Indigenous landowners are set to benefit from a $3 million government fund aimed at boosting economic development and entrepreneurship. Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu explained that the iTaukei Resource Owners Support and Development Fund will support 60 projects this year, including 40 new projects. Vasu states the fund targets mataqali, yavusa, and their companies with clear registration, viable business plans, sound governance, landowner backing and sustainable land use. In addition, the iTaukei Development Fund, run by the iTaukei Land Trust Board has supported 23 landowning units across nine provinces and seven co-operatives. He explained that the Ministry’s fund and the TLTB’s fund work together, providing complementary avenues for landowners to unlock land value, grow enterprises and generate wealth.