From 3-6 June 2025, AFI’s Pacific Islands Regional Initiative (PIRI) meeting, co-hosted by the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, will explore how financial inclusion can strengthen economic resilience and social equity across the region.
The meeting is being attended by over 70 participants from six regional central banks, as well as representatives from the central banks of Seychelles and Kenya. Discussions will cover cross-sector collaboration, robust data governance, and the development of digital public infrastructure.
“This year’s PIRI Symposium comes at a critical time,” said Dr. Eliki Boletawa, AFI’s Director of Policy Programs and Implementation. “As Pacific nations face ongoing economic and climate challenges, the rapid digital transformation of financial services presents both risks and opportunities. Our collective response through policy, regulation, and collaboration will shape whether this shift drives inclusion—or deepens exclusion.”
The meeting coincides with the launch of Tonga’s Fintech Regulatory Sandbox Framework, which will allow businesses to test new and innovative products under regulatory supervision.
“The launch of the Framework aligns with the Pacific’s financial inclusion priorities,” said Hon Dr. Aisake Valu Eke, Prime Minister of Tonga. “In 2022, Pacific Economic Ministers emphasized the role of digital innovation in expanding access to financial services under the Pacific Money Pacific Goals 2025. This was reinforced in 2024 with the approval of Regional Priority Actions, including a focus on financial resilience and access. Tonga’s sandbox aligns with these goals by creating a controlled environment to test innovative digital solutions that can enhance inclusion, resilience, and access across the region.”
On 6th June, PIRI central bank governors will endorse the Nuku’alofa Pledge, a shared commitment to achieving financial systems that are inclusive, climate-resilient, and economically empowering.