Akanisi Vakaloloma, a Fijian musician and small business owner, has shared her enthusiasm following the launch of Fiji’s first MSME Strategic Plan and MSME Database. She views this initiative as a vital step in offering targeted support to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) throughout the country.
Vakaloloma, who has built her entertainment business from scratch, recognizes the transformative potential that access to specialized assistance can provide to entrepreneurs in the creative arts sector. She highlighted one of her main obstacles: the struggle to obtain quality equipment, which has impeded her ability to deliver professional sound, expand her offerings, and compete for larger events. “For many years, my biggest challenge was access to quality equipment. Without proper musical tools, it was difficult to deliver professional sound,” she explained, stressing that her skills and experience were often overshadowed by inadequate resources that limited her business’s growth.
The MSME Strategic Plan for 2025–2030 aims to address the unique challenges faced by MSMEs in various sectors. Vakaloloma echoed Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel’s remarks about the longstanding issues of insufficient support and fragmented services that have hindered the growth of Fiji’s MSMEs. The plan emphasizes the importance of visibility for businesses like hers, with a reliable and detailed database ensuring that small enterprises are acknowledged in national planning and policy formulation.
Vakaloloma remains optimistic that these new initiatives will inspire hope for women and young entrepreneurs in Fiji. She believes that with the right systems in place, local MSMEs can successfully compete on regional and international stages. This strategic plan marks a significant advancement in creating a more supportive framework for small businesses in Fiji, paving the way for growth and innovation in the industry.