Reserve Bank of Fiji Deputy Governor Esala Masitabua has returned to the bank after a two-year stint with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. Masitabua, who served as an Advisor in the Southeast Asia Group during his secondment, provided macroeconomic and financial policy advice to the IMF Executive Board while also representing small states in significant development discussions.
RBF Governor Ariff Ali expressed enthusiasm over Masitabua’s return, emphasizing the value of seconding local officials to international institutions as part of the Bank’s strategy for leadership and capacity building. “We are delighted to welcome Masitabua back and look forward to the application of his enhanced expertise to strengthen our surveillance and policy work,” Ali stated.
With his renewed role as Deputy Governor, Masitabua’s experience is expected to bolster policy formulation, succession planning, and leadership development at the RBF. His return aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Reserve Bank to navigate the complexities of Fiji’s economic landscape, as highlighted by recent leadership changes within the organization aimed at enhancing its operational capabilities.
This shift in leadership echoes broader trends within Fiji’s financial governance, where appointments such as Jacinta Hesaie as the new Chief Manager of the Economics Group signal a commitment to effective management and diverse representation in leadership roles. The positive landscape for women’s representation in Fiji’s financial sector is enhanced by these advancements, marking a significant step toward inclusivity and responsiveness in governance.
As Masitabua resumes his position, there is a promising outlook for the Reserve Bank of Fiji, underpinned by a commitment to integrating fresh expertise into its operations. This brings hope for progressive policy initiatives that could strengthen not just the institution, but also the overall economic stability and growth of Fiji.