The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) welcomed back Esala Masitabua, who has resumed his role as Deputy Governor after a two-year secondment at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C. Masitabua served as an advisor for the Southeast Asia Group (SEAVG) from November 2023 to October 2025, where he played a crucial role in delivering macroeconomic and financial policy advice to the IMF’s Executive Board. In addition to his responsibilities with SEAVG, he represented small states in development discussions and served as an advisor for Tonga during his tenure.
This experience has equipped Masitabua with valuable insights into global economic challenges and an understanding of the IMF’s operational protocols, skills that RBF Governor Ariff Ali anticipates will be instrumental in strengthening the central bank’s surveillance capabilities and policy formation.
“The secondment of our officials to prestigious international organizations like the IMF is a pivotal part of our strategy for leadership development and capacity building,” Governor Ali emphasized. He expressed enthusiasm about Masitabua’s return, noting that his enhanced expertise is expected to significantly contribute to RBF’s vision and mission.
Masitabua holds an impressive academic background, including a Master of Business Administration, a Postgraduate Diploma in Economics, a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from the University of the South Pacific, and a Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University in Australia. His return comes as the RBF continues to evolve its leadership and capacity amid the changing economic landscape.
Additionally, this development reflects a broader trend of promoting local talent within Fiji’s financial institutions. With other recent appointments, such as Jacinta Hesaie as Chief Manager of the Economics Group, the RBF is actively enhancing its economic expertise. The appointments signify a commitment to effective governance and capacity building, paving the way for a promising future in Fiji’s monetary policy and economic health.
As experienced professionals take on pivotal roles, Fiji’s monetary landscape looks poised for growth, innovation, and improved strategies to navigate both domestic and global economic challenges.
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