FIJI’S first-ever Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) Centre was launched in Suva this week, marking a groundbreaking partnership that promises tangible benefits for farmers and Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) for the agriculture sector.
The centre will serve as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurs, offering crucial support for MSMEs in the agriculture sector.
The ABI is funded by the European Union (EU) through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations’ Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems in Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Samoa (STODAS) project.
The STODAS project focuses on boosting domestic food production and consumption to reduce reliance on imports; and its goal is to build self-reliance and ensure sustainable food and nutrition security for these countries, helping them recover and strengthen their resilience in the long term.
This initiative is a key collaboration between the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, MSMEs and Communications, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, and FAO.
It aims to promote sustainable agricultural growth and boost self-reliance and food security.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica said the launch marked a pivotal moment as the Government was committed to advancing a modern, innovative and resilient agriculture sector that was vital to the country’s economy.
He said agriculture in Fiji was not just an industry, “it is the heart of our communities, the source of livelihood for many families and a significant contributor to Fiji’s economic growth”.
“In an era of rapid change and the urgent realities of climate impact, traditional farming is no longer enough. We must innovate, adapt, and embrace sustainable agriculture to secure a greener, smarter future. This centre has been created to do precisely that,” Mr Kamikamica said while offi ciating at the event.
“It is more than just a facility; it is a dynamic hub where ideas take flight, where innovation is transformed into tangible enterprises, and where farmers and agripreneurs receive the mentorship, resources and encouragement they need to succeed,” he said.
Mr Kamikamica said through this centre, startups and entrepreneurs would have access to capital, expert and business and technical guidance.
He said this was a collaborative space that honoured traditional agricultural knowledge while cultivating resilience and opening new pathways to prosperity.
Perfect alignment
Mr Kamikamica alluded to the recently developed five-year MSME Strategic Plan, which he said was a roadmap that went beyond policy into real and coordinated action.
He said that plan focused on eight critical priorities, from standardising MSME data, simplifying regulations and modernising cooperatives to expanding entrepreneurship support, boosting market access and addressing workforce skills shortages.
“The centre aligns perfectly with these priorities by nurturing the entrepreneurial spirits in agriculture, empowering MSMEs to innovate, grow and contribute even more vitally to Fiji’s future.
“Importantly, this centre will be welcoming space for diverse MSMEs to share their ideas and expertise, form partnerships and access the knowledge and opportunities required to thrive,” Mr Kamikamica said. Mr Kamikamica said the launch and location of the incubation centre was no coincidence.
He said with the many initiatives and programs run by the ministry and the centre, they were presenting a comprehensive all-in-one support system for MSMEs in agribusiness.
Located beside the Fiji Crops and Livestock Council that represents the voice of more than 80,000 farmers, he said this site stood as a clear commitment to strengthening collaboration and providing direct, meaningful support to the farming community.
“This centre will help diversify crops and products, reduce dependency on a few key commodities, and promote climatesmart farming practices that protect our environment and enhance food security.
“It will empower women and young farmers to lead in agribusiness, driving generational change and inclusive growth.”
Groundbreaking investment
Mr Kamikamica said the centre was a groundbreaking investment not just in agriculture but in the people, entrepreneurs and the future.
He said by working together, the Government, development partners and agriculture training facilities such as Navuso Agriculture Technical Institute, they would build an ecosystem where innovation thrived, agriculture attracted the next generation, and Fiji would lead the Pacific in agribusiness excellence.
“To our MSMEs and aspiring agripreneurs here today, I say this: this is your moment. Embrace this opportunity, transform your ideas into ventures that feed our nation, expand exports and build a stronger Fiji.”
The DPM acknowledged the Agriculture Ministry for allowing the Agribusiness Incubation Centre to be established within the ministry’s headoffice where it would have direct connection with farmers.
He also acknowledged the EU for its funding support that was crucial in addressing the ongoing food security challenges faced by the region.
“This support not only provides vital resources but also demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering sustainable development and resilience in our countries.”
Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific Barbara Plinkert said the EU was proud to support Fiji’s Agribusiness Incubation Centre through the STODAS project, which she added was working together to strengthen policy and institutional environments, enhance domestic crop and livestock production, and promote rural agribusiness and private sector development.
“With our Global Gateway Strategy, we aim to mobilise significant investments in key areas such as infrastructure, human development and digitalisation, and create new opportunities for businesses and communities to thrive,” Ms Plinkert said.
“Let us work together to turn agricultural potential into real economic opportunities for Pacific agri-entrepreneurs, businesses and communities.”
FAO assistant representative in Fiji Joann Young said they were pleased to technically support the establishment of the third agribusiness incubator under the 10million Euro ($F21.61m) STODAS project in Fiji.
She said this centre would support Fijian youth, women and other scalable agribusiness entrepreneurs to grow.
“When entrepreneurs grow, they will be transformational in addressing food and nutrition security in the Pacific,” Ms Young said.
The Agribusiness Incubation Centre is now open and ready to provide services to entrepreneurs, cooperatives and MSMEs across Fiji, heralding a new chapter of growth and sustainability for Fiji’s agribusiness landscape.
MSMEs account for more than 80 per cent of all formal businesses, employs nearly 60 per cent of the local workforce, and have contributed more than $191m in tax revenue over the past two years.
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Note: This article was first published under the headline: Dynamic hub for Entrepreneurs in Page 17 of the print version of The Fiji Times dated Friday, September 05, 2025
