Overview
COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of strengthening the digital infrastructure. There are many opportunities in digital connectivity in Fiji to reduce costs, be more competitive, and develop new drivers of growth. Currently, the country’s main telecommunications operators, including Vodafone, Telecom Fiji, and Fiji International Telecommunications Ltd., are owned by Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH), which in turn is owned by the Fiji National Provident Fund. Digicel is the other major player in the industry.
Mobile phone penetration is also rising with an estimated 95 percent of Fijians having access to mobile broadband using 3G and 4G. In 2021, there were 126.7 mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people (Statista). This has contributed to the rapid growth in eCommerce and mobile financial transactions. Vodafone, Fiji’s largest mobile network, reported rapid growth in international money transfers to Fiji through its mobile money platform M-Paisa, having received $11.5 million (FJ$25 million) in international money transactions from more than 90 countries around the world. The company now processes about $114.8 million (FJ$250 million) worth of M-Paisa transactions every month.
However, recent regional studies also indicate that with the increased connectivity, the Pacific region faces significant risk from cyberattack. The potential to cause financial loses through fraud or unauthorized access to banking, as well as harm the physical well-being of citizens is high. Mobile security and payment applications, and software applications will increasingly be in demand.
|
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 estimated (YTD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Import – Machinery, mechanical & electrical appliances |
414.7 |
404.5 |
260.8 |
308.16 |
|
|
Exchange Rate |
2.07 |
2.07 |
2.07 |
2.07 |
|
Units: USD millions
Source: Fiji Bureau of Statistics
Leading Sub-Sectors:
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Operations
- Cybersecurity Operations
Opportunities
Opportunities exist for application design and software development projects, supply and installation of IT equipment projects, and database management and analysis projects. Fiji’s ITS market has become increasingly competitive given that it has one of the highest rates of ICT penetration in the Oceania region.