Digicel Fiji has entered into a partnership with SPBD Microfinance Fiji, a leading microfinance institution dedicated to empowering rural women, to expand access to financial services through the MyCash mobile money platform. The collaboration is expected to bridge the financial inclusion gap for thousands of women entrepreneurs in Fiji’s remote communities.
Under the partnership, SPBD customers will be able to receive and manage their microloans via MyCash, removing the need for long-distance travel to access funds. Through the MyCash app, members can now repay loans, transfer money, and handle their finances digitally, improving both convenience and security for women business owners.
The initiative also includes digital training and support for SPBD’s members, helping women entrepreneurs strengthen their financial literacy and technological confidence. Digicel Fiji said the collaboration aligns with its goal of expanding digital access and creating inclusive economic opportunities.
Digicel Fiji CEO, Farid Mohammed, said, “This collaboration is a strong reflection of Digicel Fiji’s vision for empowering digital financial inclusion. MyCash and SPBD’s prize-winning microfinance model are together delivering financial instruments into the hands of women who are anchors in their villages and owners of small businesses. It’s not merely about transactions, it’s about enabling growth and resilience in Fiji’s most remote communities.”
SPBD Microfinance Founder and CEO, Gregory Casagrande, added, “Our goal is to empower Fijian women to establish, expand, and sustain their own small enterprises. Collaborating with Digicel Fiji and using the MyCash platform enables us to streamline our services to be more convenient and accessible to those in rural villages. This digital transition saves our members time and money, freeing them up to put more energy into their businesses and families. It’s a game-changer for financial empowerment. In line with Micro-Merchant Enablement, Digicel Fiji is equipping SPBD members with QR Pay solutions, including co-branded collateral and stands, and waiving transaction fees. This initiative allows members to be formally recognised as micro-merchants and transact using their own QR codes, just like established grocery shops, further boosting their visibility and business potential.”
In addition to facilitating microloans, the partnership includes the rollout of Micro-Merchant Enablement, an initiative equipping SPBD members with QR Pay solutions and co-branded materials. Digicel Fiji is also waiving transaction fees, allowing women entrepreneurs to operate as recognised micro-merchants. Members will be able to accept digital payments via their unique QR codes, similar to established retail stores, helping increase their visibility and customer reach.
The partnership expands SPBD’s reach across rural areas through Digicel Fiji’s network coverage. Both organisations say the collaboration goes beyond financial access, focusing on long-term community development and sustainable growth for women-led enterprises.
By combining digital finance with microenterprise support, Digicel Fiji and SPBD aim to transform how women entrepreneurs in Fiji’s rural villages access, manage, and grow their businesses in the digital economy.
