Minister Immanuel Calls for Unity and Shared Purpose
November 10, 2026
The Government is strengthening access to finance, digital innovation and business opportunities to help Fiji’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) grow and compete in an evolving digital economy.
Minister for Finance, Hon. Esrom Immanuel, highlighted this commitment while delivering the keynote address at the Business Assistance Fiji- BAF MSME Conference 2026 at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva today.
Speaking under the theme “Digital Tide: Navigating MSME Growth through Digitalisation, Innovation, and AI”, Minister Immanuel highlighted the significant contribution of MSMEs to Fiji’s economy.
He noted that Fiji has approximately 50,000 registered MSMEs, representing 82 per cent of formal businesses, contributing around 18 per cent of GDP and providing employment to 60 per cent of the workforce.
“MSMEs are the backbone of Fiji’s economy. Our challenge now is to ensure they have the capital, technology and financial support needed to reach their full potential,” he said.
Minister Immanuel highlighted Fiji’s first MSME Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which aims to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP to 40 per cent by 2030. He also pointed to the estimated $2.2 billion financing gap as a key challenge requiring stronger collaboration between Government, financial institutions and development partners.
He outlined initiatives to improve access to capital, including the Access to Business Funding Act 2025, modernised secured transactions arrangements, digital payment systems and the consideration of fiscal incentives to support technology adoption.
He also emphasised the importance of the National Digital Strategy 2025–2030 and National Cybersecurity and Resilience Strategy 2026–2031 in creating a secure and inclusive digital environment for businesses.
“Vision needs financing to become reality. We must create an environment where small businesses can access finance, adopt technology, reach new markets and compete with confidence,” Minister Immanuel said.
He encouraged MSME owners to embrace digital tools, strengthen their financial records and invest in cybersecurity, while calling on financial institutions and private sector partners to play a greater role in supporting business growth.
“Government will focus on building the stable, modern and inclusive financial ecosystem you need to succeed,” he said.
The BAF MSME Conference 2026 brings together business owners, policymakers, financial institutions and development partners to explore opportunities for strengthening the MSME sector through digitalisation, innovation and improved access to finance.
