AGP Executive Report

Road Safety & Works: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development urged Honiara road users to cooperate with traffic controllers on Mendana Avenue during ongoing roadworks, after an incident where a pedestrian slapped a controller, stressing safety procedures and patience in active work zones. Wages & Jobs: An ILO-backed three-day minimum wage setting workshop began in Honiara, with Labour Division surveys underway to update the national minimum wage after the last review in 2019 amid rising living costs. Minerals Oversight: Investigations have started into 33 controversial bauxite shipments from Rennell, with the Attorney General’s Chambers and Mines Division leading the process as the government pushes tighter accountability in the minerals sector. Water Infrastructure: Solomon Water reported major progress on three new concrete water reservoirs in Honiara (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving from completed structures into testing, commissioning and final preparations. EU Fisheries Compliance: Pacific fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer vessel food-safety rules that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels, aiming to keep tuna frozen to required temperatures for market access. Copra Support: CEMA reiterated its “farmers first” copra support through its management fee for exporters, amid ongoing debate with industry over returns and transparency.

Road Safety & Works: Honiara road users are being urged to stay patient and obey signs on Mendana Avenue as MID continues upgrade works from Heritage Park Roundabout to Honiara City Council Roundabout, after an incident where a pedestrian slapped a traffic controller. Minimum Wage Review: The Labour Division has started province-wide surveys for a new national minimum wage, with Honiara data collection scheduled this month; analysis will be done with the National Statistics Office and the ILO before recommendations go to the Labour Advisory Board. Urban Water Upgrade: Solomon Water says construction of three new concrete reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina is advancing, with structures completed and works moving into testing, commissioning and final preparations. Minerals Oversight: Investigations have begun into 33 bauxite shipments from Rennell, with the Attorney General’s Chambers and Mines Division leading the process to restore integrity in the mineral sector. EU Fisheries Compliance: Pacific fisheries officials in Suva are training on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, tightening temperature requirements for frozen tuna. Copra Support: CEMA reiterates its role in supporting copra farmers, defending its management fee introduced for exporters to better fund its mandated farmer assistance work. EU Investment Signals: The EU says it will not slow down development projects after the new government, and highlights potential support for Malaita’s Bina Harbour tuna processing plant. Energy & Jobs Focus: Australia and Solomon Islands reaffirm infrastructure financing talks, while the ILO workshop on minimum wage setting aims to strengthen fair, transparent wage-setting systems.

Roadworks & Safety: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue upgrade (Heritage Park Roundabout to Honiara City Council Roundabout) continues, and MID is urging drivers and pedestrians to obey signs and cooperate with traffic controllers after an incident where a pedestrian slapped a controller. Minimum Wage Review: The Labour Division is surveying provinces for a new minimum wage, with Honiara surveys set for this month; data will be analysed with the NSO and ILO before recommendations go to the Labour Advisory Board. Australian Support Scrutiny: Solomon Islands’ Opposition says the SBD 200 million Australian direct budget support must be spent wisely and transparently, especially for Cyclone Maila recovery and households hit by energy price pressures. Water & Sanitation Progress: Solomon Water reports major progress on three new Honiara reservoirs (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving into testing and commissioning. Mining Integrity Move: MMERE says investigations have begun into 33 controversial bauxite shipments from Rennell, aiming to restore oversight and accountability in the mineral sector. EU Trade & Fisheries Compliance: Pacific fisheries officials train in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels, with tighter temperature requirements for tuna exports. EU Investment Signals: EU leaders reaffirm commitment to Solomon Islands and discuss investment priorities including the proposed Bina Harbour tuna processing plant in Malaita.

Water & Sanitation: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving from completed structures into disinfection, testing, and commissioning—aimed at boosting storage and improving supply reliability. Minimum Wage Setup: An ILO-backed three-day workshop in Honiara is training government and private sector stakeholders on how to set and review minimum wages more fairly and transparently, with the last review dating back to 2019. Mining Oversight: Investigations have begun into 33 controversial bauxite shipments from Rennell, with the Attorney General’s Chambers and Mines Division leading the process as the government pushes tighter accountability in the mineral sector. EU Trade Compliance: Pacific fisheries officials are training in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels—important for keeping access to the seafood market. Copra & Rural Livelihoods: CEMA says it is again supporting copra farmers via its management fee, after exporters challenged the authority’s claims and demanded audited results. EU–Solomon Islands Investment: The EU says its projects won’t slow despite the new government, and highlights potential support for the Bina Harbour tuna processing plant as a jobs and growth opportunity for Malaita. Energy & Costs: Fuel-price pressure continues across the Pacific, with rising diesel costs feeding inflation concerns—an issue that also matters for Solomon Islands’ business and household spending.

Copra Support: CEMA reiterates its “farmers first” copra push, defending the $3.05 management fee introduced March 19, 2026 to help producers and fund its mandated work, as exporters challenge the authority to publish audited figures. EU Investment Focus: The EU says its Solomon Islands cooperation is shifting toward more investment-driven partnerships after a high-level visit, with talks covering climate resilience, infrastructure, governance and a potential boost for the Bina Harbour tuna processing plant. Bina Harbour Tuna Plant: EU officials met Solomon Islands fisheries leadership to explore support for the Malaita project, citing job creation and stronger domestic processing—while stressing implementation quality and commercial partners. Coral Triangle LNG Cover: A regional campaign says most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG expansion cover in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity risks; only one firm (SCOR) reportedly added new restrictions. Gold Licence Dispute: Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare accuses the Prime Minister of misleading the public on gold dealer licence cancellations, arguing no lawful cancellation process has been followed and licences remain operating. Food Safety for Seafood Exports: Pacific fisheries authorities train on new EU freezer-vessel rules (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449) that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, tightening cold-chain requirements for tuna. Energy & Water for Industry: UNICEF reports WASH upgrades in 65 schools across Central Islands and Guadalcanal, while EU highlights renewable energy and Honiara water investments aimed at resilience and emissions cuts. Agriculture Innovation: FAO-backed STODAS work continues to spur agrifood entrepreneurship across Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands through EU-funded competitions and incubator support.

Gold Licensing Dispute: Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare says the Prime Minister misled the public on “cancelling” gold dealer licences, arguing no lawful cancellation process has been followed and that 10 licences still operate under the Mines and Minerals Act. Coconut Industry Policy Work: KIK’s R&D review flags key problems for the new National Coconut Industry Policy—aging palms, low productivity and invasive pests—backed by replanting and mother palm selection efforts. EU Development Push: The EU says its renewable energy, water and sanitation work is building climate resilience in Solomon Islands, and insists project cooperation won’t slow after the new government. Bina Harbour Tuna Processing: EU officials met fisheries leadership on potential support for the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant, stressing jobs and economic transformation depend on strong implementation and partners. EU Seafood Rules for Pacific Vessels: Pacific fisheries authorities train to meet new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels exporting to the bloc. School WASH Gaps: UNICEF reports WASH upgrades in 65 schools reached over 12,000 students, but notes most schools still lack basic sanitation, affecting learning and attendance. Energy and Tourism Pressure: UNICEF warns poor sanitation and waste management are hurting tourism growth, while fuel-price pressures across the region keep costs high. Australia Reset and Security Talks: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale says the country will negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty with Australia and review its China security agreement. Solar for Industry: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel use and keep operations running during outages.

Coconut Industry Policy Update: Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK) says its R&D review has flagged key problems—aging palms, low copra productivity, and invasive pests—feeding into a new National Coconut Industry Policy and Strategic Plan, including replanting with “elite” palms and mother-palm selection across 14 provinces. EU Development Focus: The EU says its renewable energy, water and sanitation work is building climate resilience in Solomon Islands, and insists EU projects won’t slow under the new government. Bina Harbour Tuna Push: A high-level EU team met Malaita fisheries leadership on the proposed Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant, highlighting jobs, reduced migration, and the need for strong implementation and commercial partners. School WASH Gaps: UNICEF reports WASH upgrades in 65 schools reached 12,000+ students, but notes 64% of schools still lack basic sanitation and only 36% have basic water. EU Seafood Rules: Pacific fisheries authorities in Suva trained on EU Delegated Regulation 2025/1449, warning it could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels exporting to the bloc. Energy & Tourism Pressure: UNICEF warns poor sanitation is hurting tourism growth, while fuel-price pressures across the region keep costs high. Solar Investment: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel use and keep power stable. Agriculture & Food Security: Rice experts from JAAS began a technical mission with MALD to expand mechanized commercial rice farming and reduce reliance on imported rice. Regional Security Talks: Forum foreign ministers backed a regional response mechanism to manage Middle East-driven economic and security risks, including fuel and supply-chain disruptions.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449) that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, tightening cold-chain requirements to protect against histamine risks. Tuna Processing Push: A high-level EU delegation met Solomon Islands’ Fisheries and Marine Resources minister to discuss potential support for the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant in Malaita, aimed at boosting domestic processing capacity. Energy & Infrastructure: Australia and Solomon Islands leaders agreed to negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty and expand cooperation, including SBD$200m support for Cyclone Maila recovery and energy-shock impacts, while Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel use and keep power running. Markets & Jobs: Australia-backed Buala Market in Isabel opened, with climate-resilient features and space for vendors, supporting local trade and livelihoods. Food Security & Farming: Rice experts from JAAS began a two-month technical mission with MALD to strengthen mechanised commercial rice production and reduce reliance on imported rice. Tourism & Sanitation: UNICEF warned that open defecation and poor waste management are hurting Solomon Islands tourism growth and visitor appeal. Digital Inclusion: CBSI and Rural Inclusion held a national workshop to shape a digital financial literacy content hub and improve access to digital financial services.

Solomon Islands–Australia Reset: New PM Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra and agreed to start talks on a comprehensive strategic treaty, while also reviewing Solomon Islands’ China security agreement—alongside pledges of SBD$200m support for Cyclone Maila recovery and energy-shock impacts, plus more training and scholarships. Weather Ready Pacific: Honiara hosted the Weather Ready Pacific steering meeting, with Minister Wayne Osopo Ghemu saying the programme is already delivering village-level benefits, including a new radar near Honiara International Airport and remote early-warning connectivity. EU Seafood Compliance: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, tightening cold-chain requirements for tuna exports. Bina Harbour Tuna Plant: A high-level EU delegation met Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi to discuss potential EU support for the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant in Malaita. Energy & Costs: A Pacific business brief reports fuel prices continue to surge, with Samoa moving to an “amber alert” and Solomon Islands keeping its diesel cap mostly steady. Tourism & Waste: UNICEF warned that open defecation and poor waste management are hurting Solomon Islands tourism growth and visitor appeal. Local Infrastructure: Buala’s new market building was handed over, funded by Australia, with climate-resilient features for 100+ vendors. Clean Power for Hotels: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system supplying up to 95% of its electricity needs. Food Security & Farming: Rice experts from Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences began a two-month mission with MALD to push mechanised commercial rice production.

Solomon Islands–Australia Reset: New PM Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra, agreeing to negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty and review China’s security deal, with both sides also backing closer police cooperation and development support. Energy & Resilience: Australia pledged SBD$200 million (AUD$35m) to help Solomon Islands respond to Cyclone Maila and energy-shock impacts, while Honiara also hosted the Weather Ready Pacific steering meeting as the government reaffirmed support for better early warnings. Clean Power in Tourism: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system supplying up to 95% of its electricity, cutting diesel and grid reliance. Fisheries Export Rules: EU food-safety changes under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449 are being rolled out via training in Suva, tightening freezer-vessel requirements and affecting about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with implications for Solomon Islands tuna exports. Local Industry & Jobs: Malaita Kingz signed former Rewa players Norman Ngafu and Calvin Ohasio ahead of the Telekom S-League season. Food Security & Agriculture: Rice experts from JAAS began a technical mission with MALD to push mechanised commercial rice farming and reduce reliance on imported rice. Sanitation Threat to Tourism: UNICEF warned that open defecation and poor waste management are undermining visitor experience and tourism growth.

Solomon Islands–Australia Reset: New PM Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra and pushed for a “comprehensive strategic treaty,” plus a review of the China security deal, with Australia pledging SBD$200m (AUD$35m) for Cyclone Maila response and energy-shock support, alongside more training and visas. EU Seafood Compliance: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, tightening freezer-vessel temperature rules and affecting about 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels exporting to the bloc. Bina Harbour Tuna Processing: A high-level EU delegation met MFMR supervising minister Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi to discuss potential EU support for the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant in Malaita. Energy & Industry Costs: A Pacific Business Brief reports fuel prices still surging, with Solomon Islands keeping caps mostly steady while regional inflation risks remain tied to energy costs. Renewables for Tourism: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to supply up to 95% of its power, cutting diesel use sharply. Food & Farming Push: JAAS experts began a two-month mission with MALD to boost Solomon Islands rice development, including plans for mechanized commercial farming. Tourism Threat from Sanitation: UNICEF warned open defecation and poor waste management are hurting visitor experience and could slow tourism growth. Ports & Trade: Solomon Ports announced a public open day for its 70th anniversary, with engineering and operations demonstrations.

Clean Energy Finance: The ISA and World Bank launched a Pacific SIDS solar dialogue in Bali, pushing investment-ready solar and storage projects and unveiling an ISA SIDS E-Marketplace tender for a 220 MW solar-plus-storage pipeline in Mauritius—aimed at unlocking private capital across island economies. EU Seafood Compliance: Pacific fisheries authorities in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449) that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels, tightening cold-chain requirements to protect EU market access. Tuna Processing Partnership: A high-level EU delegation met Solomon Islands’ Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi to discuss potential EU support for the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant in Malaita, targeting more domestic processing and higher returns. Energy Costs & Risk: A Pacific Business Brief reports fuel prices continue to surge, with Solomon Islands maintaining its gold stance while regional diesel caps and inflation pressures remain a key concern. Tourism & Waste: UNICEF WASH highlighted that open defecation and poor waste management are threatening Solomon Islands tourism growth, warning that sanitation and rubbish issues are turning visitors away. Local Food Production: Rice experts from JAAS began a two-month technical mission with MALD to boost mechanized commercial rice farming and reduce reliance on imported rice. Solar for Hospitality: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large private solar system, supplying up to 95% of its electricity needs and cutting diesel use sharply with battery storage for steadier power. Trade & Skills: SICCI renewed its call for constructive Government–private sector dialogue to tackle barriers facing local contractors, including costs, taxes, qualification hurdles, and limited access to finance. Digital Inclusion: CBSI and Rural Inclusion held the first National Digital Financial Literacy Content Hub workshop to improve consumer uptake and strengthen digital financial services nationwide. Ports & Industry: Solomon Ports announced a public open day for its 70th anniversary, with engineering and operations demonstrations aimed at showcasing how the port supports trade and jobs. Regional Security Reset: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale and Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese agreed to negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty and boost police cooperation, while also signalling a review of the country’s China security agreement.

EU–Fisheries Investment: A high-level EU delegation met Solomon Islands’ Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi to discuss potential support for the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant in Malaita, with talks also touching links to major infrastructure backers like the European Investment Bank. Food Safety for Seafood Exports: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu officials trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules, aimed at keeping access to the EU seafood market that covers most Pacific-flagged exporters. Energy Shock Watch: Pacific leaders backed a regional response mechanism to manage Middle East-driven fuel and supply-chain disruptions, with Solomon Islands chairing the foreign ministers’ meeting. Fuel Prices Pressure: A Pacific business brief reports diesel and fuel costs continue to surge across the region, with Solomon Islands keeping caps mostly steady while inflation risks remain tied to energy prices. Solomons–Australia Reset: New PM Matthew Wale and Australia’s Anthony Albanese agreed to negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty and review China’s security deal, alongside added development and training support. Tourism & WASH: UNICEF warns poor sanitation and open defecation are hurting Solomon Islands tourism growth, while Local Markets: Buala vendors received a new climate-resilient market building funded by Australia’s SIIP. Climate Insurance Proof: CBSI says first TrigaCash parametric microinsurance payouts reached policyholders quickly after heavy rainfall. Solar Upgrade: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system to cut diesel use and keep power running during outages. Port & Industry Engagement: Solomon Ports hosts a public open day, and SICCI calls for stronger government–private sector dialogue on local content and contractor barriers.

Solomon Islands–Australia Reset: Prime Minister Matthew Wale and Australia’s Anthony Albanese agreed to elevate ties through a new comprehensive strategic treaty and stronger police cooperation, while Wale also moves to review the 2022 China security agreement; the deal includes SBD 200m (AUD 35m) support for Cyclone Maila recovery and energy-shock impacts, plus more education and vocational scholarships and increased Pacific Engagement visas. Port & Roads for Trade: Solomon Ports will hold a public open day for its 70th anniversary, while Honiara’s Yacht Club Junction sealing is completed and more road sealing is underway, with traffic controls expected around key commercial areas. Tourism Under Pressure: UNICEF warns poor sanitation and open defecation are hurting visitor appeal and growth, with waste management a major concern for coastal and lagoon destinations. Food & Farming Push: Rice development continues as JAAS experts begin a two-month mission with MALD to expand mechanized commercial rice farming and cut reliance on imported rice. Climate Resilience in Action: The Central Bank says TrigaCash’s first parametric microinsurance payouts proved the system works, and Weather Ready Pacific progress is highlighted as Honiara hosts a regional steering meeting. Local Business Voice: SICCI calls for constructive Government–private sector dialogue to ease burdens on local contractors, including costs, taxes, qualification hurdles, and limited finance.

Solomon Islands–Australia Reset: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met Anthony Albanese in Canberra and pushed for a “comprehensive treaty” to elevate ties, while also reviewing Solomon Islands’ China security pact after saying he only saw the full text recently. Energy & Disaster Support: The leaders backed a SBD$200m (AUD$35m) package for Cyclone Maila recovery and energy-shock impacts, plus expanded vocational training and scholarships. Climate Resilience Finance: Honiara marked Solomon Islands’ first TrigaCash parametric microinsurance payouts—about 35 policyholders received SBD$8,800 after rainfall triggers, showing digital, fast payouts can reach rural families. Local Infrastructure & Markets: Buala vendors welcomed a new climate-resilient market building (over SBD 25m) with water storage, solar lighting, and accessible toilets/showers. Ports & Works: Solomon Ports will hold a public open day for its 70th anniversary, while Honiara’s Yacht Club Junction sealing has been completed and more road sections are underway. Local Content Push: SICCI renewed calls for constructive Government–private sector dialogue, citing barriers facing local contractors like costs, taxes, qualification rules, and limited finance. Solar Investment: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system supplying up to 95% of its electricity, cutting diesel and grid dependence sharply. Weather Ready Pacific: Honiara hosted the steering meeting as Solomon Islands reaffirmed support for the regional early-warning push, including a new radar near the airport and remote connectivity for alerts.

Australia–Solomon Islands Reset: New PM Matthew Wale and Australia’s Anthony Albanese agreed to start talks on a comprehensive strategic treaty and to review Solomon Islands’ China security agreement, alongside boosted police cooperation and a “reset” after recent tensions. Cyclone & Energy Support: Australia will provide SBD$200 million (AUD$35m) to help Solomon Islands respond to Cyclone Maila and energy shock impacts. Solar for Tourism: Heritage Park Hotel commissioned a large solar-plus-battery system, powering up to 95% of electricity needs and cutting diesel and grid reliance. Market Upgrade: Buala vendors received a new climate-resilient market building (over SBD 25m), with water storage, solar lighting, and improved toilets/showers. Digital Finance Skills: CBSI and Rural Inclusion ran the first National Digital Financial Literacy Content Hub workshop to improve access and consumer protection. Port & Roads: Solomon Ports hosts a public open day, while Honiara’s Yacht Club Junction sealing is completed with more road sealing ahead and expected traffic disruption. Local Business Pressure: SICCI renewed calls for constructive Government–private sector dialogue as local contractors face high costs, tax burden, and limited finance. Climate Insurance Works: TrigaCash parametric microinsurance paid out quickly to rural policyholders after heavy rainfall. Security in the Region: Police investigate a Gold Ridge clash tied to alleged theft and illegal mining.