An entrepreneur from Tonga is making significant strides in transforming the way Pacific Islanders engage with their culture and products through her innovative online marketplace, Siuhuu. Akanesi Kaufusi, the founder of Siuhuu, created this platform specifically for Pacific Island communities after facing challenges in finding local goods and services while living in Australia and New Zealand.
Recently launched in Suva, Siuhuu aims to empower local businesses by alleviating burdens such as high shipping costs and complex payment processing systems. In collaboration with Vodafone, Siuhuu has introduced local payment solutions, enabling sellers to receive payments directly to their bank accounts. This partnership places Fiji at the forefront, being the first Pacific island nation to offer such services.
Beyond being just a marketplace, Siuhuu serves as a cultural hub, providing a platform for traditional Pacific products that may not fit well on larger international sites like Amazon or Etsy. Kaufusi emphasizes the importance of this initiative as a safe space for showcasing and preserving Pacific culture, ensuring that artisans and other local businesses can maintain their unique identities amidst a crowded digital landscape.
Kaufusi is particularly focused on empowering women entrepreneurs, recognizing the barriers many in the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector face regarding access to markets. Her goal is to increase the representation of women-led businesses on Siuhuu, striving to create opportunities for those who have historically been marginalized.
Having represented Siuhuu at various international forums, including the Young Pacific Leaders Program and the Commonwealth Business Forum, Kaufusi has advocated for the need for digital transformation among Pacific MSMEs. The platform plans to expand into Vanuatu and Samoa and aims to establish a regional network of Pacific Island businesses. Additionally, a mobile app is anticipated for launch next year, which will facilitate easier transactions across the Pacific.
Kaufusi envisions a future where Pacific products can be appreciated globally, allowing tourists to discover local crafts and foods during their visits and purchase them online afterward. “This is just the beginning. The Pacific has so much to offer, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us,” she expressed.
This initiative not only represents a vital business opportunity for Pacific Island communities but also fosters cultural preservation and empowerment, particularly for women, marking a hopeful trajectory for the future of Pacific entrepreneurship.
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