VODAFONE Fiji in partnership with the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) yesterday issued 50 brand new TCL Tab 10L Gen 2 tablets to existing VitiKart businesses as they throw their support behind the development and growth of micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Fiji.
“We are doing this because we believe in the transformative power of technology,” Vodafone Fiji regional chief marketing officer Rajnesh Prasad said at the presentation, held at the RBF headquarters in Suva.
“These tablets will enhance the digital capabilities of our MSMEs, enabling them to leverage the VitiKart platform more effectively.
“They will streamline operations, improve customer engagement, and ultimately, drive growth.
“In today’s dynamic marketplace, mobility is key. “This initiative ensures that these entrepreneurs can take their businesses anywhere, operating seamlessly and efficiently.
“This reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering digital transformation and seeing our businesses adapt and flourish in the digital age,” Mr Prasad said.
RBF Governor Ariff Ali said RBF had signed its first agreement with Vodafone Fiji in August 2021 to provide 50 percent subsidy towards the VitiKart monthly subscriptions for more than 100 MSMEs in order to help fast track the adoption on online trading by MSMEs, given its potential for faster settlement of payments.
“Since 2021, the RBF has renewed its agreement extending the provision of this scheme for the fourth consecutive year,” Mr Ali said.
“We doubled down our efforts last year through interoperability to enable faster and more efficient payments from mobile money wallets to bank accounts and vice-versa and, between wallets for both customers and enterprises.
Mr Ali said the handing over of the 50 tablets reinforced RBF’s commitment to supporting MSMEs in partnership with Vodafone through a one-off subsidy towards the purchase of the tablets.
“This initiative is in response to some MSMEs that continue to face challenges trading online and require assistance with digital tools to access and manage their content on e-commerce platforms like VitiKart.
“You are the first 50 MSMEs to be selected among thousands of enterprises in this country, therefore I hope you will make full use of this opportunity.
“I hope that the increased capability will enable you to access new markets more efficiently and grow your business in e-commerce,” Mr Ali said.
VitiKart, powered by Vodafone, is Fiji’s largest e-Commerce platform showcasing a wide range of products from local businesses to Fijian consumers.
NOTE: This article was first published in the print edition of the Fiji Times dated MARCH 22, 2025.
