The government has unveiled a $0.5 million grant aimed at bolstering the co-operative movement. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Manoa Kamikamica, discussed this initiative in Parliament, highlighting its importance for supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the nation.
He noted a significant increase in interest within the sector, with the number of registered co-operatives rising from 61 in 2022 to 134 in 2023—a remarkable 73 percent growth. “We’ve witnessed a resurgence in activity since 2022,” said Mr. Kamikamica.
He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to promoting MSMEs and co-operatives, which now have a dedicated department within the ministry. The government is encouraging Fijians to join and establish co-operatives, believing that the co-operative movement and MSMEs offer pathways out of poverty.
Mr. Kamikamica pointed out the heightened awareness around co-operatives, referencing the ministry’s efforts in conducting 182 awareness sessions in 2022, which surged by 109 percent to 484 sessions in 2023. He acknowledged that this growth might pose potential resource challenges.
To counter these issues, the government has set aside approximately $0.5 million in grants for co-operatives. Furthermore, the ministry plans to digitize the database for co-operatives and MSMEs, which will help track registrations and grant applications, ultimately improving operational efficiency.