribute to lower fuel prices. In a statement, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said: “Fiji also welcomes the agreement reached ...

16/06/2026

The Navosa Rugby Union has taken the first step to introduce the use of QR-based merchandising and licensing system to safeguard the use of the team’s trademarked logo by local businesses.

Spearheading the initiative, Director Legal of Navosa Rugby Union Eliki Dakuitoga says the idea came from a real problem they have faced for many years in rugby in Fiji, especially at provincial level. Dakuitoga says system aims to strengthen structure, accountability, and ownership in merchandise production while still allowing villages, supporters, SMEs, and communities to participate.

Read more: https://pacificmakete.com.fj/2026/06/16/entrepreneurs/rugby/

12/05/2026

Our next book club event on June 3 is a discussion with Banjara author, Shana Chandra. Set in Fiji, Aotearoa and India, Banjara is a reimagining of Indo-Fijian Girmitya history, told through the stories of two women over 100 years apart. Email us to book your spot! The cover charge includes shared snacks and tea.

10/05/2026

Pop-up markets have taken over Suva in recent years, and for many small businesses, they have become a critical part of their growth and success.

Pinoy Bakes is one of them. Eight years into the business, owner Melody Dival hopes her family can one day open their own coffee shop.But for those who are just starting their bakery business, she has some advice. Visit our website to learn more!