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 Solomon Islands Celebrates Milestone of USD $5 Million Crowdfunded through Kiva Partnership
South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Solomon Islands, in partnership with Kiva, is thrilled to announce a significant achievement: reaching the milestone of USD $5 million (SBD $41M) crowdfunded to support micro-entrepreneurs across the Solomon Islands. This achievement reflects the commitment of SPBD Solomon Islands and Kiva to fostering economic empowerment and creating opportunities for women [...]
14th SPBD Figi Businesswoman of the Year Awards
The South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji celebrated its 14th Businesswoman of the Year Awards on 4 October 2024 at the Vodafone Arena. The Chief Guest was His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere President of Fiji. The theme of the celebration was Women-Led Microenterprises Enriching Lives and Building Futures. The President and Founder of the [...]
The WE-Fiji Code: Valuing Women’s Voices in Fiji’s Finance Sector
South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji has joined financial service providers in a landmark move aimed at increasing funds and access to women-led micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). SPBD Fiji, Westpac, Merchant Finance and the South Pacific Stock Exchange signed their commitment to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WE-Fi) Code at a ceremony at […]
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