A young entrepreneur from the village of Nabukeru in the Yasawa Islands is looking forward to a brighter future after receiving a new solar power system to support his homestay business.
Viliame Lomani recently secured a solar grant through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, an initiative aimed at empowering young people who aspire to establish and expand their own businesses.
For years, limited access to reliable electricity has been one of the biggest challenges facing the village. Like many rural communities in maritime areas, Nabukeru relies heavily on fishing and other marine resources as its primary source of income.
“The main source of income for our people is fishing and harvesting resources from the sea and access to electricity has always been a major challenge, especially for those of us who want to start and grow a business,” he said.
Mr. Lomani explained that the lack of consistent power supply made it difficult to operate his homestay efficiently and provide the level of service expected by visitors. With tourism slowly gaining momentum in the outer islands, he saw an opportunity to improve his business and contribute to his community’s economic growth.
After applying for assistance through the Ministry’s youth grant program, Mr. Lomani was approved for a new solar system, which has now been installed at his homestay.
“I am very thankful to the government for this assistance, this solar system will help my business grow and improve the services we provide to our guests,” Mr Lomani said.
“I encourage other young adults to take advantage of the government grants available. These programs are there to help us build wealth and create growth in our communities, if we make use of these opportunities, we can change our future,” he said.
With his new solar system in place, Mr. Lomani is optimistic about the future of his homestay business and hopes his success will inspire more young people in Nabukeru and across the Yasawas to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
The assistance provided to Mr. Lomani reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive economic development, particularly in remote and maritime regions where access to infrastructure and financial support can be limited. Through initiatives from government under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, young Fijians are being given practical tools and resources to turn their ideas into sustainable ventures.