Cybersecurity must be treated as a national priority as Fiji expands its digital infrastructure, with growing online threats posing risks to businesses, government services and public confidence.
This was highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises, Manoa Kamikamica, during the National Cyber Security Resilience Convention 2026 at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva today.
Kamikamica says cybersecurity is not simply a technical issue but a matter of national security, economic stability, public trust and Fiji's future prosperity.
He says while digital technology presents tremendous opportunities for Fiji, including opening new markets, improving access to essential services and creating employment opportunities, the country's increasing dependence on digital systems also exposes it to sophisticated cyber threats.
The Deputy Prime Minister says criminals are becoming more sophisticated, online fraud is increasing, personal information is being targeted and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are creating new vulnerabilities.
He says a cyber incident can begin with a single compromised password or deceptive email but can disrupt business operations, compromise sensitive information and affect essential services.
Kamikamica says the Government's commitment to addressing these challenges is reflected in the National Cyber Security and Resilience Strategy 2026 - 2031, which was launched by the Prime Minister in March this year.
He says the strategy provides a framework for strengthening Fiji's ability to prevent, respond to and recover from cyber threats through improved governance, institutional capabilities, protection of critical infrastructure and cooperation across government and society.
Kamikamica stresses that cybersecurity must be integrated into Fiji's digital transformation rather than treated as an afterthought.
The Deputy Prime Minister says such exercises are important in ensuring government institutions can make critical decisions, coordinate responses and continue delivering essential services during cyber incidents.
He says businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises, must strengthen their cybersecurity measures through secure authentication, regular software updates, data backups and staff awareness.
Kamikamica also highlights the importance of developing cybersecurity skills among Fiji's young people, with the convention featuring dedicated sessions for children and a Hackathon Capture the Flag exercise delivered by EU CyberNet.
He says investing in digital education and technical skills will help prepare young Fijians for employment opportunities in cybersecurity, software development, cloud technology and data management.
Meanwhile, Kamikamica says Google's investment in a data operations centre in Natadola could strengthen Fiji's position as a regional digital hub.
He says the facility is expected to receive multiple international submarine cables, improving the resilience of Fiji's telecommunications infrastructure and potentially attracting more international companies to establish data and ICT operations in the country.
The Deputy Prime Minister also reveals that Fiji's business process outsourcing industry now employs around 9,000 people and generates approximately $300 million in foreign exchange earnings.
On rural connectivity, Kamikamica says Starlink services have already been introduced in about 120 villages, with further installations planned for hundreds more.
He says expanding internet connectivity will create new opportunities for rural communities and small businesses to access international markets and participate in the digital economy.
However, Kamikamica stresses that these opportunities can only be fully realised if businesses and consumers have confidence that their information and digital transactions are secure.
He also calls for stronger regional cooperation, saying cyber threats do not respect national borders and no country can address these challenges alone.
He says cybersecurity is a shared national responsibility and Fiji must move from awareness to action to protect its digital future.
