Fiji is taking a fresh look at its kava laws, with a review of the Kava Act and associated regulations currently underway.
Speaking at the official opening of Vale Kava in Lami today (13:06:2025), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co–Operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Hon. Manoa Kamikamica said the review would modernise Fiji’s kava laws to reflect contemporary realities, including clearer definitions of product categories, quality control mechanisms, and international compliance protocols.
“We want to protect the integrity of our kava industry. We want to ensure that every bag of waka or lewena that leaves our shores represents the highest quality — clean, pure, and ethically sourced. And for enterprises like Vale Kava, having a robust legal and regulatory framework is vital to building trust with consumers, both domestic and international,” DPM Kamikamica stated.
Sourcing products such as Waka and Lewena directly from diverse regions across Fiji, Vale Kava connects local farmers, cooperatives, and rural micro, small and medium enterprises to wider markets.
DPM Kamikamica said Vale Kava represented a new model of enterprise that embraced quality, leveraged technology, and connected local supply chains with global demand.
“The opening of Vale Kava aligns strongly with the Government’s broader economic strategy, which is centred on economic diversification, inclusive growth, and structural transformation.
“Vale Kava provides an excellent example of how a single outlet can support dozens of suppliers — from kava growers to Island Nature producers of turmeric, ginger, and layalaya. This is smart business because it builds community wealth while building a competitive brand.”
The DPM reaffirmed Government’s commitments to supporting MSMEs through targeted initiatives including MSME Fiji programs, grants for rural agro-enterprises, and partnerships that promote inclusive entrepreneurship.