Sydney, Australia – Siuhuu, an innovative e-commerce platform designed to empower Pacific Islanders, has received vital funding from the Pro Fellows Program. This milestone follows the participation of Siuhuu’s founder, Akanesi Talilotu Kaufusi, in the Pacific Islands Young Economic Empowerment Leaders held in Hawaii and Washington D.C. The program is a notable initiative of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by the East-West Center.
The newly acquired funding has enabled Siuhuu to complete and launch its shipping automation integration this July. This crucial feature streamlines shipping processes, significantly enhancing the platform’s functionality and user experience.
Furthermore, the funding has enabled Siuhuu to commence the development of the Siuhuu App. The app aims to provide a seamless and accessible e-commerce experience for Pacific Islanders. The development is on track for completion, with a planned launch date of January 2025.
Akanesi Kaufusi expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “This funding is a significant step forward for Siuhuu. It allows us to enhance our platform and better serve our Pacific community. We are excited about the upcoming launch of our app, which will bring even more opportunities for Pacific Islanders to engage in secure and global online trade.”
This funding means a great deal to Akanesi and her team. “It signifies that they see the mission and vision we have for Siuhuu and believe in our potential to succeed,” she added. “This belief and support are invaluable as we strive to create lasting positive impacts for Pacific Islanders through technology.”
Since the launch of Siuhuu, the platform has been primarily self-funded by its founder, Akanesi Kaufusi. This is the first external funding received by Siuhuu, making it a particularly exciting and hopeful milestone for the future of the platform. The team is incredibly grateful for this support and optimistic about what lies ahead.
Siuhuu continues to be a beacon for Pacific Island entrepreneurship, driving economic growth and cultural preservation through technology. With ongoing support and development, Siuhuu is set to make a significant impact on the e-commerce landscape for Pacific Island people worldwide.
