Co-operatives empower Fijians to overcome poverty – PM

Co-operatives empower Fijians to overcome poverty, gain financial independence and contribute to the well-being of their families and communities.

While acknowledging the 716 cooperatives in the country during the launch of the United International Year of Co-oporatives 2025, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Fijian co-operatives have acted as catalysts for socio-economic empowerment, providing countless opportunities for our farmers, fisher folk, artisans and entrepreneurs.

He says a prime example of this is the Narocake Co-operative Limited, based in Lovu, owned by the Vanua Narocake, comprising thirteen mataqalis from three villages including Lovu, Vadravadra and Yadua, in Gau, Lomaiviti.

He says the co-operative has successfully secured an agreement for the sale of treated pine timber and logs and also built 10 homes for its members, showcasing the powerful impact co-operatives can have in meeting the housing needs of their communities.

Rabuka says Fiji now has over 715 registered co-operatives operating across 15 different sectors and consisting of about 40,000 members.

He adds collectively, these co-operatives hold $151 million in assets whilst generating $26 million in revenue and $2.5 million in profits.

He says these figures alone demonstrate broad-based economic engagement and untapped potential of co-operatives to further enhance our socio-economic development.

The Prime Minister says by pooling resources, co-operatives act as safety nets during economic shocks or natural disasters, enhancing community stability.