Three more financial institutions have joined Fiji’s push to expand access to finance for women entrepreneurs by signing the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WE-Fi) Code. Kontiki Finance, Home Finance Company, and the Sugar Cane Growers Fund formalised their commitment at a ceremony hosted by the Reserve Bank of Fiji and the Asian Development Bank.
The WE-Fi Code aims to close financing gaps faced by women-led micro, small and medium enterprises and to bolster their role in driving inclusive economic growth. Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Social Protection Eseta Nadakuitavuki said the Code is more than a framework; it is a catalyst for systemic change. By aligning leadership, data and action, she explained, the Code empowers institutions and regulators to close the gender finance gap and unlock trillions in untapped economic potential.
RBF Governor Ariff Ali described the Code as a transformative commitment that will enable Fiji and other Pacific Island nations to dismantle cultural and systemic barriers. He stressed that empowering women entrepreneurs to access finance will help them grow their businesses and contribute more fully to the economy. Fiji is among 24 pilot countries globally selected to work with WE-Fi partners, underscoring its regional leadership in promoting women’s access to capital, training and entrepreneurial networks.
With the latest signatories, eleven institutions now support the Code, including the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Fiji Development Bank, Westpac, South Pacific Business Development, South Pacific Stock Exchange, Merchant Finance, Kontiki Finance, Home Finance Company, and the Sugar Cane Growers Fund, among others. Westpac Fiji has historically been a prominent early adopter, alongside other supporters who joined earlier in the year, according to the RBF.
This growing coalition of financial service providers, regulators and development partners signals strong momentum for gender-inclusive finance in Fiji. The WE-Fi Code commits signatories to improving access to financial services for women and women-led MSMEs, to fostering a more supportive environment for gender-inclusive finance, and to designate a gender focal point within their organizations while sharing relevant data to track progress.
Commenting on the broader significance, Nadakuitavuki and the signatories’ leaders emphasize that dismantling barriers—such as cultural norms and gaps in financial literacy—requires sustained collaboration and transparency. The partnership aligns with Fiji’s broader agenda to advance gender equality and inclusive economic prosperity for all.
Outlook and value:
– The expanded set of signatories strengthens Fiji’s regional leadership in inclusive finance and demonstrates a tangible commitment to practical action for women entrepreneurs.
– Ongoing data sharing and accountability will help gauge the Code’s impact on women-led MSMEs and inform further policy and program adjustments.
– As more institutions come on board, the wind of momentum around WE-Fi in Fiji is likely to boost training networks, credit access, and business growth opportunities for women across sectors.
Overall, the new signatories reinforce a positive trajectory for gender-equitable financing in Fiji, offering a clearer pathway for women entrepreneurs to secure funding, scale their businesses, and contribute more broadly to the economy.
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