Fiji launches innovation hub with European Union, Australia, and New Zealand support

The Innovation Hub is funded by the Pacific Digital Economy Programme (PDEP), which is supported by the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand. The multi-year programme is designed to foster innovation in the Fintech sector and beyond. In its first year, the hub will support start-ups through an accelerator programme and welcome early-stage founders through a national hackathon - all with the goal of tackling Fiji’s most pressing financial inclusion challenges.

Playing an Influential Role in Developing the Economy

In his opening remarks, Reserve Bank of Fiji, Governor, Mr Ariff Ali highlighted, “The Reserve Bank has put its hand up to lead this effort recognising the transformative potential of innovation and technology in unlocking economic opportunities.  We are committed to laying the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive innovation ecosystem. Innovation encourages new ways of doing business, increases efficiency and productivity, improves service-delivery and helps build resilience. This is central to our vision in being a Progressive, Resilient Central Bank, Trusted by Our People.” 

Embracing the digital economy in Fiji

In her remarks, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, H.E. Ms. Barbara Plinkert said that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how important digital connectivity is for our economies and lives.

“The European Union is proud to support Fiji’s Innovation Hub through our Pacific Digital Economy Programme, which promotes inclusive digital economies and empowers policymakers, women, and micro small and medium enterprises. 

“With our Global Gateway Strategy, we aim to mobilise significant investments in key areas such as digitalisation, infrastructure, and human development, and create new opportunities for businesses and communities to thrive. 

“Let us work together to turn digital potential into real economic opportunities for Pacific businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities, and create a brighter future for all Pacific Islanders,” concluded Plinkert.

European Union

Supporting startups to tackle financial inclusion and economic growth

The Innovation Hub will offer a range of services, including an accelerator programme and a national hackathon, to support startups and early-stage founders in tackling Fiji's most pressing financial inclusion challenges. Over the next five years, the hub will expand into new innovation verticals, beyond Fintech, aligned with Fiji's national development priorities, with the goal of becoming a mature, regional centre of innovation by 2030.

“We are very excited to bring the learnings, community and success from New Zealand’s Fintech programmes to the Pacific, driving new job creation and economic growth for the region,” said Catherine Jones, CEO, Creative HQ.

The hub builds on the success of Creative HQ’s accelerator programmes in Aotearoa, which have launched some of the country’s highest-growth startups, including Sharesies and Hnry. That same entrepreneurial expertise is now being adapted for Fiji - offering mentorship and access to funding networks for local founders.

Global payments technology company, Mastercard, is a proud sponsor of the Fiji Innovation Hub Programme of Work while local sponsors, the HFC Bank and national airline Fiji Airways have also committed significant support towards the Hub.

“Mastercard is committed to driving greater financial inclusion in the Pacific Islands and this initiative will shape both local fintechs and the wider Fijian economy. As the partner of choice for fintechs, Mastercard works with over 80% of the top digital payment and neobank fintechs on the CNBC global fintech list,” said Ruth Riviere, Country Manager, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands at Mastercard.

“Through our own accelerator programs and those we collaborate on with like-minded innovators, we help fintechs around the world scale with strategic partnerships, curated

resources, and exposure to a global ecosystem of customers and partners. As a proud sponsor of the Fiji Innovation Hub Programme of Work, we look forward to supporting local fintech startups.”

The hub’s launch directly supports key goals under Fiji’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2022–2030, including:

• Expanding digital payment options for MSMEs
• Improving access to credit and insurance
• Promoting climate-resilient financing
• Enabling inclusive design for persons with disabilities
   

Fintech is New Zealand’s fastest-growing tech subsector, with 36% annual growth. With Fiji entering its own innovation era, partners believe the Innovation Hub can unlock similar momentum - empowering local talent to build solutions that save time, increase access, and improve livelihoods for all Fijians.

“Through its partnership with UNCDF and UNCTAD, the PDEP is building inclusive digital economies in Fiji and across the Pacific—prioritising rural communities, MSMEs, and seasonal workers while remaining committed to focus on the most vulnerable and marginalised including women, youth, people with disabilities and key population,” said Ms Munkhtuya Altangerel, Resident Representative for the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji.

“The Programme’s support for national financial inclusion and digital strategies, digital finance literacy, and capacity building reflects our collective efforts to ensure no one is left behind in the digital transformation journey.”

About the Fiji Innovation Hub

The Innovation Hub is a collaborative initiative led by the Reserve Bank of Fiji, funded by the UN Capital Development Fund through the PDEP, and delivered in collaboration with Mastercard and Creative HQ. The Hub is dedicated to accelerating innovation in financial services across Fiji and the wider Pacific region through tailored support programmes, community-building, and strategic partnerships.

ENDS