Brief report on current Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)

1. MFI WEST- The MFI launched the microfinance scheme in April 2000 in Lautoka. The MFI was formerly known as Aglow Microfinance Unit. It has branches in Nadi and Ba and operations in Sigatoka began in 2004. MFI West holds 50% of the national portfolio for microfinance in Fiji. The organization operates through government funding to serve the wider area of Western Viti Levu from Sigatoka to Ba, Tavua and Vatukoula.

2. FCOSS - The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) was the 1st NGO to implement the MF program in late November 1999 after receiving a government grant of F$200,000. The MFI services the Navua, Suva and Nausori corridor and parts of the Namosi, Naitasiri, Tailevu and Rewa areas.

3. TIKINA NAKUAILAVA – The Programme began with a savings first mobilization which was launched in November 2002. The tikina is composed of five (5) villages namely: Tobu, Bucalevu, Toki, Savulotu and Dama. To date the scheme has extended its services to other surrounding villages within other districts of Tailevu, Rakiraki, Nalawa and Nakorotubu.

4. TIKINA TAVUKI KADAVU – The scheme was launched in April 2003 with the support of the Kadavu Provincial Council in seven (7) villages of the Tikina namely: Tavuki, Baidamudamu, Solodamu, Natumua, Nukunuku, Waisomo and Nagonedau. This is the third year of operations and the programme has outreached to other districts of Yawe, Ravitaki, Sainima and Nabukelevu.

5. TIKINA VUYA BUA – The MF scheme in Bua was launched in Vuya Bua in October 2003 and about F$11,600 was collected in savings deposits within three months of savings mobilization. The programme initially began in the five (5) villages within the Tikina namely: Nabouwalu, Vuya, Nawaido, Wairiki and Navave but it has gradually spread its services to other nearby districts.

6. COOPERATIVES – The department of Cooperatives together with the microfinance Unit initiated the microfinance cooperative methodology in Labasa. This scheme witnessed the launch of the Matasawalevu and Winisuka Cooperative in Macuata on July 18th 2003. The Co-op scheme provides microfinance services to cooperatives in Macuata.

7. MFI LABASA – Microfinance services in Labasa began in October 2002 with a savings first mobilization. Loan facility opened in July 2003. These areas pioneered the scheme: Nacula, Naqai, Wasavulu, Cawaira and Nasea. To date the programme has extended outreach to the nearby villages within the provinces of Macuata and Savusavu.

8. MFI Rewa – Rewa Microfinance Institution launched its savings first mobilization scheme on March 28th 2007. Villages pioneering the services are : lomanikoro, Nasigatoka, Nabua, Nasilai, Drekena, Nadoi, Tavuya, Nabudrau, Vutia, Taci, Navaka, Naqarani, Matanimoli, Burebasaga, Suvalailai, Waivou, Naivikisara, Vunisinu and Nakorovou.