ADB Approves $210 Million Financing Package for Fiji’s Economic and Disaster Resilience

MANILA, Philippines — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced on 16 September 2026 that it will deploy $210 million to help Fiji address economic pressures stemming from the Middle East conflict and build resilience against future economic and environmental shocks.

The financing package supports the second phase of the ADB-led Fiji Sustainable and Resilient Growth Program. It consists of a $200 million loan aimed at policy reforms and a $10 million loan allocated for disaster financing.

According to the ADB, Fiji is contending with challenges typical of small island developing states, including geographic remoteness, small dispersed populations, skilled worker outward migration, high business costs, and limited access to finance. The bank noted that persistent high energy prices linked to Middle East conflict and expected El Niño impacts are likely to dampen Fiji's economic growth this year.

The initial phase of the program assisted Fiji in tax administration, public financial management, digital payment systems, and disaster response frameworks. The ADB stated that the second phase will build on these initiatives by expanding access to finance, advancing digital transformation, strengthening disaster risk management, improving fiscal sustainability, and providing rapid emergency response funding.

The program was developed in coordination with several international partners, including the governments of Australia and New Zealand, the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.

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