BEYOND THE SCOPE – Fiji’s digital strategy

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Fiji’s National Digital Strategy 2025-2030 is a comprehensive effort to safely and securely leverage digital technologies as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation. Picture: THE SMALL BUSINESS SITE

The recently released Fiji National Digital Strategy 2025-2030 has set ambitious targets to take Fiji forward into the digital world, stating that: by 2030, 80 per cent of key government services should be accessible online; creation of 40,000 ICT jobs across various sectors; digital inclusion rates to reach 80 per cent across all demographics; achieving 50 per cent 5G coverage; roll out and adoption of National ID; and businesses adopting strong cybersecurity practices.

Fiji’s National Digital Strategy 2025-2030 is a comprehensive effort to safely and securely leverage digital technologies as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation.

It is a strategy that not only aims to build a digitally empowered society, but also ensures that this transformation is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.

The strategy adds, through the focused implementation of digital initiatives and a collective commitment across all sectors of society, Fiji is well-positioned to achieve a digitally empowered future that aligns with its broader developmental goals and position itself as the digital hub of the Pacific, making it the premier destination for international technology companies while also establishing Fiji as a leading source of emerging technologies for the region.

Where are we now

The Fiji National Digital Strategy 2025-2030 states the country has rapidly progressed with its digital transformation over the last couple of years, keeping up with the swift technological advancements. It adds 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. Over 85.2 per cent of individuals have access to the internet, well above the world average of 67.4 per cent with 3G coverage for over 96 per cent of the population and 4G coverage for over 92 per cent of the population.

“Fiji is experiencing similar shifts, with newer platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn gaining popularity, especially among younger demographics. 86 per cent of the population aged 18 and above are using the trending social media platforms with the composition of 49.2 per cent female and 50.8 per cent male, this trend offers significant opportunities for government agencies and businesses to engage more effectively with the community,” states the strategy.

By 2025

Fiji National Digital Strategy 2025-2030 presents a year-by-year snapshot of what is to be achieved by 20230. In 2025 the key achievable are:

q Development of a National Cybersecurity Strategy;

q Conduct review of Data Protection landscape;

q Establishment of National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT);

q Enhance the Government Data Center Infrastructure;

q Conduct a Service Mapping Exercise across Government;

q Development of an Integrated Beneciary Management System (iBMS);

q Development of a uni–ed Government services portal

q Assessment of existing Telecom Infrastructure

q Deployment of G

By 2026

The comprehensive review of Government ICT services is one of the agenda items in 2026 under the Fiji National Digital Strategy 2025-2030. Other achievable are:

q Develop Data Protection Legal Framework;

q Deliver an Integrated National ID foundational system;

q Development of Data Management Framework;

q National cloud policy developed;

q Develop and implement Infrastructure Sharing and Co-location Policy;

q Upgrade the National Forensic Lab;

q Develop a comprehensive Digital Literacy Curriculum for Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, informal education levels’;

q Development of E-Commerce laws and regulations;

q Implement incentives for private sector participation in digital initiatives

By 2027

Developing a national AI (Artificial Intelligence) framework is on the cards for 2027. Other achievable are development of accessibility standards for digital Government services, assessing the connectivity of the Government stations in rural and remote areas, promoting energy efficiency in digital infrastructure using eco-friendly materials and technologies and launch Tourism Digital Platform.

By 2028

Fiji National Digital Strategy 2025-2030 states by 2028, Fiji expects 90 per cent teachers trained to deliver digital literacy curriculum effectively. Other achievable in the year are:

q Encourage Digital Skills Training in the public and private sector

q Build and enhance digital health infrastructure

q Achieve user registration milestone of 50,000 for the Tourism Digital Platform

q Increased active participation in international digital coalitions and agreements

By 2029

Fiji National Digital Strategy 2025-2030 states by 2029, Fiji should establish a nationwide health information exchange (HIE). This year it should also achieve integration in 50 per cent of digital government projects on the digitalFIJI Stack, create targeted vocational and professional training programs including for elderly, marginalised and persons with disabilities to reach at least 10,000 individuals, achieve environmentally friendly disposal and recycling of electronic waste policies in place and have a functioning National Digital Sandbox.

The Fiji National Digital Strategy 2025-2030 states at the heart of this Strategy is the commitment to universal digital access fuelled by high-speed broadband and digital services, with an accelerated adoption of emerging technologies, ensuring that every Fijian is equipped to participate fully in the digital economy.

“Through comprehensive digital literacy and skills development programs, the strategy empowers citizens across all demographics, promoting inclusive participation and enabling them to harness the opportunities presented by the digital age,” states the strategy.

This focus on digital empowerment is critical to bridging the digital divide, ensuring that no one is left behind in the nation’s journey towards a digitally driven future, states the document.