Fiji has marked an important milestone in its economic development with the official launch of its first Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) Center. Designed as a hub for entrepreneurs, the center will provide critical support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the agricultural sector. It will offer business development services, training, mentorship, and improved access to markets and financing, with the goal of strengthening the agricultural value chain and driving sustainable growth.
The ABI Center is funded by the European Union through the FAO-led Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems (STODAS) project, which also covers Samoa and Solomon Islands. It is a collaborative initiative between Fiji’s Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The center seeks to advance food security, promote self-reliance, and encourage climate-smart, export-driven agricultural practices.
At the official ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica highlighted the center’s role in boosting resilience, creating jobs, and empowering farmers, particularly women and youth. He emphasized its contribution to bridging the gap between farm production and market access while promoting sustainable farming practices. Minister of Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna echoed these sentiments, stressing that the center will equip agripreneurs with both technical and business skills to ensure success.
The Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, underlined the importance of agriculture in light of challenges exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that the EU’s support is aligned with its Global Gateway Strategy, aimed at mobilizing investment in infrastructure, human development, and digitalization to create new opportunities for businesses and communities.
FAO’s Assistant Representative in Fiji, Joann Young, expressed pride in supporting the third agribusiness incubator under the STODAS project, alongside those in Samoa and Solomon Islands. She stressed that empowering youth, women, and entrepreneurs through agribusiness will play a transformative role in tackling food and nutrition security across the Pacific.
Now fully operational, the Agribusiness Incubation Center is set to serve entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and MSMEs nationwide. It represents a new chapter for Fiji’s agricultural sector, fostering innovation, growth, and sustainability while strengthening the country’s agribusiness landscape.
