Micro, small and medium enterprises are expected to play a central role in Fiji’s economic trajectory in 2026, with policymakers signalling that broad-based growth will depend on the performance of smaller firms across services, agriculture and manufacturing.
Economic commentary released toward the end of 2025 pointed to improving operating conditions for MSMEs, supported by stabilising inflation, improved access to finance and steady domestic demand. While large tourism operators and infrastructure projects continue to anchor headline growth, authorities have stressed that employment and income gains are increasingly coming from smaller enterprises.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji has highlighted MSME lending as a growing component of private-sector credit, supported by accommodative monetary conditions and targeted lending facilities. Banks and development finance institutions have been encouraged to tailor products to the cash-flow patterns of small businesses, rather than relying solely on traditional collateral requirements.
MSMEs are particularly active in sectors aligned with Fiji’s diversification goals, including agribusiness processing, logistics, digital services and construction supply chains. Many firms expanded cautiously through 2024 and 2025, prioritising balance-sheet repair over rapid growth. With inflation easing and tourism demand remaining firm, confidence has begun to improve.
Government agencies have also pointed to improved business support services, including advisory programmes and simplified compliance processes, as helping to reduce operating friction for smaller firms. These measures are intended to improve productivity rather than simply increase firm numbers.
As 2026 unfolds, the challenge will be sustaining momentum. Rising global uncertainty, higher insurance costs and infrastructure constraints remain risks. Even so, MSMEs are expected to remain a key stabilising force in the economy, providing employment, regional income and flexibility in the face of external shocks.
