The bustling halls of Le Lagon Resort in Port Vila, Vanuatu, recently hosted the Regional Workshop on Strengthening Pacific Connectivity and Inter-Agency Collaboration through Trade. The three-day event, held from December 4 to 6, 2024, brought together leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the Pacific to discuss and strategize on regional trade and connectivity. Among the prominent voices was Akanesi Kaufusi, the founder of Siuhuu, whose presentation on the second day, representing the private sector, left attendees inspired and excited for the future of Pacific e-commerce.

Sharing the Vision of Siuhuu

Akanesi’s presentation, a last-minute addition to the agenda, showcased Siuhuu’s journey, achievements, and ambitions. Despite learning of the opportunity just a day before, the founder delivered an engaging and heartfelt session that highlighted Siuhuu’s role in empowering Pacific Islanders through e-commerce. Drawing on the platform’s mission to connect remote communities to global markets, Akanesi illustrated how Siuhuu aligns with the workshop’s overarching theme of fostering stronger regional connections.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with several participants expressing enthusiasm about Siuhuu’s potential to expand to their regions. This enthusiasm underscores a growing recognition of e-commerce as a tool for economic inclusivity in the Pacific.

Networking and Learning Across Borders

The workshop was not just a platform for discussions but also a fertile ground for networking and collaboration. Akanesi noted the value of learning from other attendees, including Flavio Simoes, a representative from Timor-Leste, who shared locally made coffee and moringa samples. The exchange of ideas and products between participants exemplified the spirit of interconnectivity that the event aimed to foster.

Workshop Highlights

Organized by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the workshop focused on strengthening supply chain resilience, improving logistics, and developing a cohesive regional strategy. It included diverse presentations from stakeholders such as airlines, shipping companies, and regional organizations like the SPC and TraSeable Solutions. Field visits to customs facilities provided practical insights into local trade infrastructure.

The second day, when Akanesi presented, centered on identifying opportunities and challenges in Pacific trade. Group discussions culminated in recommendations for enhancing inter-agency collaboration and mapping out future strategies for resilient supply chains.

Kava Trade Discussions

Looking Forward

As the workshop concluded, participants expressed a shared commitment to building a more connected and competitive Pacific region. For Siuhuu, the event was a milestone, opening doors to new partnerships and regional expansion. Akanesi’s presentation and the positive reception it garnered highlighted the vital role of innovation and collaboration in the Pacific’s trade future.

Reflecting on the experience, Akanesi expressed gratitude to the Pacific Islands Forum team and workshop participants for their support and encouragement. “This is just the beginning,” the founder remarked. “Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Pacific.”

The workshop’s success signals a promising future for Pacific connectivity and collaboration, with initiatives like Siuhuu leading the way.

Akanesi at the famous Blue Lagoon in Vanuatu as the three-day workshop concluded.