Financial inclusion in Fiji has significantly improved with a narrowing gender gap, and the level of access to formal financial services among Fijians has increased from 64% in 2014 to 81% in 2020.2 The market has also observed adoption of digital financial services, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The growing availability and use of digital financial services (DFS) in Fiji provide unique capital-building tools and resources for further accelerating financial inclusion and inclusive growth for the last mile. To realize this potential, strengthening digital and financial literacy (DFL) of all population segments, especially among the marginalized and low-income groups is essential.

In this context, it is essential to assess the status of digital and financial literacy in Fiji to design and implement evidence backed interventions. To date however, efforts to improve digital and financial literacy and implement targeted interventions have been significantly challenged by a lack of updated DFL data in Fiji and other Pacific Island countries on which to base these efforts and track the progress. To address this gap, UNCDF partnered with Tebbutt Research to conduct Digital and Financial Literacy Survey in Fiji and six other Pacific Island countries (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Timor-Leste) to assess the current state of digital and financial literacy within each country. The research explores experiences with traditional and digital financial services to-date, in addition to assessing basic competencies in the areas of digitization and finance. The survey findings will be used to develop and implement targeted interventions for improving digital financial competencies among women, MSMEs, youth, migrant workers, and rural communities. The survey results are intended to serve as a baseline from which future changes in competencies, access, and usage can be measured by the regulators and development partners.

Discover DFLS findings from other Pacific Island Countries: