The Fiji Development Bank (FDB) has signed an agreement with FMF Electric Vehicle Limited to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles across Fiji, marking a new partnership aimed at making low-emission transport more accessible to individuals, businesses and communities. The agreement, announced on Monday, formalises cooperation between the state-backed lender and the FMF group’s EV arm to promote electric mobility through financing and public engagement.
FDB chief executive officer Filimone Waqabaca said the partnership is intended to “build confidence in electric mobility within the market” by addressing one of the main barriers to uptake — upfront affordability. “Our EV loan offering is part of this broader commitment designed to make sustainable transport more accessible and practical for everyday Fijians,” Waqabaca said, adding that the bank will actively participate in electric vehicle exhibitions to provide customers with guidance on financing options.
Under the terms outlined by both parties, FDB will roll out dedicated loan products tailored for electric vehicle purchases and complementary services, while FMF Electric Vehicle Limited will support market outreach and demonstration activities. FDB’s presence at exhibitions will focus on explaining loan terms, repayment structures and eligibility to help potential buyers make informed decisions. Neither party disclosed specific loan rates or the timeline for national roll-out at the signing.
FMF Group marketing manager Maria Kumar said the collaboration goes beyond financing and is intended to reduce fossil fuel dependence and lower emissions from the transport sector. “Through this collaboration, we are enabling everyday Fijians — families, businesses and communities — to take a meaningful step towards reducing emissions, lowering fuel dependency and embracing cleaner solutions,” Kumar said. She described the partnership as promoting EVs “not only as a smart financial decision but also as a responsible step towards a sustainable Fiji.”
The move comes as Fiji and other Pacific nations explore ways to decarbonise transport, one of the more challenging sectors to transition because of vehicle costs and infrastructure needs. By linking financing directly to vehicle sales and public education events, FDB and FMF aim to tackle consumer hesitancy in the short term while familiarising more Fijians with electric vehicle models and ownership implications.
Both organisations framed the agreement as a starting point, with further details and supporting initiatives to be announced as programmes are piloted and feedback from potential borrowers is received. The bank’s participation in roadshows and exhibitions will be among the first visible outcomes of the partnership, intended to give prospective buyers clear information about financing pathways and expected savings from reduced fuel use.
Stakeholders in the transport and environmental sectors will be watching whether FDB’s lending can materially lower the cost barrier and stimulate broader shifts in vehicle purchasing patterns. For now, the agreement signals a concrete step by a development bank and a private-sector vehicle importer to bring electric mobility into mainstream conversation in Fiji and to present financing as a practical lever for accelerating uptake.
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