Fiji is on course to record a fifth consecutive year of economic growth in 2026, extending a period of sustained expansion since the country emerged from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The economy has recorded positive growth every year since 2022, with growth expected to continue beyond this year.

The turnaround has been significant.

Fiji’s economy rebounded strongly in 2022 as international borders reopened and tourism returned, before continuing to expand strongly in 2023.

Asian Development Bank data put Fiji’s economic growth at 15.9 percent in 2022, while its Key Indicators database records growth of 7.5 percent in 2023.

Growth subsequently moderated as the initial post-pandemic rebound normalised, but remained positive at around 3 percent.

The Asian Development Bank has previously pointed to Fiji’s strong tourism recovery as a major driver of the country’s economic performance, describing the rebound in tourism as stronger than initially expected.

The continued expansion has also taken place against a challenging global backdrop, including wars and geopolitical tensions, disruptions to international trade, volatile oil prices and higher costs for imported goods.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said five consecutive years of growth was an encouraging indication of the resilience of Fiji’s economy.

“Five consecutive years of economic growth is an encouraging sign of the resilience of our economy and our people. We have faced significant challenges from outside our shores, particularly rising fuel and import costs, but Fiji has continued to move forward.”

Rabuka said the country’s economic performance was not the achievement of Government alone, acknowledging the contribution of businesses, investors and workers.

“Government cannot achieve economic growth alone. It is our businesses that invest, our workers who keep our industries moving and our people who continue to have confidence in Fiji’s future.”

ADB has continued to forecast economic expansion for Fiji despite warning that global conditions, energy prices and other external pressures present risks to the country’s outlook.

Its assessments have also highlighted the importance of investment, infrastructure and measures to strengthen Fiji’s longer-term economic resilience.

Rabuka said the next challenge was ensuring continued economic growth translated into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Fijians.

“There is still much work to do. Our responsibility now is to ensure that continued economic growth creates jobs, opportunities and a better quality of life for our people,” he said.