AGP Executive Report

Renewables & Energy Security: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra have signed MoUs with Energy Fiji Ltd for the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project: Stage 1 (22MW solar + 40MWh BESS) and Stage 2 (120MW + 200MWh), targeting commercial operations by Q1 2029 and cutting diesel reliance. Digital Transport Payments: Fiji’s eTransport platform now supports QR code fare payments via the mobile app (including offline wallet support), with Digicel myCash and Vodafone M-PAiSA transfers/top-ups integrated. Public Health Watch: Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports rising influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections, with lab testing confirming earlier-than-usual seasonal influenza activity. Border Tech & Sovereignty: Parliament scrutinises the Vuvale Union/Ocean of Peace treaties as Fiji builds independent border capability, including MERIT system upgrades and data/storage questions. Agritech for Cane: Fiji Sugar Corporation is rolling out spray drones for precision crop treatment in steep and flood-prone areas. HIV Alarm: Researchers urge New Zealand to strengthen its response to Fiji’s rapidly escalating HIV epidemic, calling it a regional health security issue.

Renewables & Storage: Energy Fiji is moving ahead with the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project, with EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra set to deliver Stage 1 (22MW solar + 40MWh BESS) and Stage 2 (120MW + 200MWh), aiming for commercial operations by Q1 2029. Transport Payments: Fiji’s eTransport system now supports QR code fare payments from smartphones (with offline wallet support), adding cardless convenience for bus riders. Border Tech & Sovereignty: Fiji Revenue and Customs says it’s building the ability to run border systems independently under the proposed Vuvale Union, while lawmakers question data control, departure controls, and coordination gaps. Health Watch: Fiji reports rising influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections, with lab-confirmed seasonal influenza activity increasing earlier than last year. Public Health Digital: PATISPlus is being rolled into maternal and child health clinics to track high-risk pregnancies and improve follow-up, including disaster and outbreak support. Agritech for Sugar: Fiji Sugar Corporation is trialling spray drones for cane fields, targeting faster input application where tractors struggle. GBV Focus: Fiji’s GBV prevalence rate is prompting renewed calls for men and communities to take a stronger prevention role. HIV Alert: Researchers urge New Zealand to strengthen its response to Fiji’s fast-growing HIV epidemic as a regional health security issue. Workplace Tech Skills: Leadership Fiji highlights that younger staff bring strong technology skills, but leaders need to understand their expectations rather than label them “difficult.”

Non-sugar farming delays: Minister Tomasi Tunabuna admitted contractors have delayed land prep for non-sugar crop farmers for over 12 months, calling for tighter monitoring and evaluation and warning contractors they could lose jobs. Precision sugar tech: Fiji Sugar Corporation is moving toward spray drone support for steep, wet, flood-prone cane areas, with officers training before commercial rollout. Border control coordination: Parliament is scrutinising gaps between Immigration and FRCS after a major tax-liability case reportedly left Fiji, as a new departure-order system and Vuvale treaty-linked upgrades aim to strengthen controls. Vuvale data and sovereignty: Officials say Fiji will keep government data in local centres for now while considering disaster-recovery options, and they’re developing data protection safeguards as concerns grow about where sensitive systems and cyber units could end up. Solar-plus-storage for Fiji: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra have signed MOUs with Energy Fiji Ltd for the Yaqara project—22MW solar + 40MWh battery first, then 120MW + 200MWh—targeting operations by 2029. Maternal health digital upgrade: PATISPlus is being introduced to maternal and child health clinics to track high-risk pregnancies and connect care across stages, with pilots expanding to other divisions. Climate resilience push: Pacific leaders at Palau reaffirmed the 1.5°C goal and backed urgent climate action, climate finance access, and ocean-climate priorities. Reef protection commitment: Tonga, FSM and French Polynesia joined a climate-resilient coral reefs pledge, including community-led approaches like rāhui. Online safety debate: Fiji’s Law Reform Commissioner says any child social media restrictions need more consultation, especially on practical enforcement and privacy.

Renewables Rollout: EPC Renewables and Grupo Cobra have signed an MOU with Energy Fiji Ltd for the Yaqara solar-plus-battery project—22 MW solar with 40 MWh storage in stage one, then 120 MW with 200 MWh—aiming for a PPA by Q1 2027 and commercial operations by Q1 2029. Border Tech & Sovereignty: Fiji’s Vuvale Union talks are sparking scrutiny over gaps between Immigration and FRCS, plus concerns about whether systems, surveillance and sensitive data could become dependent on Australia; officials say Fiji will build long-term capability and keep data under local control while options for disaster recovery are considered. Online Safety & Kids: Fiji’s Law Reform Commission says a social media age restriction could be part of online safety law changes, but warns monitoring, privacy and practical enforcement need more consultation—especially with children. Health Digital Systems: PATISPlus is being rolled into Fiji maternal and child health clinics, linking patient info across pregnancy to postnatal care to track high-risk cases and support care during outbreaks and disasters. Climate Resilience: Pacific leaders at Palau reaffirmed urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive, boost climate finance, and protect climate-resilient reefs—highlighting reefs as food and coastline lifelines. GBV Focus: Fiji’s gender assessment shows GBV prevalence at 64%, prompting calls for men and communities to take a stronger prevention role.

Border Tech & Sovereignty: Fiji’s Vuvale Union plans deepen Australia’s role in border management, including MERIT systems, passenger data sharing and document forensics—while officials face tough questions on where sensitive government data and recovery infrastructure could be stored and how Fiji keeps control. Digital Health: Fiji is rolling out PATISPlus to maternal and child health clinics, linking patient info across pregnancy to postnatal care and helping track high-risk cases, with pilots expanding to the Northern, Western and Eastern divisions. Online Safety & Kids: Fiji’s online safety review may consider limits on children’s social media use, but lawmakers say more consultation is needed—especially on practical enforcement and privacy. GBV Prevention: New GBV prevalence figures (64%) are driving calls for men, fathers, churches and communities to take a stronger role in prevention. Flood Reality: Nadi residents say warnings aren’t enough—drainage maintenance and long-term flood protection are key. COVID Update: Fiji reports 274 new cases and warns the next virus wave could hit in 4–5 days.

Online Safety Law Review: Fiji’s Law Reform Commissioner says any social media ban for children would need more consultation, especially with kids, and warns policing is hard if children use parents’ accounts/devices; age-assurance tech also raises privacy and Pacific-fit concerns. Border Tech & Sovereignty: Fiji Revenue and Customs and immigration officials say Australia will fund and train staff for a new MERIT border system and forensic document tools, but FRCS stresses the expansion must protect Fiji’s sovereignty and customs/revenue tech as critical national infrastructure. Maternal Health Digital Upgrade: PATISPlus is being rolled into Fiji maternal and child health clinics, linking care from pregnancy to postnatal follow-up and helping prioritise high-risk patients during outbreaks and disasters. COVID Update: Fiji reports 274 new COVID-19 cases; Health PS Dr James Fong warns the next wave could hit in 4–5 days and urges masks, distancing and handwashing alongside vaccine protection. Climate & Food/Water Pressure: Pacific leaders reaffirm climate change as the biggest threat at PIF, while El Niño warnings point to drought in some areas and heavier rain in others—raising risks for drinking water, food and children’s health. Health Research: FNU and UNSW research finds older Fijians often eat high carbs/low protein, while Fiji’s scabies prevalence nearly halved after a 2022 mass drug campaign.

Climate & Nature Solutions: NatureFiji-MareqetiViti director Nunia Thomas-Moko says Pacific communities must lead biodiversity, climate and pollution responses—using local knowledge plus access to technical tools and funding via Fiji’s GFSGP “Country Hub” with SPREP. Treaty Tech & Borders: Fiji’s proposed Vuvale Union treaty won’t guarantee visa-free travel; officials say the priority is strengthening identity and border management systems first, with data protection legislation being developed and biometric options discussed. Data Privacy Scrutiny: Parliament submissions question whether treaty work could make Fiji dependent on Australian cybersecurity; Fiji says sovereignty will be protected while building a local data protection framework. Inclusive Education: Teachers urge Fiji to prioritise sign language and Braille in the mainstream curriculum from Year 1–13, arguing it should be universal—not limited to special programmes. Health & Nutrition: A study with UNSW and FNU finds many older Fijians eat high carbs and fats but too little protein, raising concerns for healthy ageing. Pacific Climate Push: PIF leaders in Palau reaffirm 1.5°C as the key goal, calling for faster fossil-fuel cuts, more climate finance, and stronger ocean-climate action ahead of COP31. Digital for Sugar: SCGF launches a Digital Management System, chatbot and GEDSI framework in Lautoka with ADB support to improve transparency and access for growers.

Climate & COP31 Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed urgent action to keep 1.5°C alive, calling for faster fossil-fuel cuts, more climate finance, and stronger ocean-climate work ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Coral Protection: Palau and other Pacific members endorsed a climate-resilient coral reefs commitment, urging reef protection using best available science and funding. Fiji Data Privacy: Fiji’s proposed Vuvale Union treaty has sparked questions on whether Fiji can protect citizens’ data rights; officials say a data protection framework is being developed with Council of Europe support. Border Tech: Fiji may introduce biometric checks and digital border screening as it upgrades airport and port entry systems under treaty discussions. Inclusive Education: Teachers want sign language and Braille prioritised in Fiji’s mainstream curriculum from Year 1 to Year 13, citing gaps highlighted by a recent USP incident. Health & Nutrition: Older Fijians are still eating too little protein; meanwhile Fiji is seeing an early rise in influenza-like illnesses, with health authorities urging precautions. Digital Access: Digicel Fiji and TAF signed a USO deal to connect remote Lau communities with mobile and digital services using satellite Wi‑Fi powered by Starlink.

Nutrition & Health: A University of New South Wales and FNU study at the Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium found many older Fijians eat high carbs and fats but not enough protein, raising concerns for muscle and healthy ageing. Public Health: Fiji’s Ministry of Health says influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections are rising earlier than last year, urging people to stay home when sick and seek care for severe symptoms. Digital Connectivity: Digicel Fiji and TAF signed a Universal Service Obligation deal to extend mobile and digital services to remote Lau Group communities using Starlink-powered satellite Wi‑Fi. Border Tech: Fiji is considering biometric checks and digital screening upgrades at airports and ports under the Fiji–Australia Vuvale Union treaty work. Marine Science: Research shows the “blue-green chromis” sold for reef tanks is actually two species, reshaping how aquarium and reef studies identify fish. Climate & Oceans: Pacific leaders at the PIF renewed calls to keep 1.5°C alive, push more climate finance, and strengthen ocean and reef protection ahead of COP31. GBV Focus: FNU’s vice-chancellor says Fiji must rethink GBV responses after decades of laws and spending, stressing men’s involvement and ending community “silence.”

Climate & COP31 Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed urgent global action to keep 1.5°C within reach, boost climate finance, and strengthen ocean-climate and disaster preparedness ahead of COP31. Renewables Investment: On the eve of the Forum, leaders launched a $2b “100% Renewable Blue Pacific” investment prospectus to cut fossil fuel dependence. Digital Inclusion: Bank South Pacific says digital payments are key to financial inclusion, highlighting growth in internet and mobile banking and its USSD “Wantok Wallet.” Border Tech for Security: Fiji is moving toward biometric checks and more digital border screening under the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union treaty, alongside plans for better data integration. Health Alerts: Fiji’s Ministry of Health warns of an early rise in influenza-like illnesses and acute respiratory infections, urging precautions and prompt care. Food & Tech for Resilience: Fiji’s sugar sector is rolling out a Digital Management System and chatbot to improve transparency and inclusion, while school meals research suggests local sourcing could add $25m for farmers. Aquaculture Upgrade: Fiji’s Naduruloulou fisheries station is set for a $548k aquaculture boost, upgrading a prawn hatchery and rehabilitating ponds.

Disaster & Climate Finance (Gender-Responsive): SPC is urging women and men to sit together in disaster planning and climate financing, citing Fiji examples where women were left out of relocation decisions and faced gaps like missing kitchens and unequal priorities. Digital Agriculture: Fiji’s sugar sector is rolling out a Digital Management System, a Smart Chatbot and a GEDSI framework with ADB support to cut paper-based costs, improve transparency and widen financial inclusion for growers. Universal Connectivity: Digicel Fiji and TAF signed a USO deal to connect remote Lau communities, using government satellite Wi‑Fi powered by Starlink to expand access to digital services. Health Watch (Influenza): Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports an early rise in influenza-like illnesses, with testing confirming seasonal flu and calls for stronger infection prevention and care for high-risk groups. School Meals & Local Farmers: A proposed Home-Grown School Meals Policy could add $10m–$25m annually for local agriculture by creating a steady market for fresh produce. Aquaculture Upgrade: Naduruloulou Research Fisheries Station is set for a $548k boost, upgrading a prawn hatchery and rehabilitating 15 ponds to raise capacity and support food security. Police Tech & Justice: Fiji’s proposed Police Bill would allow body-worn camera footage to be admitted in court, moving beyond the current trial-stage limits. GBV Response Rethink: FNU says $140m+ spent since 2016 hasn’t reduced GBV, calling for programs that include perpetrators and break the culture of silence. Disaster Science (Tonga Tsunami Warning): New research in Science Advances links Tonga’s deadly 2022 tsunami to a later caldera collapse and its fast underwater acoustic signal—pointing to a new early-warning pathway. Pacific Security Debate: Civil society groups warn Pacific leaders against locking in new regional security structures without public oversight, as militarisation concerns grow. Fiji-UAE Ties: Fiji will host a UAE ministerial visit focused on trade, investment, climate action, renewables, education and connectivity, including plans for a UAE embassy in Suva. Sports (BOG): Extra Battle of the Giants kicks off in Ba, with Roy Krishna urging fans to turn up and clubs pushing home advantage.

Universal Connectivity: Digicel Fiji and TAF signed a new USO contract to bring mobile and digital services to remote Lau communities, using government-led satellite Wi‑Fi powered by Starlink. Public Safety Tech: Fiji’s proposed Police Bill would allow body-worn camera footage to be admitted in court, moving cams beyond training and trial use. Health Watch: Fiji’s Ministry of Health reports an early rise in influenza-like illnesses, urging masks, hand hygiene, and prompt care for severe symptoms. School Nutrition & Local Food: A proposed Home-Grown School Meals Policy could add $25m a year for farmers by linking schools to local produce and seafood. Aquaculture Upgrade: Naduruloulou Research Fisheries Station gets $548,000 for a prawn hatchery upgrade and pond rehabilitation to boost production and research. Climate Pressure: UNEP warns the world is set to overshoot the 1.5°C goal, with Pacific leaders in Palau pushing for faster fossil-fuel phaseout and adaptation support. GBV Response Rethink: Fiji has spent $140m on gender-based violence since 2016, but violence remains high; speakers call for involving men and strengthening vanua leadership.

Climate Science: UNEP says the world is set to pass the 1.5°C warming limit within the next few years, with current policies pointing to about 2.6°C by 2100, pushing an “overshoot, peak and decline” pathway and warning of worsening heat, floods, and sea-level impacts. Pacific Food & Water: Scientists warn Pacific islands face food shortages and saltwater intrusion into drinking water as warming overshoots 1.5°C, with major losses to fisheries and household protein. Solar for Islands: A new RIBA-backed design challenge invites architecture and engineering students to embed climate-resilient solar into small-island tourism infrastructure in Fiji, the Maldives, and Mauritius. Digital & Energy Support: The US announced a Pacific investment push for Tonga, including a feasibility study for modernising its national data centre and secure cloud migration, plus energy security funding. Education Data: ACER joined Pacific education leaders in Suva to discuss using learning data to strengthen systems, with PILNA results due on International Literacy Day. Health Tech & Policy: Fiji’s STI pilot study finds high chlamydia and gonorrhoea rates among pregnant women and many asymptomatic cases, while nurse practitioner research highlights resource and communication gaps in rural and maritime care. Security & Governance: PANG warns proposed Pacific security deals could lock in militarisation without enough oversight, as leaders meet in Palau amid geopolitical tensions.

Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s PM defended Pacific pre-COP attendance as the UN warns the world will breach the 1.5°C warming limit within five years, with Fiji and Tuvalu hosting the lead-up and more leaders lined up. Online Safety & Child Protection: Fiji is considering tougher age checks for adult sites, while the Online Safety Commission says online harms are getting more complex as its budget drops by F$400,000. Health Workforce & Care Gaps: Research at FNU highlights burnout and isolation for nurse practitioners in rural, remote and maritime areas, and Fiji’s ongoing role in supporting Pacific health systems. STIs in Pregnancy: A Fiji study finds very high chlamydia and gonorrhoea rates among pregnant women, with most infections asymptomatic—pushing stronger prevention and testing. Education Data for Policy: Pacific leaders met to use learning data to strengthen education systems, with PILNA results set for release in September. Food & Nutrition Policy: Fiji’s home-grown school meals push targets obesity concerns with a proposed F$2.2m for vegetable-focused pilots. Renewables & Energy Security: Fiji’s renewable energy pipeline and Pacific energy dependence on imported diesel keep featuring in regional discussions on resilience. Seafood Trade: Seafood Expo Asia opens in Singapore, with Fiji among participating countries and new innovation pavilions.

Agriculture Tech Trial: Fiji’s Ministry of Sugar is testing mechanical harvesters for hilly cane farms to tackle labour shortages and steep-slope harvesting challenges, with trials to match machines to local terrain before any farmer investment. Online Safety & Child Protection: Fiji is considering tougher age checks for adult websites, moving beyond “confirm you’re 18” boxes, while the Online Safety Commission warns online harms are getting more serious as its budget drops by F$400,000. Forensics & Justice: The ODPP is reviewing new forensic lab results in the Peniasi Racagi death case, saying it won’t rush decisions and will assess all evidence together. Public Health Nutrition: A major survey is launching to map food environments behind rising childhood overweight/obesity, including how schools and communities can support healthier choices. Energy & Climate Resilience: Fiji’s renewable energy push continues, with a reported F$2 billion pipeline and a push toward 90% renewables by 2035, linking reliable power to digital growth. Regional Tech/Innovation: UNSW will host a global summit on healthier cities, while Hong Kong’s ABU Robocon 2026 highlights robotics talent across the Asia-Pacific.

Pacific Diplomacy: The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau is off to a shaky start, with major leader absences and reports that China is angry about Taiwan’s representation, raising fresh questions about outside influence. Online Safety & Child Protection: Fiji’s Online Safety Commission says online harms are getting more serious and complex even as its budget drops by $400,000, and it’s pushing for stronger laws and adequate funding; Fiji is also considering tougher age checks for adult websites beyond a simple “over 18” box. Public Health: Fiji is tackling rising childhood overweight/obesity with a major survey mapping food environments, while separate health reporting flags Fijians consuming about double the WHO-recommended daily salt intake. Energy & Tech: Fiji is advancing a $2 billion renewable energy pipeline aimed at cutting diesel dependence, and Google’s Fiji subsea landing/data centre work at Natadola is progressing with renewed focus on landowner consultation and solar power plans. Justice & Forensics: The ODPP is reviewing new forensic lab findings in the Peniasi Racagi death case, saying it won’t rush its decision.