The largest microfinance institution in Fiji
Following on the success of its operations in Samoa and Tonga, SPBD Microfinance Limited (Fiji) Ltd. was launched in November 2010 to make available the benefits of microfinance to the low-income and disadvantaged women of the Fiji Islands who constitute 35% of the population. It is the aim of our team to ensure these clients can improve their earnings capacities, develop leadership qualities and skills in managing their businesses and finances so that they can have a better quality of life. SPBD is the largest microfinance institution in Fiji serving over 9,500 households.
Why Fiji?
The Human Development Index ranked Fiji 99 out of 1191 in 2021. 31% of the population lives below the poverty line, and only 15% of the population are salaried workers. The unmet demand for credit for households with very low income is estimated at US$12 million.
SPBD Fiji by the numbers
US $47.3M
Value of loans disbursed
since inception
71,700
Number of loans made to
hard-working women since inception
11,000
Number of
savings accounts
6,600
Number of
loans outstanding
“So much has become possible with SPBD. The benefit has not only been in terms of finance but also things like savings, financial literacy, leadership and independence.”
Vilisi, Fish Seller, Fiji
About Fiji
Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one of the most developed of the Pacific Island economies though still with a large subsistence sector. Six foreign commercial banks (ANZ, Westpac, Bred Bank, Bank South Pacific, HFC Bank and Bank of Baroda) and three credit companies are active in Fiji. Microfinance providers (for both credit and savings) include three microfinance institutions, four village banks and a cooperative program. The residual unmet demand for savings is evaluated at USD 40M (with 10% corresponding to households with very low incomes) and the unmet demand for credit at USD 39M (with 30% corresponding to households with very low incomes).
Latest News
SPBD Relocates Labasa Office to Boost Accessibility and Visibility
South Pacific Business Development (SPBD), a key player in Fiji’s microfinance market, has moved its Labasa operation to a new location on the main road of Labasa Town. The relocation was a strategic decision for the organisation, aimed at increasing visibility and accessibility for clients and stakeholders, according to SPBD Fiji’s managing director Elrico Munoz. […]
Crowdfunding Success: $15M in Micro Loans Delivered Through Kiva and SPBD Partnership
Nearly 10,000 micro loans amounting over $15 million have been funded through a partnership between crowdfunding firm Kiva and the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji. This was revealed by Kiva Microfunds’ Asia Pacific investment manager Mark McDonagh when he officially opened SPBD Fiji’s Labasa office yesterday. “Seven years into Kiva’s partnership with SPBD Fiji, […]
SPBD Fiji expands to tenth branch office in Nausori on the Island of Viti Levu
The South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji officially opened its 10th branch in Nausori in June 2024. The new brannch is its latest addition since it established operations in Fiji in 2010. The new branch will provide financial services and business development opportunities to women in the Tailevu region. “Nausori itself has a thriving presence […]
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