Fiji has emerged as the leading Pacific island nation in youth artificial intelligence (AI) readiness, ranking 12th out of 56 Commonwealth countries and finishing ahead of South Africa and Nigeria.
The findings were revealed in the Ayre Index, launched at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda today.
Fiji scored 56.9 out of 100, exceeding the study’s readiness benchmark of 53 and placing it among just 15 Commonwealth countries to reach that level.
South Africa ranked 13th, followed by Trinidad and Tobago in 14th place and Nigeria in 15th.
Among Pacific island countries, Papua New Guinea ranked 32nd, Nauru 39th and Samoa 41st, while Australia placed third and New Zealand ninth.
The study also identified significant economic opportunities for Fiji, estimating that AI could increase the level of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by US$90 million after ten years under a moderate scenario.
The projected increase ranges from US$43 million under a conservative scenario to US$136 million in an optimistic scenario.
The Ayre Index, developed by the Ayre Think Tank, draws on 1,128 research sources and examines conditions affecting approximately 732 million young people across the Commonwealth, including about 229,000 in Fiji.
The findings show strong enthusiasm for AI among young Fijians.
A 2025 survey found that 62.5 per cent of young respondents had used AI for their studies, while 49.3 per cent had used it for work.
Another 85.3 per cent expected to use AI in education or employment over the following year.
Fiji scored 9.9 out of 10 for AI use and creation and 9.3 for motivation and confidence.
However, the study highlighted significant challenges, with Fiji scoring just 3.6 out of 10 for digital capability and 3.8 for education and training.
It also found that 71.2 per cent of businesses surveyed experienced internet disruptions.
Ayre Think Tank founder Calvin Ayre said countries must ensure young people have the skills to benefit from emerging technologies.
“AI is going to change how we work, how we do business and how wealth is created. But this is not a race that only the biggest or richest countries can win,” he said.
“What matters is giving young people the skills and the chance to get ahead – whether to start businesses, find jobs or build something for themselves.”
The findings come as Fiji expands its digital skills development initiatives.
A Digital Skills Hub opened at the University of the South Pacific in Suva last month, offering training in AI, networking and cybersecurity.
Developed in partnership with Cisco and Telecom Fiji, the initiative supports the Government’s ambition to create 40,000 digital economy jobs by 2030.
The report recommends greater investment in reliable internet access, practical digital education, employment opportunities, locally relevant AI tools and safeguards against unfair automated decisions.
Professor C. Justin Robinson of the University of the West Indies said young people must be empowered to do more than simply use AI products developed elsewhere.
“Young people should be equipped to question these new tools, to improve them and to be supported in building alternatives suited to their own needs,” he said.
