Press Release No. : 16/2026
Date : 06 July 2026
Press Release No 16 – Inaugural Financial Inclusion Maritime Expo to Advance Financial Access, Capability and Digital Innovation in Rotuma
INAUGURAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION MARITIME EXPO TO ADVANCE FINANCIAL ACCESS, CAPABILITY AND DIGITAL INNOVATION IN ROTUMA
The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), together with its public and private sector partners, will host the Financial Inclusion Maritime Expo – Rotuma on 7–8 July 2026 at the Ahau Government Station, bringing essential financial, government, investment and digital services directly to one of Fiji’s most remote maritime communities.
The Expo forms part of the implementation of Fiji’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2022–2030, which seeks to ensure that all Fijians, regardless of location, have access to affordable, appropriate and quality financial services.
This will be the first RBF-led financial inclusion outreach event in Rotuma and represents a significant milestone in extending services, financial education and economic opportunities to communities that are often challenged by distance and limited access.
Over the two-day event, residents will be able to engage directly with financial institutions, government agencies and other stakeholders to access a range of services, including account opening, mobile wallets, insurance, superannuation, business support, consumer protection information and investment opportunities such as Unit Trusts, listed shares and Viti Bonds.
The Expo will also feature financial literacy training sessions designed to strengthen money management skills and support informed financial decision-making among community members.
A key highlight of the event will be Rotuma’s first-ever Hackathon, bringing together students and young people to develop innovative solutions to local challenges, while showcasing opportunities available through the Fiji Innovation Hub. The initiative aims to encourage digital innovation, entrepreneurship and problem-solving among Rotuma’s youth.
The Expo is expected to benefit a wide cross-section of the community, including women, youth, micro, small and medium enterprises, persons living with disabilities, senior citizens and other underserved groups. RBF Governor, Ariff Ali, said that “this outreach reflects a longstanding commitment to ensuring that no Fijian is left behind in the country’s economic development. Through this Expo, we are bringing services, knowledge and opportunities closer to the people of Rotuma while strengthening our understanding of the unique challenges faced by maritime communities.”
The initiative is being delivered with support from the United Nations Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme (PICAP), the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and the Royal Australian Air Force through the Fiji–Australia Defence Pacific Air Programme.
RESERVE BANK OF FIJI
For further details, please contact:
Communications Office
Telephone: (679) 3223 381 Email: info@rbf.gov.fj
Mervin Singh – Manager Corporate Communications
Telephone: (679) 3223 229 Email: mervin@rbf.gov.fj