Ministers/Attorney General

Regional Director, International Telecommunications Union Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Ms Atsuko Okuda (thank you for joining us virtually)

Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners

Permanent Secretary for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Mr Shaheen Ali

Our Development Partners

Members of the Media, Private Sector and the Academia

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Bula Vinaka, Good Afternoon and a very warm welcome to you all on this momentous occasion—the launch of Fiji’s first ever National Digital Strategy. Today truly marks a transformative step forward for our nation as we embrace a future shaped by digital innovation, inclusion, and resilience.

Last September we launched our National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050 which is founded on the vision of ‘Empowering the People of Fiji through Unity’. Today marks another pivotal milestone in our journey towards a more progressive, inclusive, and resilient Fiji, empowered by secure and strategic nation-wide digital transformation.

I stand before you today not only as the Minister responsible for Communications but as a firm believer in the vast potential of digital technology, when implemented correctly, to catalyse profound economic and social progress across our nation. Digital transformation is no longer a choice—it is a necessity. It is the engine that will propel Fiji into a new era of prosperity, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

We see the number of internet users that have surged from 1 billion in 2005 to 5.5 billion last year. Today — the global digital economy is growing faster than global GDP − expected to reach 16.5 trillion US dollars by 2028. Some estimates show that over the next 10 years, more than two-thirds of new value creation could come from digitally enabled platforms. With the Google subsea investment, we anticipate the creation of more than 3,600 jobs across various sectors and contributing an estimated US$250 million to Fiji’s GDP by 2030.

Our National Digital Strategy is not merely a policy document—it is a commitment, a bold declaration of our determination to properly harness digital technologies for the betterment of all Fijians. It aligns with our National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050, reinforcing our aspirations for a prosperous, technologically advanced, and inclusive society.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Fiji’s digital economy is already showing remarkable growth. According to the ITU’s ICT Development Index, Fiji remains one of the most developed economies in the Pacific Island region in terms of ICT infrastructure, with a global ranking of 107th place out of 176 nations.

Fiji has made significant progress in e-government development, where Fiji is ranked 93rd out of 193 nations –  a jump of 4 places from the last assessment in 2022. But this is not good enough! We are working on all fronts to ensure that digital access is universal, secure, meaningful and transformative for every Fijian. In partnership with the National Telecommunications Authority, we will progressively connect all of our unserved and underserved communities.  And I assure you, this Strategy is designed to bridge the digital divide and unlock new opportunities for our people and businesses alike. But Government cannot do it alone. This requires all of us.

Thematic Focus Areas of the National Digital Strategy

The National Digital Strategy is underpinned by five thematic pillars, each designed to maximise the benefits of digital transformation:

1. First Focus area is: Digital Infrastructure and Cyber Resilience

• As more of our people are connected, we must have resilient digital infrastructure and robust safeguards against emerging cyber threats. Our Strategy places a particular emphasis on cybersecurity. We will continue to strengthen our cybersecurity posture and continue in our cyber diplomacy efforts and participate in and shape regional and global frameworks.
• We have completed our 2nd National Cybersecurity Maturity Model Assessment; we are developing our National Cybersecurity Strategy and we are operationalising our National CERT. We have acceded to the Budapest Convention and on Tuesday, Cabinet endorsed for Fiji to sign the Second Additional Protocol to the Budapest Convention and the UN Convention Against Cybercrime. These will enable our criminal justice authorities to swiftly investigate and prosecute cyber offences and we were part of the successful 3 year negotiation for the new UN Treaty. We are also working on our National Data Protection Policy and subsequently, our legal framework. We are moving in the right direction!
• Skilled Workforce is another target area as there is a global shortage of ICT professionals. Fiji is no exception. Education institutions, businesses, civil society and the government must work together to equip our people with the necessary digital competencies. The Strategy outlines the steps we will need to take to educate and grow this digital transformation and ICT talent in Fiji.

At the same time, we can use technology such as artificial intelligence and 5G to mitigate the challenges that we face today. I hope that we all make a commitment to invest in the needed skillsets and tools to ensure that our people are safe in these online spaces.

2. Second Focus area is: Digital Inclusion and Empowerment

• Ensuring universal digital access in Fiji and empowering all citizens and communities through comprehensive digital literacy and skills development programs, promoting inclusive participation in the digital economy, is a key focus.
• Last week, we celebrated the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives, reaffirming our commitment to strengthening co-operatives as key drivers of sustainable and inclusive economic development. By integrating Co-operatives into our digital economy, we empower our communities to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

3. Secondly, is Innovation-Led Economic Growth

• This focuses on fostering a dynamic ecosystem in Fiji that stimulates technological innovation, supports Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in digital transformation, and encourages the adoption of emerging technologies to boost economic competitiveness and diversification. Our recently launched National E-Commerce Strategy supports this thematic focus and we are also working on an MSME Strategy.

4. Thirdly is: Smart Governance and Digital Public Services

• Under this thematic area, transforming government through digital innovation, enhancing the delivery, efficiency, and transparency of public services through advanced digital solutions, and improving governance systems for better citizen engagement and service delivery. We saw this with key initiatives like the BusinessNOW Fiji across 16 agencies and another key initiative is the National ID Programme.

5. The fourth thematic area is: Sustainable Development and Global Cooperation

• It is estimated that only 17% of the SDGs are earmarked to be achieved by 2030. Digital Technologies have the potential to accelerate progress in achieving the SDGs. As part of our global commitments, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), even in the face of compounded crises.

Collaboration and Partnership

The success of the National Digital Strategy hinges on strong collaboration between the government, private sector, development partners, academia, and the people of Fiji. Digital transformation cannot happen in isolation. It requires a united effort to ensure that progress is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial for all.

Our vision for Fiji’s digital future is not impossible. It is a challenge worthy of our collective efforts and commitment. And in this very room, including those joining us virtually, we have the leadership, expertise, and determination needed to make this vision a reality.

Our development partners have been instrumental in supporting Fiji’s digital journey, and your continued commitment will be critical as we take this next step.

By strengthening our cooperation in areas such as resilient digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and capacity-building, we can position Fiji as a model of success for the region. With the right partnerships, we can create Fiji as a hub of digital excellence—one that not only benefits Fiji but also the entire region to thrive.

The private sector, equally plays a crucial role in this transformation. Investing in digital skills, infrastructure, and innovation will drive long-term growth—not just for the nation, but for businesses themselves. A stronger, more digitally advanced Fiji means a more competitive and sustainable business environment.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the Coalition Government envisions a Fiji where digital technologies drive innovation, streamline services, and enhance the quality of life for all.

A future where connectivity bridges divides, where businesses flourish through technology, and where digital government services are accessible and efficient. This is the future we are building together.

By investing in resilient digital infrastructure and embracing a forward-thinking mindset, we can position our nation as a leader in the digital economy. To the ITU, vinaka vakalevu for your partnership in the development of this Strategy. I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the development of this Strategy.

Let us move forward with determination, knowing that a digitally empowered Fiji is within our reach.

Vinaka Vakalevu