Fiji yesterday (01.09.25) marked a milestone in its journey toward sustainable and inclusive development with the launch consultation of the Matanataki Pacific Fund 1.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, described the initiative as a turning point for local businesses and communities.
“This is not about extractive finance; it is about investment that empowers our people,” he said.
“By embedding gender equity and climate resilience, the Fund ensures growth that benefits families, communities, and future generations.”
The Fund will target MSMEs, cooperatives, and grassroots enterprises that often struggle to access affordable finance. Beyond capital, it will provide mentorship, capacity-building, and knowledge transfer, equipping businesses to grow sustainably.
“The Matanataki Pacific Fund 1 is designed to address these challenges. It offers impact-driven capital that is enabling, not extractive, and pairs investment with capacity-building, knowledge transfer, and mentorship. This is a welcome departure from traditional financing models that often overlook local realities,” said DPM Kamikamica.
A highlight of the event was a simulation exercise, designed to demystify the investment process. Participants experienced firsthand how funds evaluate opportunities, giving entrepreneurs the confidence to engage with investors.
DPM Kamikamica stressed that Government stands ready to support the initiative through policies and infrastructure, but the real power lies in collaboration.
“This Fund bridges government priorities with private sector energy and development partner support. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities for resilience, dignity, and prosperity.
“Another strength of this fund is its potential to build Fiji’s economic resilience and deepen regional trade. As a small island developing state, Fiji’s future lies in integration, into regional markets and global value chains,” said DPM Kamikamica.
The initiative reflects a broader shift in Fiji’s development agenda, one that prioritises local ownership, women’s empowerment, and climate-smart enterprises. For investors, it represents an opportunity to align capital with long-term value creation; for communities, it offers a pathway to shared prosperity.
The three-day consultation and simulation exercise is being held at the MOANA Anglican Service Teaching and Training Centre at Des Voeux Rd and will end Wednesday.