To strengthen its digital infrastructure and foster a thriving e-commerce ecosystem, the Fiji Government is pushing forward with ambitious initiatives aimed at integrating cybersecurity into broader strategic frameworks and driving digital transformation.
While officiating the Cybersec Symposium at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minter for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding digital assets and ensuring the success of Fiji's digital future.
He says with an increasing number of Fijians connecting to the online world, there is a growing demand for streamlined and efficient government services, as well as innovative solutions to push forward socio-economic development.
He says one of the key developments is the finalization of the National E-Commerce Strategy, developed in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
Kamikamica says this strategy aims to address specific challenges hindering the adoption and growth of e-commerce in Fiji, aligning with national priorities of resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity.
He says Fiji is embarking on the development of its inaugural National Digital Strategy in collaboration with the International Telecommunications Union.
Kamikamica says this comprehensive strategy seeks to position Fiji as a coordinated and sustainable hub for digital development, focusing on enhancing digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and building trust in the digital economy.
The Deputy Prime Minister says cybersecurity is identified as a pivotal pillar underpinning Fiji's digital aspirations and the government acknowledges the need for greater coordination and alignment of cybersecurity efforts across various sectors, alongside capacity-building initiatives to enhance resilience against cyber threats.
He says extensive multi-stakeholder consultations have been conducted, gathering insights from government agencies, private sector entities, academia, civil society, and NGOs.
He says these consultations have identified key challenges and priorities, laying the groundwork for the drafting of the National Digital Strategy.
Kamikamica says the stakeholders will participate in a face-to-face validation workshop to provide feedback on the draft strategy, ensuring broad ownership and buy-in.
He adds a comprehensive cybersecurity maturity assessment is underway, which will inform the development of the National Cybersecurity Strategy to further bolster Fiji's cyber resilience.
He further say as Fiji progresses towards a more inclusive and digital economy, collaboration and collective action will be paramount in strengthening cybersecurity measures and realizing the vision outlined in the National Digital Strategy.
