Nadi, Fiji, September 5th, 2025 – The European Union (EU) has announced a significant investment of €15 million (approximately FJD 40 million) to support rural electrification efforts in six Pacific countries. European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Mr. Jozef Síkela, made the announcement at the first-ever EU-Pacific Business Forum in Fiji. As part of the EU’s ambitious Global Gateway strategy, this investment will provide access to clean and reliable energy for thousands of families in remote communities in Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, unlocking opportunities for education, healthcare and economic growth.  

“Access to clean and reliable electricity is essential for the sustainable development and economic prosperity of the Pacific. The EU’s €15 million investment in rural electrification in six Pacific countries, announced today at the EU-Pacific Business Forum, will enable remote communities to develop better healthcare and education, as well as unlock economic opportunities, which is a crucial enabler of poverty reduction, sustainable growth, and enhanced living standards, in line with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy,” said European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Mr. Jozef Síkela.  

The Pacific Regional Electrification Programme (Pac-REP) will be implemented over four years by Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). 

“The EU’s investment demonstrates the power of genuine partnership with the Pacific to address climate mitigation and the adaptation and resilience of Pacific communities. Through the EU-GGGI collaboration, we are not only expanding electricity supply and access but also unlocking opportunities for the generation of co-benefits in education, health, and livelihoods. Every solar panel or alternative renewable energy system installed, every light switched on, brings us closer to a more sustainable and inclusive Pacific. It will also bring the target beneficiary countries close to their NDC targets of enhanced national renewable energy supply and access” added Mr.Sakiusa Tuisolia, Pacific Regional Director, GGGI.

The EU and GGGI will work closely with local partners to ensure that the programme responds to the specific needs of each community, and it contributes to the region’s overall development goals.