Fiji’s government is expanding its support for cooperatives and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with new funding and targeted programs, signaling a continued push to grow the sector and create jobs. Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Economic Development Manoa Kamikamica said the Ministry of Trade provided about 17 cooperative grants last year as more groups seek access to funding, part of an ongoing drive to bolster MSMEs across the economy.
Kamikamica highlighted that MSMEs now contribute roughly 18% of GDP and are the largest employer, accounting for about 60% of total employment. He noted that the government has recalibrated grant schemes to spark greater interest in cooperatives, while also recognizing that rising living costs require adjustments to program parameters. The aim, he said, is to accelerate growth and sustainability within the sector.
In a related move, the Ministry’s Programme Director Monica Dawai announced a new Youth Entrepreneur Scheme designed to back budding businesses. Dawai explained that the program cannot fund every project and will seek ideas that are unique, new, or innovative—those that improve on existing services or products. The Youth Entrepreneur Scheme threshold has been raised from $30,000 to $50,000, with priority given to projects that are commercially viable while addressing distinctive market needs.
These developments come against a backdrop of promising progress in the cooperative sector. Past government initiatives have already shown strong momentum, with cooperative registrations rising from 61 in 2022 to 134 in 2023, reflecting a 73 percent increase in activity. Plans to digitize the co-operatives and MSMEs database are also underway to streamline registration and grant processes, improving efficiency and oversight.
The broader aim of these measures is to empower local entrepreneurs, reduce poverty, and boost economic diversification. By expanding funding, emphasizing innovation, and simplifying administrative processes, the government hopes to elevate the role of cooperatives and MSMEs in Fiji’s economy and move closer to the goal of a larger, more resilient private sector.
Additional context and value:
– The continued emphasis on youth-focused funding signals a commitment to next-generation entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.
– Digitizing co-op and MSME records should improve transparency and speed up grant applications, helping applicants move from idea to impact faster.
– The broader policy context underscores the government’s view of cooperatives and MSMEs as vital pathways for job creation and poverty alleviation, aligning with long-term development targets.
Summary: The updated grants and the new Youth Entrepreneur Scheme reinforce Fiji’s strategy to boost MSMEs and cooperatives, expand innovation, and strengthen livelihoods through a more efficient, inclusive funding ecosystem.
Positive outlook: If these programs reach their intended beneficiaries and scale effectively, they can help increase the sector’s GDP share and employment while fostering a more resilient, entrepreneurial economy.
If you’d like, I can add a brief follow-up note on milestones to monitor (such as the number of YES projects funded, the growth in cooperative registrations, and the implementation timeline for the digital registry) to help readers track progress.
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