Tongan entrepreneur Akanesi Kaufusi celebrates the launch of the Siuhuu app.
By Michelle Curran
Strategic Communications, Pasifika TV
Tongan entrepreneur Akanesi Kaufusi is celebrating as her online marketplace Siuhuu continues to set a new standard for Pacific commerce.
The Young Pacific Leader (YPL) and Academy of Women Entrepreneur (AWE) participant proudly launched the Siuhuu app in July.
It is another step towards her goal of growing Siuhuu (an expression of joy and celebration) into the largest online marketplace for Pacific people, worldwide, Akanesi says.
“At Siuhuu, our goal is to create a thriving digital economy for Pacific Island communities by breaking down the barriers that have held back local businesses for too long,” she says.
“We support, grow, and evolve Pacific business and community prosperity in five keyways including creating global access for Pacific businesses; providing secure and inclusive payment solutions; solving Pacific logistical challenges; exposing Pacific talents and businesses to the world; and fostering community collaboration and skills growth.
“Ultimately, Siuhuu is more than a marketplace, it’s a movement to empower Pacific Islanders, strengthen cultural identity, and create lasting prosperity for our people.”
Challenge has accompanied Suihuu’s growing success, but Akanesi says the opportunity to take part in the United States Government’s YPL and AWE initiatives has provided her with the capacity to tackle any issues head-on.
“I had the opportunity to attend the Pacific Islands Young Economic Empowerment Leaders Fellows Program in Hawai’i last year, and this year I joined the Women Entrepreneurs Conference in Guam,” she says.
“Both experiences were truly transformative.
“They gave me the chance to learn new skills, connect with inspiring leaders across the Pacific, and build valuable partnerships with organizations I might never have met otherwise.”
Through YPL, Akanesi says her network has grown, her leadership skills have strengthened, and she has gained the confidence to take bold steps with her business.
Meanwhile, AWE has given her fresh ideas and the chance to review and rewrite her business plan with more clarity and focus and opened doors to connect with other women entrepreneurs.
“That network of support has been incredibly valuable and being able to share experiences and uplift each other makes the entrepreneurial journey a lot less lonely and so much more empowering.”
After launching the app, Akanesi is hopeful people will start seeing Siuhuu as the go-to marketplace for everyone in the Pacific regions, as well as Pacific Islanders living overseas.
Her team will be traveling throughout the region to introduce and promote Siuhuu, run trainings, and spread awareness about the platform, while also continuously improving the website and app, with the goal of making Siuhuu the most user-friendly e-commerce solution for the Pacific.
“At the same time, we’re working to build partnerships with larger companies abroad that can support and uplift the small businesses already joining our platform,” Akanesi says.
“By next year, we aim to have plans in place to expand into international markets like Asia, the US and Europe, ensuring Pacific businesses have a global stage to thrive on.”
Akanesi encourages people to jump on-board with Siuhuu – including businesses, investors, and partners.
“We now have a platform created by Pacific people, for Pacific people – one we can truly call our own,” she says.
“Through Siuhuu, we can support each other’s businesses, give Pacific Islanders abroad easy access to island products and services, and help the small businesses already on the platform grow and thrive.
“The more we buy and sell through Siuhuu, the stronger our platform becomes, and the more opportunities we create to expand into larger markets.”
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more details on the US Department of State initiative.
