Alofi, Niue – 20 January 2026 – The PIFS E-Biz Plus program in Niue has concluded with five local businesses successfully scaling up their e-commerce operations and enhancing their digital presence.
The program, led by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) with funding support from the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), builds on an earlier phase delivered in 2024. That initial phase focused on developing PIFS Business E-commerce Toolkits, delivering training workshops, selecting the businesses to participate in the coaching and grant support schemes, which are the main focus of the following phase.
PIFS Acting Director of Programmes and Initiatives, Denton Rarawa, said, “PIFS is proud to engage with Niue businesses to build their e-commerce capability engage more effectively in e-commerce. Their progress contributes to trade growth and strengthens our Blue Pacific economy – contributing directly to the ambitions of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.”
Under the second phase of the program that started in June 2025, each grantee received up to AUD 8,500 in grant funding and 28 hours of tailored coaching, enabling investments addressing the various needs of going digital, including equipment, software, subscriptions etc, strengthening technical capacity, and unlocking opportunities for growth. This combined assistance has supported businesses to acquire essential tools, boost digital marketing, and better position themselves for expanded access to domestic, regional, and international markets.
Early results highlight the direct impact of the initiative:
- Ebony Carvings has upgraded its workshop tools and strengthened its online presence through improved Google and Facebook profiles.
- Mrs Sena’s Legacy has enhanced her digital marketing, increased Facebook engagement, and improved logistics to better facilitate online sales.
- Niue Island Organic Farmers Association (NIOFA) is developing a new website and advancing content creation to promote Niue’s organic growers and their products.
- NIUE Vanilla International, the largest grantee, is developing a mirror website to serve the Australian market.
- BOHNZ InfoTech has introduced a new IT-equipment rental service and established its retail space through the purchase of projectors, speakers, microphones, and display shelves for better promotion of merchandise.
NIOFA shared how the program is supporting its mission to elevate organic growers and strengthen community learning:
“At NIOFA, we’re passionate about organic farming and sharing sustainable practices with our community, especially the next generation. With the grants and funding support, we are helping our growers to educate, inspire, and open pathways to overseas markets through storytelling and digital outreach.” – Jama’l Talagi, President
For Mrs Sena’s Legacy, the program has helped shape a renewed brand identity grounded in Niuean culture:
“This program is more than just support, it’s a chance to rebrand our story, honour Niuean culture, and grow Mrs Sena’s Legacy into a lasting global presence.” – Moka Ioane Laufoli, Owner
The PIFS E-Biz Plus program directly implements Measures 4.2.1; 6.1.2 and 7.1.1 of the Pacific E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap by improving businesses’ digital skills and easing capital constraints for e-commerce. To date, PIFS has supported over 100 businesses through the program across Tuvalu, Samoa, Niue, Vanuatu, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Tonga. Kiribati is the latest country to join the program. The initiative is available to all Pacific Islands Forum member countries upon request.
