CLOSE to 40 per cent of Rotuma’s population turned out for the island’s first Financial Inclusion Maritime Expo.
For two days, 600 people gathered at the Ahau Government Station – Fiji’s northern-most outpost – with officials of the Reserve Bank and private sector partners.
It was a big step forward in the overall goal of providing financial services to the more remote maritime communities in Fiji.
Rotumans were able to have direct access to banks, insurance providers, unit trusts, microloan providers and other investment services. At least 160 new accounts were opened across multiple providers .
Around 80 formal and informal micro, small and medium entrepreneurs received business advice and established follow-up relationships with participating agencies.
With support from the Rotuma Council, 46 participants completed ANZ’s MoneyMinded financial literacy programme, strengthening money management skills.
A big highlight of the event was Rotuma’s first-ever Hackathon, delivered through the Fiji Innovation Hub. It featured six four member teams tasked with developing technology-driven solutions to local challenges .
The winning team, Rotuma Fresh Hub, created a direct producer-to-consumer platform connecting the island’s agricultural producers with mainland customers. Project Earmark secured second place with a livestock management geotagging solution, while third place went to Rotuma Entertainment Centre—a student team from Rotuma High School—for developing a web-based platform for booking homestays and island experiences.
Rotuma Council Chairman Gagaj Manav was full of praise for the initiative, encouraging youth to continue building entrepreneurial ambitions.
District Officer Luke Savu called the expo “a milestone for Rotuma” reflecting government commitment to rural development.
Head of Delegation Caroline Waqabaca stressed that financial inclusion works best when grounded in local knowledge and leadership.
The event was supported by the UN Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme, the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, the Ministry of Defence, and the Royal Australian Air Force through the Fiji-Australia Defence Pacific Air Programme .
