Date : 17 December 2025

Media Note – Fiji Advances WE Finance Code with Strong National Commitment to Women Entrepreneurs

Participants representing various institutions who are signatories to the WE Finance Code

The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) on 09 December in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) brought together key leaders from across Fiji’s financial sector to mark the end of the pilot phase of the Women Entrepreneurs (WE) Finance Initiative Code in Fiji.

Fiji first committed to the pilot in 2024 when institutions including the South Pacific Business Development, Westpac Bank, Merchant Finance Ltd, South Pacific Stock Exchange, HFC Bank, Kontiki Finance Ltd, Fiji Development Bank, Fiji Sugar Cane Growers Fund and the RBF signed on to the Code.

This commitment represented a landmark step in aligning Fiji’s financial ecosystem with global efforts to expand access to finance for women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (WMSMEs). The pilot phase has since demonstrated how coordinated action can dismantle systemic barriers, promote gender equality and create inclusive pathways for women entrepreneurs to thrive in the formal economy.

In opening the event, RBF Governor Ariff Ali, underscored the pivotal role of women entrepreneurs in driving Fiji’s economic development. He stated “the Code is a catalyst for empowering women entrepreneurs, strengthening digital inclusion and opening new pathways for sustainable growth. Fiji is proud to lead this pilot, demonstrating what can be achieved when we invest in women and harness technology.”

Governor Ali highlighted tangible progress achieved under the initiative:
• Gender gap in account ownership has narrowed from 16.0 percent in 2015 to 10.2 percent today;
• Women have embraced digital finance with the gender gap in active mobile money accounts now at -1.2 percent, meaning more women than men actively use these services;
• Women’s leadership presence is growing across management and executive levels;
• Women now account for 38 percent of all registered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) a significant increase from previous years;
• Over 60.0 percent of financial institutions have introduced gender-focused products or services; and
• More than 12,000 women led enterprises have secured loans or financing over the past three years.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection and national champion for the initiative, Ms Eseta Nadakuitavuki emphasised the importance of aligning policy, regulation and frontline services to strengthen the enabling environment for women entrepreneurs highlighting the value of collective national action.

Signatories also outlined commitments for the next phase including:
• Strengthening sex-disaggregated data systems to track MSME lending;
• Developing tailored financial products for women entrepreneurs;
• Enhancing staff capabilities and advancing female leadership within institutions; and
• Expanding outreach to women-owned businesses across Fiji.

A key milestone will be the Fiji government’s approval of a new definition of women-owned MSMEs, providing a clear and consistent framework for identifying women entrepreneurs within the financial system ensuring greater alignment and accountability.

Closing remarks provided by Shiu Raj Singh from the ADB emphasised that Fiji’s progress reflects the growing recognition of gender-inclusive finance as a key driver of economic growth and resilience. Mr Singh reaffirmed the ADB’s commitment to working with the RBF to advance the WE Finance Code and strengthen the financial sector’s support for women-owned businesses.

With institutional commitments now in place the next phase of the Fiji Code will focus on operationalising actions, embedding sex-disaggregated reporting practices and deepening collaboration between government, regulators and the financial sector.

RESERVE BANK OF FIJI

For further details, please contact:-

Communications Office
Telephone: (679) 3223 381 Email: info@rbf.gov.fj

Mr Mervin Singh – Manager Corporate Communications
Telephone: (679) 3223 229 Email: mervin@rbf.gov.fj