FIJI must invest in young people’s digital education and cybersecurity skills to strengthen national security and create employment opportunities, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says.
Speaking at the inaugural National Cybersecurity and Resilience Convention 2026 in Suva yesterday, he said demand for specialised digital skills would grow as businesses and public institutions increasingly relied on technology.
He said developing local expertise in cybersecurity, software development, cloud technologies and data management would strengthen national resilience while supporting the growth of digital industries.
Mr Kamikamica stressed the importance of preparing young people to become responsible and security-conscious digital citizens.
He welcomed dedicated sessions for children and a Hackathon/Capture the Flag exercise delivered by EU CyberNet, providing practical learning opportunities and introducing participants to potential careers in cybersecurity.
“We must recognise that today’s students will become tomorrow’s cybersecurity professionals, innovators, researchers and national leaders,” he said.
He said digital education, vocational training and partnerships between industry and educational institutions were essential to preparing young people for emerging employment opportunities.
Mr Kamikamica said cybersecurity required cooperation between government, businesses, educational institutions and communities.
He added that the Government’s National Cybersecurity and Resilience Strategy 2026–2031 and National Digital Strategy 2025–2030 provided frameworks for strengthening cyber resilience and advancing digital transformation.
“When we invest in our young people today, we are investing in Fiji’s digital security and resilience for generations to come.”
