Barriers to digital finance leave vulnerable Fijians struggling

Vulnerable groups across Fiji—including elderly villagers, low-income families and rural communities face significant obstacles in accessing digital financial services.

For these Fijians, digital finance holds potential as a critical tool for managing funds and daily expenses, yet remains challenging to access.

This issue was highlighted in the Consumer Council of Fiji’s report titled Voices from the Margins: Perceptions and Recommendations on Digital Financial Services in Fiji, launched today.

While speaking at the launch, Consumer Council of Fiji CEO Seema Shandil says for those on the margins such as elderly villagers, low-income families and rural communities, digital finance is not just a modern convenience — it is a potential lifeline, offering crucial access to funds, banking and daily management of expenses. Shandil says while digital finance has advanced in Fiji, obstacles remain for many who struggle with economic constraints, device affordability and reliable network access—particularly in rural and maritime regions.

She says the report aims to equip policymakers, financial service providers and stakeholders with insights to address these barriers, empowering Fijians from all backgrounds.

She adds this could create a financial ecosystem that leaves no one behind.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Social Protection, Eseta Nadakuitavuki says mobile money wallets and other fintech innovations have made strides in offering convenience to under-served populations.

She says vulnerable groups, including women, the elderly and people with disabilities still face significant barriers.

She says for some, digital age has presented more barriers than gateways.

The Permanent Secretary says Voices from the Margins is a roadmap toward a more inclusive digital future and called for greater accessibility, affordability and relevance in digital financial services.

She praised the the Consumer Council of Fiji’s report for its critical role in informing strategies that integrate these groups into national development, adding that her ministry looks forward to using these insights to empower vulnerable populations toward economic stability and independence.