Fiji will see a significant transformation in its currency at the start of the new year as the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) plans to launch a new series of banknotes next month. These updates are designed to enhance the quality, durability, and security of Fiji’s currency, with a grand unveiling set for December 2, 2025, by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. The official rollout into circulation will take place on January 2, 2026.
Governor of the RBF, Ariff Ali, shared insights into the motives behind this redesign, revealing that the last comprehensive review of Fiji’s banknotes occurred in 2012, leading to the current flora and fauna banknote series. The RBF routinely evaluates its currency approximately every decade to ensure it meets national standards and maintains its integrity against counterfeiting.
The introduction of the new banknote series will feature innovative designs on the reverse side that resonate with Fiji’s national heritage, biodiversity, and culture. Enhancements include a new substrate for greater durability, state-of-the-art security features to combat counterfeiting, and improved attributes to assist individuals with visual impairments.
In conjunction with this major change in currency, recent reports highlight a positive outlook for Fiji’s economy. The RBF has noted a robust foreign reserve level estimated at $3.6 billion, sufficient to cover about 5.8 months of imports, indicating the country’s financial resilience. Despite an inflation rate that has increased to 4.8%, the economy is projected to grow by 3.8% in 2024, driven largely by a resurgence in tourism and activity within the services sector.
Furthermore, the RBF continues to modernize its financial systems, demonstrated by the recent advancement of Fiji’s payment infrastructure, including the automation of interbank transactions designed to enhance efficiency and security.
As such, the planned introduction of the new banknotes not only showcases Fiji’s commitment to maintaining a secure and representative currency but also aligns with broader economic trends that are promising for both financial stability and growth. This forward-looking approach bodes well for the future, highlighting the RBF’s dedication to innovation and its proactive stance amidst global economic challenges.