Fiji’s position on the global corruption index has remained relatively stable over the last five years, indicating ongoing issues with accountability and transparency, despite robust legislative measures in place. The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), published by Transparency International, assigned Fiji a score of 55, making it the highest-rated among Pacific Small Island Developing States. However, this score reflects no improvement since 2020.
The CPI evaluates perceptions of public sector corruption in 182 countries and territories on a scale of 0 to 100, where lower scores signify higher levels of corruption. Kellera Serelini-Vanua, the Pacific Regional Engagement and Advocacy Lead for Transparency International, emphasized the urgency of tackling corruption, stating, “The Pacific cannot afford to let corruption undermine its future.” She urged regional leaders to move beyond mere rhetoric and focus on effective actions to combat corruption, strengthen democratic values, and uphold integrity.
While Fiji continues to outpace its fellow small island nations in the region, the report highlights a concerning lack of progress over several years, reflecting persistent governance issues. These include weaknesses in oversight, enforcement, and the general public’s trust in institutions.
Corruption remains a significant challenge across the Pacific. For instance, Papua New Guinea received the lowest regional score at 26, indicating significant difficulties in bolstering anti-corruption frameworks. In contrast, larger economies such as Australia and New Zealand continue to enjoy higher scores of 76 and 81, respectively, despite noted declines in recent years.
Serelini-Vanua pointed out that significant strides against corruption in Fiji and the broader Pacific require enhanced enforcement, improved transparency, and stronger accountability mechanisms, particularly in managing public resources and foreign aid. She remarked that fostering a region built on transparency and trust necessitates collaborative efforts among governments, civil society, and the private sector.
Transparency International stresses that Fiji’s situation illustrates the critical need to convert legal provisions and commitments into tangible, measurable results. This transformation is vital for enhancing public confidence and reinforcing democratic institutions across the region.
This latest report serves as a reminder that while Fiji holds a relatively good position in the Pacific, continuous effort in the fight against corruption is essential to ensure a more transparent and accountable future for all citizens.
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