In a milestone moment for Vanuatu’s digital future, Akanesi Kaufusi, founder of Siuhuu—the largest online marketplace for Pacific Islanders, was invited to attend the 2024 Vanuatu E-commerce Symposium as the first international guest from the E-Commerce Market Developer since the event began in 2021. The event, held in Port Vila, marked the fourth year of the Symposium, with Akanesi’s presence signaling a significant step forward in regional e-commerce collaboration.
As the Pacific’s digital landscape continues to evolve, Vanuatu faces key challenges in developing its online market. These include the lack of local online payment gateways, the high cost and complexity of building websites, limited marketing capacity for small businesses, and prohibitive logistics costs. Despite these barriers, the enthusiasm for digital innovation is strong, and Akanesi’s attendance was seen as a timely opportunity for solutions.
During her visit, Akanesi listened to the stories and struggles of Vanuatu’s small business owners. She noted that the absence of a reliable online payment system made it difficult for local entrepreneurs to sell their products. For many, setting up their own websites is both expensive and overly technical, while marketing requires resources and time that are often unavailable to small businesses. Furthermore, logistics remain a pressing issue; delivery fees are sometimes higher than the price of the goods themselves, hindering trade across the islands.
“It was humbling to hear the challenges Vanuatu is facing in their digital journey,” Akanesi shared. “But I am honored to bring a solution with Siuhuu, a platform created by Pacific Islanders for Pacific Islanders.”
Siuhuu, a tech start-up Akanesi founded, aims to revolutionize the way Pacific Islanders buy and sell products online. The platform removes the need for individual websites and marketing strategies, offering a centralized marketplace where vendors can easily create online stores for free. This ease of access was warmly welcomed by the people of Vanuatu, who eagerly anticipate Siuhuu’s expansion to the country later this year.
For Akanesi, this trip to Vanuatu was not just about introducing Siuhuu, but about connecting with the people and understanding their needs. She met with local farmers, women entrepreneurs, and even teachers, all of whom expressed excitement about the opportunities Siuhuu would bring. Farmers were eager to expand their reach beyond Vanuatu’s shores, selling their crops across the Pacific and globally. Women who had long dreamed of selling online but were deterred by the complexities of website building felt empowered by Siuhuu’s user-friendly approach.
“Today, I had the privilege of meeting farmers who are excited about the opportunities Siuhuu offers,” Akanesi shared. “I also spoke with local women who have always wanted to sell online but found building websites too costly and complicated. With Siuhuu, they no longer need to worry about that.”
Even educators were thrilled at the possibilities Siuhuu could bring, with teachers asking if they could list their tutoring services on the platform. “Their joy was contagious when I told them, yes, they absolutely can!” Akanesi added.
At the Symposium, Akanesi explained her vision for Siuhuu to be the “Alibaba or Amazon of the Pacific.” She emphasized the high quality and craftsmanship of Pacific-made products, and how the platform would help showcase them to a global audience. By consolidating the region’s products and services into one accessible platform, Siuhuu aims to facilitate trade not only within the Pacific but internationally.
As part of her trip, Akanesi also attended the ‘Vanuatu Made’ Day, an event where businesses from across Vanuatu’s six provinces showcased their locally produced goods. She was deeply impressed by the talent and craftsmanship on display, with many of these businesses currently limited to selling within Vanuatu. However, with Siuhuu’s impending launch, the goal is to connect these local artisans and producers to a global market, fulfilling their dreams of expanding beyond the islands.
Looking ahead, Siuhuu plans to officially launch in Vanuatu before Christmas this year, a development eagerly anticipated by local businesses. With the recent introduction of Starlink internet in Vanuatu, even remote communities will have access to fast internet, enabling them to participate in the digital marketplace and sell their products from anywhere on the islands.
“The challenges I’ve heard here, around payment gateways, technology, marketing, and logistics, are the same across the Pacific,” Akanesi said. “Siuhuu arrives at a perfect time to address these barriers and connect our communities on one platform.”
Akanesi’s trip to Vanuatu symbolizes a new chapter in the Pacific’s e-commerce journey, where collaboration and innovation will drive future growth. Siuhuu is poised to not only support local businesses but to empower entire communities by providing them with the tools they need to reach global markets.
As Akanesi concluded, “Together, we can uplift our Pacific communities and share the beauty of our culture with the world.”
