Tarawa, Kiribati – 22 April 2026 – Through a training delivered by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Kiribati’s private sector has taken a significant step towards the digital economy, with local small businesses gaining new e-commerce skills and tools to expand their market reach and tap into emerging trade opportunities.

More than 30 local businesses participated in the PIFS E-commerce Workshop held on 15 and 16 April 2026 in Tarawa, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC). The workshop provided practical guidance on online marketplaces, digital tools, marketing strategies, and compliance with business regulations – key elements required to build trust and support effective operation in the digital space.

Interest from local businesses was high, with over 300 applications received to participate in the Workshop. Owing however to logistical limitations, a limited number of small businesses were selected for in-person training. To ensure broader access and inclusivity, the Forum Secretariat delivered a follow-up online training workshop the following week for businesses that were not selected for in-person training.

In her opening remarks, Kiribati Assistant Secretary for the MTCIC thanked PIFS and its partners for their support in delivering the training, and stating, “The E-Biz Plus Program is both timely and strategic. It directly supports our national efforts by addressing critical gaps in e-commerce awareness, digital skills, and private sector readiness.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our national economies. Often family owned and operated, these micro, small, and medium-sized businesses provide economic stability and income for key investments, including education and health. As more businesses move online, it is important that small businesses are well supported and equipped to reap the benefits of the digital economy,” noted PIFS Acting Director of Programmes and Initiatives, Mr Denton Rarawa

The training forms part of a the four-step approach of the PIFS E-Biz Plus program, which includes the development of e-commerce business toolkits; delivery of e-commerce training workshops; tailored coaching for selected businesses; and grant support to selected businesses to help transform e-commerce ideas into reality. This work aligns with the aspirations of the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap, as well as the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

The implementation of the PIFS E-Biz Plus program in Kiribati is funded by the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, a joint initiative of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), with financial support from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, together with the European Union.

Training material from the workshop will be made publicly available on the Pacific E-commerce Portal.

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