Reserve Bank of Fiji reports Rotuma financial inclusion expo opened at least 160 new accounts and reached about 600 residents

The Reserve Bank of Fiji published the results of the Financial Inclusion Maritime Expo in Rotuma, held from 7 to 8 July with public and private sector partners, saying the event brought financial services, business support and innovation activities directly to one of Fiji’s most remote maritime communities. About 600 residents, or close to 40 percent of the island’s population, engaged with financial institutions, government agencies, business development services and consumer advocacy groups. At least 160 new accounts were opened across banks, insurance providers, unit trust providers, microloan providers and other investment services. The expo also provided business advice and related services to around 80 formal and informal micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, many of whom established relationships with participating agencies for follow-up support. With support from the Rotuma Council and traditional leaders, 46 selected participants completed ANZ’s MoneyMinded financial literacy programme. The event included Rotuma’s first hackathon through the Fiji Innovation Hub, with six teams and 24 participants; the winning entry, Rotuma Fresh Hub, proposed a direct-to-consumer platform linking local agricultural producers with mainland customers. The RBF linked the initiative to its effort to improve last-mile access to financial services under Fiji’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2022-2030.