Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor co-chairs Fiji National Digital ID Steering Committee approving governance, budget and legislative workplan

The Reserve Bank of Fiji published an update on Fiji’s National Digital ID project, reporting that the National Identification Steering Committee held its inaugural meeting in Suva on 26 February 2025 to set the vision, strategy and next steps for a comprehensive National Digital ID system intended to improve access to essential services. The Steering Committee is co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Manoa Kamikamica and Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali, and includes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, Attorney-General Graham Leung and Solicitor-General Ropate Lomavatu, with scope to co-opt additional members. Building on an inception workshop held in October 2024, the meeting discussed a unified form of identification to enhance security, efficiency and inclusivity across sectors including healthcare, social welfare, finance and education, and noted McKinsey Global Institute analysis suggesting well-functioning digital ID systems can increase economic potential by approximately 3 to 13 percent. At the meeting, the committee approved a high-level governance structure including the creation of working groups, a projected budget and project timeline, drafting of supportive legislation, periodic updates to Cabinet, and engagement with key stakeholders. Asian Development Bank specialists supported the committee through technical assistance.