Development assistance in Fiji
Since 2020 Australia and Fiji's economic partnership has focused on fiscal stabilisation and economic reform – primarily through general budget support. Fiji's evolving economic circumstances mean our program is also in transition. Over the next four years, we will work together to deliver reforms that drive growth while increasingly investing in research and market analysis that will support diversification. We will also invest in better-quality climate resilient infrastructure.
To support Fiji's economic growth and prosperity, we are working in partnership with Fiji towards these outcomes:
- Priority fiscal and economic reforms are supported
- Two-way trade and investment is strengthened
- Greater economic diversification and improved women's participation contribute to growth.
- Climate resilient quality infrastructure supports economic growth.
Supporting investments
- Budget Support
- DFAT-IFC Partnership: Supporting Private Sector Development
- Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) Plus Program
- Market Development Facility: Inclusive Economic Growth (MDF)
- Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP)
Budget Support
AUD351 million (committed), 2020 - 2025
Recognising the severe impact of COVID-19 on Fiji's economy, Australia provided significant budget support grants to the Government of Fiji during and after the pandemic. Between 2019-20 and 2024-25, Australia committed approximately AUD351 million in general and targeted budget support to bolster Fiji's key reform and social protection initiatives. Australia's budget support also enables implementation of Fiji's priorities in social and climate resilience, health and infrastructure, inclusive growth and fiscal sustainability.
Related Documents
| Name of document | Year Published | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Fiji Recovery and Resilience Budget Support 2020-23 Evaluation Report and Management Response | 2024 | Evaluation |
DFAT-IFC Partnership: Supporting Private Sector Development
AUD8 million, 2021-2025
We are partnering with the International Finance Corporation to support the Fiji Government to improve small-medium enterprise performance, build Fiji's international trade competitiveness and stimulate inclusive private sector-led growth.
The Partnership is working closely with business and the Government of Fiji to introduce direct investment into the economy and advise Fiji on establishment and maintenance of a regulatory environment for improved private sector performance. The Partnership builds on the successes and lessons of Phase 1 while pivoting to address new economic needs emerging in Fiji.
Related Links
International Finance Corporation
Related Documents
| Name of document | Year Published | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Fiji Partnership review and management response | 2020 | Evaluation |
Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) Plus Program
The PHAMA Plus Program, jointly supported by Australia and New Zealand, contributes to inclusive economic growth and improved livelihoods for Pacific people, with an emphasis on gender equality and inclusion, and environment and climate resilience.
In Fiji, PHAMA Plus works with businesses and the public sector to maintain and improve trade in agricultural products by assisting them to meet export market requirements. PHAMA Plus also assists with market research and market development activities in terms of new export products. It continues to work in Fiji on biosecurity and market access constraints, quality assurance and certification systems and provides targeted support to agribusinesses that benefits farming households.
Related Links
Pacific Horticultural & Agricultural Market Access Plus Program: Fiji
Market Development Facility: Inclusive Economic Growth (MDF)
AUD33.3 million, 2017-2027
MDF is a multi-country program that began in Fiji in 2011 and has since expanded to 6 countries. MDF stimulates business innovation and private sector investment for development outcomes, particularly poverty reduction and women's economic empowerment. MDF support partners from both business and government to identify and grow commercial opportunities that are profitable, scalable and deliver social and environmental value.
MDF seeks to increase competitiveness of sectors that involve poor men and women; and support local firms to create new market opportunities that benefit poor people. It aims to achieve these outcomes by facilitating partnerships with market actors (public and private) to address market failures and facilitate systemic changes that are sustained after MDF's activities conclude.
Related Links
Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP)
The AIFFP commenced in 2019 and works with Pacific governments to plan, assess and finance significant projects by leveraging both loan and grant financing. In Fiji, some of the major current projects funded through AIFFP include:
- AUD71.9 million for the Fiji Transport Infrastructure Restoration Project which involves resurfacing roads and rehabilitation of 9 bridges on Viti Levu. The project is Australia's first sovereign loan to Fiji.
- AUD8.25 million to support the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF) (which includes AUD1 million of non-AIFFP bilateral ODA funding). FREF will help bring solar power to some of Fiji's remote and maritime communities that don't have access to modern electricity.
- Up to AUD5 million in financing for the Nadi Flood Alleviation Project, to mitigate future damage from floods in the country's economic hub – a top infrastructure priority for the Government of Fiji.
- AUD1.2 million to fund a Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Study to support Fiji's ambitions to revitalise its shipbuilding and ship repair industry. The study is currently underway.
Related Links
Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific Country Profiles – Fiji