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 Expands Services to Malaita
SOUTH Pacific Business Development (SPBD) officially opened its Auki branch on Thursday, expanding its microfinance services to women and small business operators in Malaita Province. The official opening was attended by women leaders, representatives from business houses, Malaita Provincial Government officials and Malaita Province Deputy Premier Randol Sifoni, who was the guest of honour. SPBD [...]
From $1,000 to $50,000: Tauala’s Journey Marks SPBD Samoa’s 125,000th Loan
When Tauala Apineru Pulou received her first South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) loan in 2013, it was WST$ 1,000 and enough to start a small baking business. She made donuts and pancakes and sold them in her community. Thirteen years later, the 59-year-old mother of five from Matatufu has become the recipient of SPBD Samoa’s [...]
New SPBD Korovou Branch to Boost Financial and Business Support for Women
Women in Korovou and the greater Tailevu North areas will now be able to get better support through South Pacific Business Development Microfinance after the opening of its new branch in Korovou. Speaking during the opening of the new branch, Korovou District Officer Salanieta Baleigau says women continue to face barriers in areas including education, [...]
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