The government has unveiled a $0.5 million grant aimed at boosting the co-operative movement. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Manoa Kamikamica introduced this initiative during a parliamentary session, emphasizing its importance in supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
Kamikamica highlighted that interest in the co-operative sector is on the rise, with the number of registered co-operatives increasing significantly from 61 in 2022 to 134 in 2023, representing a growth of 73 percent. He remarked, “In terms of activity, yes, we have seen a resurgence in activity since 2022.”
The minister noted efforts to advance the MSME and co-operative agenda, including establishing a dedicated department within the ministry and encouraging Fijians to participate in co-operative ventures. He expressed a belief that the co-operative movement, along with MSMEs, could be a pathway out of poverty.
Kamikamica pointed out the heightened awareness and involvement in co-operatives, citing that the ministry conducted 182 awareness sessions in 2022, which surged by 109 percent to 484 sessions in 2023. However, he acknowledged that potential challenges in resourcing might arise due to this growth.
To tackle these challenges, the government has allocated about $0.5 million in grants for co-operatives. Additionally, he mentioned plans to digitize the database for co-operatives and MSMEs, which will help streamline the registration process and grant applications, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency.