Former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says Fiji must urgently move beyond long-standing economic challenges, warning that key issues like diversification and the ease of doing business have remained unresolved for decades.

Speaking to Fiji One News following his recent recognition as a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, Kamikamica used the opportunity to highlight what he believes are critical priorities for the country’s future.

He stressed that discussions around diversifying Fiji’s economy and improving the business environment are not new, revealing that these same concerns have persisted for more than 30 years.

According to Kamikamica, successive governments have only made incremental changes, without fully addressing the structural issues needed to drive long-term growth.

He says a stronger push is now needed to expand economic activity beyond traditional sectors, particularly by supporting rural communities.

This includes creating more stable and sustainable income opportunities for farmers and encouraging private sector investment in agriculture to stimulate growth outside urban centres.

Kamikamica also pointed to the need for reforms that make it easier to do business in Fiji, noting that bureaucracy and inefficiencies continue to slow progress.

A key part of this transformation, he says, lies in the government’s National Digital Strategy, which aims to modernise systems through automation and digitisation. He believes full implementation of the strategy could significantly improve efficiency, productivity and transparency across both public and private sectors.

Kamikamica adds that digital systems can also reduce opportunities for fraud and abuse by limiting human interference in transactions and processes.

He also acknowledged the growing influence of artificial intelligence, describing it as unavoidable and a major driver of change.

He says Fiji must act quickly to establish a clear framework to guide the use of AI, ensuring the country is prepared for the next wave of technological transformation.

While he maintains that some progress has been made in recent years, Kamikamica admits there is still considerable work ahead, emphasizing that sustained effort will be needed to rebuild and strengthen the economy.

Despite differing views on the government’s performance, he remains optimistic that with consistent reforms and a clear vision, Fiji can achieve long-term stability and growth.