Which industries provide income for Kiribati after the end of phosphate mining?

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Following the exhaustion of phosphate deposits on Banaba in 1979, Kiribati has diversified its economy through several key sectors and revenue streams:

  • Investment Income: A large reserve fund accumulated during the phosphate mining era continues to provide government revenue through interest.1
  • Marine Resources: The country generates income through license fees from foreign fishing fleets, including agreements with the European Union.1
  • Agriculture and Aquaculture: Copra remains a primary revenue earner, and commercial seaweed farming has become an important economic activity.1
  • Space and Technology: Leveraging its strategic location near the Equator, Kiribati has hosted satellite telemetry and spacecraft-launching facilities, which provide capital and employment.12
  • Manufacturing: A small sector produces furniture, beverages, and clothing for domestic use, as well as sea salt for export.1

Despite these efforts, the nation remains dependent on foreign aid for most development expenditures, and many residents on outer islands rely on subsistence farming, fishing, and remittances from relatives working abroad.1