Fiji PM urges banks to rethink lending for indigenous businesses

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has issued a strong call to action for banks and financial institutions, urging them to re-evaluate their lending practices concerning indigenous businesses. Speaking at the 2026 Fiji Indigenous Business Council Symposium, Rabuka highlighted that access to finance remains a significant structural impediment for many indigenous entrepreneurs.

The Prime Minister stressed that traditional collateral requirements often pose an insurmountable hurdle for those looking to start or expand their businesses. He advocated for a more inclusive approach, suggesting that lending assessments should incorporate a broader range of factors beyond just physical assets or conventional guarantees.

Rabuka's appeal signals a potential shift towards more supportive financial frameworks for indigenous entrepreneurs. By encouraging financial institutions to look beyond traditional metrics, the government aims to foster greater economic participation and success within Fiji's indigenous communities, addressing a long-standing barrier to their growth.