Fiji is stepping up efforts to strengthen its micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector through policy reforms, digital services, and expanded financing initiatives aimed at increasing the sector's contribution to the national economy.
Marking MSME Day 2026 on June 27, the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development reaffirmed the government's commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive business environment under the United Nations' global theme, "Human-Centered Entrepreneurship."
The ministry said MSMEs have become a cornerstone of Fiji's economy, generating employment, supporting livelihoods, promoting innovation, and contributing to economic diversification across the country.
"MSMEs in Fiji have come a long way, consistently demonstrating resilience, creativity, and determination," the ministry said in a statement.
According to the ministry, small businesses continue to provide employment opportunities for women, young people, and vulnerable groups while helping entrepreneurs transform business ideas into viable enterprises that contribute to national development.
A key milestone for the sector was the launch of the MSME Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and the MSME Portal in December 2025, initiatives designed to streamline government services, improve access to business support programs, strengthen coordination among stakeholders, and enable more data-driven policymaking.
The government said the reforms are intended to create a more predictable and business-friendly environment by delivering faster and more responsive services to entrepreneurs.
Over the next five years, Fiji aims to increase the MSME sector's contribution to gross domestic product from the current 18 percent to as much as 40 percent, positioning small businesses as a stronger driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The ministry said stronger collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, development partners, and business support organizations will be critical to achieving that objective.
It also highlighted the Fiji Innovation Hub, led by the Reserve Bank of Fiji, as an example of efforts to support technology-driven entrepreneurship by providing innovators with opportunities to collaborate and develop digital solutions tailored to Fiji's economic needs.
Recognizing the challenges facing businesses, the ministry acknowledged that rising fuel prices and higher input costs continue to place pressure on operating expenses and cash flow.
It said the government is working with stakeholders to introduce targeted support measures that will help businesses manage higher costs while protecting jobs and maintaining operations.
The ministry also announced plans to expand financing options for MSMEs under the Access to Business Funding Act.
Among the initiatives under development is a peer-to-peer lending platform, which aims to improve access to finance for entrepreneurs who may not qualify for conventional bank loans because of limited collateral.
In addition, the ministry is developing an MSME Services Database, a digital platform intended to connect entrepreneurs with grants, advisory services, financing opportunities, and market access through a single online portal.
As Fiji commemorates MSME Day, the government reiterated its commitment to placing entrepreneurs at the center of economic development and encouraging innovation that supports sustainable and inclusive growth.
The ministry encouraged MSMEs to continue expanding their businesses, saying the government remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs through policies, financing initiatives, and business development programs designed to strengthen the sector's long-term resilience.
