Press Release No. : 17/2026
Date : 10 July 2026
Press Release No 17 – Financial Inclusion Maritime Expo Expands Access to Financial Services Enterprise and Innovation in Rotuma
Residents and Expo Delegates at the Official Opening at the Ahau Pavilion, Ahau Government Station, Rotuma
The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), together with public and private sector partners, successfully delivered the Financial Inclusion Maritime Expo (“Expo”), Rotuma, held from 7 to 8 July 2026, marking an important milestone in financial inclusion for one of Fiji’s most remote maritime communities.
The event drew approximately 600 residents or close to 40 percent of the island’s population engaging directly with financial institutions, government agencies, business development services, consumer advocacy and other stakeholders to access a range of services and seek advice.
At least 160 new accounts were opened across a range of financial service providers, including banks, insurance providers, unit trust providers, microloan providers and other investment services. Around 80 formal and informal micro, small and medium entrepreneurs received business advice and other services, with many establishing relationships with the agencies present for follow-up support.
Additionally, with the support of the Rotuma Council in engaging traditional leadership across the island, 46 selected participants completed ANZ’s MoneyMinded financial literacy programme, strengthening their financial capability and money management skills.
A key highlight of the Expo was Rotuma’s first-ever Hackathon, delivered through the Fiji Innovation Hub, which brought together 6 teams and 24 participants to demonstrate their creativity, problem-solving abilities and capacity to develop innovative, technology-driven solutions to local challenges.
The winning team, Rotuma Fresh Hub, received first prize for its direct-to-consumer platform connecting the island’s agricultural producers with mainland customers. Project Earmark secured second place with a geotagging solution to strengthen livestock management and reduce damage to farms caused by free-roaming pigs. Third place went to Rotuma Entertainment Centre, a student team from Rotuma High School, for developing a web-based platform that enables visitors to discover and book homestays, attractions, tours and other island experiences.
Gagaj Manav, Chairman of the Rotuma Council, in his opening remarks, welcomed the initiative and commended the collaboration between the RBF, Government agencies and private sector partners in bringing critical services directly to the people of Rotuma. He noted that the Expo provided a valuable opportunity for Rotumans to access financial services, business support and new ideas that can contribute to stronger livelihoods and sustainable economic development on the island. He also encouraged participants, particularly young people, to continue building their knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial ambitions to support the future prosperity of Rotuma.
In his address at the Expo, District Officer Rotuma, Mr Luke Savu, said, “this Expo is a milestone for Rotuma and reflects the Fiji Government’s commitment to placing rural and maritime communities at the centre of development. By bringing financial services, government programmes and innovation initiatives directly to our community, it supports improved access, stronger opportunities and better outcomes for our people. We acknowledge the partnership and commitment shown in bringing these services to Rotuma.”
Head of Delegation and Chief Manager Financial System Development, Mrs Caroline Waqabaca, in her keynote address, acknowledged the leadership of the Rotuma High Council, district chiefs, village leaders, youth representatives and community members in the partnership event. She highlighted that financial inclusion initiatives are most successful when they are grounded in local knowledge, local leadership and local priorities, adding that local participation is essential to ensuring that services and solutions are relevant to the realities faced by the people of Rotuma.
The RBF wishes to acknowledge the support by 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, towards the successful delivery of the Expo. Furthermore, the RBF also acknowledges all the participating stakeholders including service providers, local leaders, youths, students and community members whose participation contributed to the success of the Expo. The RBF remains steadfast in its commitment to bridging the gap for the last mile through improved access to affordable, suitable and quality financial services in alignment with Fiji’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2022-2030.
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