The Fiji Agri-Innovate Competition 2025 announced its top winners following an intense closed-door pitching session featuring 12 entrepreneurs vying for funding and recognition. Joeli Waqanivalu from Island Eco-Smart, Subahsni Shobna Lal of Freedom Farm, and Jashnita Reddy Lal from Nature Farm Fresh emerged as the standout innovators, showcasing a remarkable dedication to transforming Fiji’s agrifood sector.
This competition, which is funded by the European Union and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is organized in collaboration with Business Assistance Fiji (BAF), the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways. BAF’s acting general manager, Nitika Singh, reflected on the impressive journey of innovation and dedication displayed by all participants since the competition’s launch.
Singh emphasized that the 12 finalists represent a promising future for Fiji’s agrifood sector. The pitching competition followed a rigorous 10-day virtual bootcamp designed to enhance the business acumen and investment readiness of the contestants. During the closing ceremony, FAO assistant representative Joann Young expressed her hope that the competition would invigorate the Fijian agribusiness landscape.
Young highlighted that innovative agribusinesses are crucial for driving resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that will benefit all Fijians. The three winners will receive $5,000 each to further develop their ventures and earn the chance to showcase their innovations at the MSME Conference 2026.
This initiative not only fosters innovation but also financially supports entrepreneurs poised to make a significant impact on local agriculture, encouraging a more resilient and sustainable future for Fiji.
Leave a comment