Fiji is seeing a significant boost in women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), backed by fresh data from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and a recent MSME conference in Suva. Minister Sashi Kondal Kiran highlighted the momentum, noting that women continue to drive growth and resilience in the local economy.
Key figures show a striking rise in women-owned MSMEs over the past few years. In 2020, there were 464 women-owned MSMEs. The numbers climbed steadily: 851 in 2021, 1,504 in 2022, 2,078 in 2023, and a sharp jump to 9,524 in 2024. In the first half of this year, 2,617 new women-owned MSMEs were recorded, signaling continued expansion and entrepreneurial energy among Fiji’s female business owners.
FRCS has also broken down participation by business size. Micro Entrepreneurs account for 28,570 women registered in this category, with the potential earnings up to $50,000 per year. Small Entrepreneurs number 3,110 women, with earnings potential ranging from $50,000 to $300,000 annually. Medium Entrepreneurs include 357 women, with annual earnings between $300,000 and $1.25 million. Minister Kiran stressed that these figures reflect the growing contribution of women to the formal economy and the broader social and economic resilience they bring to families and communities.
The figures come as part of a broader push to support women in business. The MSME conference, held at the new parliamentary complex in Nasese, Suva on July 24, 2025, brought together about 150 business owners. Participants discussed practical steps for growth, including tax compliance, which FRCS has noted as a crucial area for formalizing and scaling enterprises. The event underscored that many women already balance family responsibilities with entrepreneurial commitments, and that their leadership is increasingly recognized in times of public health and economic stress.
Minister Kiran has long been associated with public service and women’s empowerment, first gaining prominence in Parliament in 2022. She emphasized that the growth in women-led MSMEs demonstrates not only enterprise capacity but also the ability of women to navigate and overcome barriers to business success. She pointed to the broader social benefits of women’s entrepreneurship, including improved household livelihoods and greater community resilience in the face of shocks like COVID-19.
In addition to policy and regulatory support, the articles reviewing these developments highlight real-world examples of women turning opportunity into sustainable business. For instance, women artisans and food entrepreneurs showcased at related industry events—such as those organized under the Adi Senitoa program and Fiji Arts Council initiatives—illustrate the diversity of women-led enterprises, from crafts and fashion to culinary ventures, all contributing to local economies and communities.
Commentary and outlook
– The FRCS data indicate a strong and growing pipeline of women in all MSME categories, with substantial upside in earnings potential as markets expand and digital tools become more accessible.
– The ongoing emphasis on tax compliance and formal registration can help these businesses access financing, subsidies, and broader market opportunities.
– The trend aligns with broader development goals of greater gender equality in the economy and improved household welfare, with women increasingly steering both household finances and community entrepreneurship.
– Continued support—such as capacity-building, access to credit, mentorship, and digital marketing training—could accelerate this momentum and help more women scale from micro to larger MSMEs.
Summary of takeaways
– Women-owned MSMEs in Fiji rose from 464 in 2020 to 9,524 in 2024, with 2,617 new women-owned MSMEs recorded in the first part of the year.
– FRCS categories show broad participation: Micro (28,570), Small (3,110), and Medium (357), with respective earnings ceilings.
– A July 2025 MSME conference in Suva highlighted ongoing growth and the importance of tax compliance and formalization.
– The trend signals positive prospects for women’s economic empowerment, family welfare, and community resilience, supported by ongoing government and civil society initiatives.
Additional value and context
– Look for future updates on how micro-finance, digital platforms, and targeted training programs are helping more women move up the MSME ladder.
– Observers will want to track the impact of expanded tax compliance support on small businesses, including simplifications or incentives that could further boost formal registration and access to credit.
– The examples from artisans and food entrepreneurs at related events illustrate the cultural and sectoral diversity of women-led enterprises and their potential to contribute to tourism, export, and local consumption.
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