French Polynesia’s Manuia Maiti is a champion of economic empowerment through cultural heritage and digital technologies.
By Michelle Curran
Strategic Communications, Pasifika TV
A champion of economic empowerment through cultural heritage and digital technologies, French Polynesia’s Manuia Maiti uses her life experiences to “always pay it forward”.
With a master’s degree in International Competitiveness for Small Businesses, and heading the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Tahiti and TUPU, the social entrepreneur and community leader is always considering how her work can influence budding Pacific entrepreneurs.
“At JCI Tahiti, we develop leaders, foster positive change in communities, and provide a global network for young active citizens, while TUPU aims to give vulnerable communities tools to develop themselves economically and socially,” Manuia explains.
“As well as serving as president for both these organizations, I founded Tahiti Arts Crafts, a social small business with core values of preserving cultural heritage through business literacy, international trade and intergenerational transmission.”
In 2019, after attending the United States Government’s Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) annual conference in Suva, Fiji, Manuia successfully applied for a YPL Small Grant, which she used to launch Rima’ ī for a sustainable living, implemented in rural areas of French Polynesia.
“The idea of this initiative is to teach artisans business acumen and digital literacy to strengthen self-reliance and increase their reach,” Manuia says.
Manuia is currently a participant in another US initiative, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program launched in Guam, in April.
As part of AWE, she is helping women in French Polynesia to set up businesses and supporting them to expand trade opportunities with the US, she says.
“In all the work I do, and support, I am always working towards economic resilience and fostering sustainable growth while preserving cultural identity in a competitive globalized economy.”
Manuia’s journey with YPL, will continue when she attends the YPL Alumni Roadshow to the US.
From September 13-30, 2025, a 12-strong YPL cohort will visit New York City, Washington DC, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles to connect with existing and potential stakeholders, expand its network, and create opportunities for US stakeholders in the Pacific region.
Leading up to the Roadshow, Manuia and her peers are looking at collaboration, advocacy, and raising awareness of the YPL initiative in a virtual leadership program.
Aside from networking with US and Pacific leaders during the Roadshow, Manuia says she is looking forward to strengthening trade ties, advocating for cultural preservation and adapting successful US models in sustainable tourism, digital entrepreneurship, eco-friendly craftsmanship and fair-trade to a Pacific context.
“I am excited about showcasing our region’s challenges and opportunities, ensuring Pacific voices are heard in global dialogues.”
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more details on the US Department of State initiative.
