An entrepreneur from Tonga, Akanesi Kaufusi, is transforming the way Pacific Islanders engage with their cultural heritage and access local products through her groundbreaking online marketplace, Siuhuu. Officially launched in Suva last week, Siuhuu is tailored specifically for Pacific Island communities, addressing the challenges faced by individuals trying to find Pacific Island goods while living abroad.
Kaufusi’s motivation stemmed from her own experiences in Australia and New Zealand, where she struggled to access local products. Recognizing the need for a solution that empowers local businesses, she partnered with Vodafone to introduce local payment solutions like M-PAiSA and MyCash. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burdens, notably high shipping costs, that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often endure, making transactions more accessible and efficient.
Siuhuu serves not only as a marketplace but also as a community hub for Pacific Islanders. It provides a safe space for promoting and preserving traditional cultural products, preventing them from being overshadowed by larger, more global platforms like Amazon or Etsy. “This is a safe space for our culture,” Kaufusi emphasized, highlighting her commitment to ensuring that unique offerings from artisans and businesses are showcased appropriately.
Particularly focused on empowering women entrepreneurs, Kaufusi aims to increase the representation of women-led businesses on Siuhuu. By targeting challenges faced by women in the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector, she strives to create opportunities for those historically marginalized.
With plans for future expansion to Vanuatu and Samoa, Kaufusi envisions establishing a regional network of Pacific Island businesses. The company aims to launch a mobile app next year to further facilitate buying and selling across the Pacific, allowing people worldwide to discover and enjoy local crafts and foods.
Kaufusi’s vision encompasses a flourishing future for Pacific products, where tourists can come to the region, experience local culture, and continue to support these businesses even after they return home. “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, fostering hope and enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
This initiative showcases the potential for growth and connection within the Pacific Island community, offering a platform for local businesses to thrive while celebrating their rich heritage. Siuhuu could very well symbolize a new era of digital transformation for Pacific Island entrepreneurs.
In summary, Siuhuu represents a significant step forward in connecting Pacific Islanders with their cultural products while also supporting local economies, especially through the empowerment of women entrepreneurs.
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