AGP Executive Report

Renewable Energy: Superfly has installed 6kW off-grid solar systems at schools in Central and Temotu, with work continuing across four other provinces. The wider project aims to reach 100 schools. Construction Skills: Three SINU trainees completed a six-week placement on the Seghe Market build, gaining practical skills in tiling and site work. Port Infrastructure: Piling is under way for Honiara Port’s International Berth 1 upgrade, a project intended to strengthen cargo and passenger links. Agriculture: Dodo Creek’s rice trial has reached its first harvest, testing whether local production can support food security and reduce imports. Malaita piggery farmers also completed training in animal care, production and marketing. Finance: CBSI says lenders will upload existing customer credit records to the new credit bureau to establish its database; consent will be needed for later submissions. Digital Business: A Honiara training programme is helping content creators and small businesses develop commercial photography, video and social media campaigns.

Renewable Energy: Superfly Limited has installed 6kW off-grid solar systems at schools in Central and Temotu, with work continuing in other provinces. Construction Skills: Three SINU trainees completed a six-week placement on the Seghe Market project, gaining hands-on experience in tiling and site work. Honiara Port: Major piling works are advancing the upgrade of International Berth 1, a key link for cargo and essential supplies. Agriculture: Dodo Creek’s rice trial has reached its first harvest; meanwhile, cocoa farmers are urged to plant more trees, and South Malaita piggery farmers have completed production training. Business & Finance: CBSI says lenders will upload existing customer credit records to the new reporting system without consent for the initial database; customers must be notified, and consent is required for later submissions. Shipping Costs: Maersk will add a peak-season surcharge from 1 November on Southeast Asia–Solomon Islands shipments: US$500 per 20-foot container and US$1,000 per 40-foot container.

Construction Skills: Three SINU trainees have completed a six-week internship on the Seghe Market project, gaining practical tiling and site skills through a programme aimed at bringing more women into construction. Renewable Energy: Superfly Limited has installed 6kW off-grid solar systems at schools in Central and Temotu, with installations continuing in other provinces. The systems also provide internet connectivity. Port Expansion: Piling is underway for the upgrade of Honiara’s International Berth 1, a key project to strengthen the movement of cargo and essential supplies. Agriculture: Dodo Creek’s rice trial has reached its first harvest, while cocoa and piggery farmers are receiving training to lift production and rural incomes. Business & Finance: CBSI says lenders will upload existing customer credit records to establish the new credit reporting database; consent is not required for this initial upload, but customers must be notified. From 1 November, Maersk will add a US$500 surcharge per 20-foot container and US$1,000 per 40-foot container on shipments from Southeast Asia to Solomon Islands. Climate Funding: Solomon Islands has pledged US$1.1 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, which aims to fund community climate projects without adding foreign debt.

Agriculture: Cocoa farmers in North Malaita, Northeast Guadalcanal and Western Province are being urged to plant more trees to lift yields and support livelihoods. At Dodo Creek, a rice-growing trial has reached its first harvest, while farmers in South Malaita completed training in pig husbandry, animal health and marketing. Transport Infrastructure: Steel piling is underway for the Honiara port expansion, a key upgrade for cargo and passenger movements. Financial Services: CBSI says lenders will upload existing customer credit records to establish the new national reporting database; customers must be notified, but consent is not required for this initial upload. Freight Costs: Maersk will add a surcharge on Southeast Asia–Solomon Islands shipments from 1 November: US$500 per 20-foot container and US$1,000 per 40-foot container.

Agriculture: Cocoa farmers in North Malaita, Guadalcanal and Western Province are being urged to plant more trees to lift production. A rice trial at Dodo Creek has reached its first harvest, testing whether the crop can be grown locally, while South Malaita piggery farmers completed training in husbandry, animal health and marketing. Infrastructure: Piling is under way for Honiara Port’s International Berth 1 upgrade, strengthening a key route for cargo and essential supplies. Finance and trade: CBSI says lenders will upload existing customer credit records to establish the new credit database; consent is not required for this initial upload, but customers must be notified. From November 1, Maersk will add surcharges of US$500 per 20-foot container and US$1,000 per 40-foot container on dry-container shipments from Southeast Asia to Solomon Islands. Mining: Makira-Ulawa is working with national and international partners to map mineral deposits and verify older findings.

Port Infrastructure: Piling is under way on Honiara’s International Berth 1 expansion, a major upgrade intended to support cargo operations and the movement of essential goods. Agriculture: The Dodo Creek rice trial has reached its first harvest, testing whether local production can strengthen food security and rural jobs. In Malaita, training is supporting piggery farmers, with SIART backing 16 groups through a $6.9 million investment. Finance: CBSI says lenders will upload existing customer loan and repayment records to the new credit bureau without consent for the initial database; consent will be required for later submissions. Shipping Costs: Maersk will add a peak-season surcharge from November on Southeast Asia–Solomon Islands shipments: US$500 per 20-foot container and US$1,000 per 40-foot container. Energy: Solomon Power says the 2026–28 tariff framework lowers the non-fuel charge while requiring continued investment in infrastructure and renewable energy. Mineral Exploration: Makira-Ulawa is working with national and overseas experts to map mineral deposits, including gold, nickel and bauxite.

Agriculture: The Dodo Creek rice trial has reached its first harvest, testing the crop’s potential to boost local food production and rural jobs. Financial Services: CBSI says lenders may upload existing customer records to the new credit bureau without consent to establish its initial database, but must notify customers; consent is required for later uploads. Digital Business: A two-week Honiara training is helping creators and small businesses build commercial content skills and produce work for the marketplace. Trade and Logistics: Maersk will add a peak-season surcharge from 1 November on shipments from Southeast Asia to Solomon Islands: US$500 per 20-foot container and US$1,000 per 40-foot container. Climate and Energy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says COP31 must deliver real emissions cuts and accessible climate finance, warning that rising seas already threaten Solomon Islands communities.

Labour Mobility: Japan’s agriculture labour shortage is creating demand for highly skilled Pacific workers, but officials warn immigration must be managed carefully to avoid job competition and social-safety concerns. Climate Finance Pressure: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says wealthy countries make climate funding too hard, pushing islands to borrow for clean energy like the Tina River Hydropower Project. Pre-COP31 Push: Pacific leaders in Fiji and Tuvalu are demanding faster, fair climate action and stronger support to keep 1.5°C within reach, with only two non-Pacific leaders attending. Honiara Airport Upgrade: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Communication and Aviation has opened the new Communication and Aviation Complex at Honiara International Airport to centralize MCA, CAASI and Customs/Immigration/Quarantine services. Shipping Costs: Maersk will add a peak-season surcharge on Southeast Asia–Oceania dry-container shipments from 1 Nov 2026, including routes to Solomon Islands. Fisheries Regulation: The beche-de-mer fishery will close from 31 Oct 2026, with all harvesting, processing and export activities to stop. Agriculture & Food Security: MALD’s rice trials enter final field stages ahead of harvest, while ADRA supports cocoa farmers with training to boost production.

Policy Alignment for Rural Growth: OPMC and Western Province completed a policy alignment assessment in Gizo, aligning provincial plans with national GREAT Coalition priorities, with a focus on boosting the productive sector and improving rural services. Labour Mobility: Japan says its ageing population and agriculture labour shortages are creating opportunities for skilled Pacific workers, while also warning that immigration must be managed carefully. Airport Upgrade for Trade and Services: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Communication and Aviation opened and handed over the new Communication and Aviation Complex at Honiara International Airport (cost about USD 5.77m), bringing MCA, CAASI and Customs/Immigration/Quarantine under one roof. Shipping Costs Hit Businesses: Maersk announced a peak season surcharge on dry-container shipments from Southeast Asia to Oceania from 1 Nov 2026, including USD 500 (20ft) and USD 1,000 (40ft) for routes to Australia, PNG and the Solomon Islands. Climate Finance Pressure: PM Matthew Wale says wealthy countries make climate funding too hard, pushing Solomon Islands to borrow for clean energy, including an extra USD 35m needed for the Tina River Hydropower Project. Energy Affordability Push: Solomon Power launched the 2026–2028 non-fuel electricity tariff framework, aiming to reduce charges while sustaining investment in renewables and reliability. Agriculture and Food Security: MALD’s rice trial (MAL 1 and MAL 2) enters final field trial stage ahead of harvest; meanwhile, ADRA’s SEAS project supports cocoa farmers and urges more cocoa planting to lift livelihoods. Fisheries Regulation: The beche-de-mer fishery is set to close from 31 October 2026, with all harvesting, processing, selling and export activities to stop from that date. Community Support: Belu Company donated 40 roofing pieces to Rufoki’s community kitchen project, backing local infrastructure. Regional Humanitarian Visit: Indonesia’s KRI WSH-991 will visit Honiara 18–22 Oct for healthcare, food and agricultural support, plus community infrastructure activities.

Climate Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says wealthy countries make climate funding too hard, forcing Pacific states to borrow for clean energy, as leaders push for stronger action ahead of COP31. Pre-COP31 Focus: Pacific leaders in Fiji and Tuvalu are urging the world to keep 1.5°C within reach, while Tuvalu warns “enough talk” and calls for leaders to turn briefings into real funding and adaptation. Integrity at COP31: Transparency International urges Pacific governments to demand independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest rules, and disclosure of fossil fuel ties for COP31. Honiara Airport Upgrade: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Communication and Aviation has opened and handed over a new US$5.77m Aviation Complex at Honiara International Airport, consolidating MCA, CAASI and Customs/Immigration/Quarantine services. Shipping Costs: Maersk will add a peak-season surcharge on dry-container shipments from Southeast Asia to Oceania from 1 Nov 2026, including routes to Solomon Islands. Fisheries & Food Security: The beche-de-mer fishery closes on 31 Oct 2026, while El Niño-linked weather variability is already disrupting seaweed farming and incomes in Western Province. Energy Reform: Solomon Power says the 2026–2028 non-fuel electricity tariff framework aims to cut charges while sustaining renewable investment and reliability. Agriculture & Industry: MALD’s rice trial enters final field stage ahead of harvest; Reeves Envico confirmed as sponsor for the Building and Construction Award at SICCI’s 9th Business Excellence Awards.

Aviation & Public Services: The Ministry of Communication and Aviation has officially opened and handed over a new US$5.77m Aviation Complex at Honiara International Airport, bringing MCA, CAASI and Customs/Immigration/Quarantine under one roof to improve coordination and cut reliance on rented offices. Shipping Costs: Maersk will add a peak-season surcharge on dry-container shipments from Southeast Asia to Oceania from 1 November 2026, including USD 500 (20ft) and USD 1,000 (40ft) for routes to Australia, PNG and the Solomon Islands. Climate Finance & Energy: PM Matthew Wale says climate funding is “too complicated” and often comes as loans, while Solomon Power launched the 2026–2028 non-fuel electricity tariff framework aimed at lowering charges and pushing renewable investment. Fisheries & Food Security: The beche-de-mer fishery closes from 31 October, and El Niño-linked weather disruption is already hitting seaweed farming incomes. Agriculture & Industry Support: SIART invested $8.7m into 20 community pig farming groups across three provinces, while ADRA-backed rice and cocoa initiatives push production gains. Governance & Integrity: Transparency International urges Pacific governments to strengthen ethics and conflict-of-interest rules ahead of COP31. Regional Cooperation: Indonesia’s KRI WSH-991 humanitarian mission is set to visit Honiara from 18–22 October with medicines, food, seedlings and construction materials.

Humanitarian & community support: Indonesia’s KRI WSH-991 will visit Honiara Oct 18–22, bringing medical care, food and agricultural assistance, sports gear, coconut seedlings, construction materials and water tanks for communities across the region. Climate finance pressure: PM Matthew Wale says wealthy countries make climate funding too hard for island states, with Solomon Islands seeking an extra US$35m for the Tina River Hydropower Project while warning that loans and delays are “no justice.” Forestry & livelihoods: A Rome gathering for FAO forestry talks highlights the “forests for food” link, while local reporting shows El Niño already disrupting seaweed farming and incomes in Western Province. Fisheries regulation: The beche-de-mer fishery will close from 31 Oct 2026, with enforcement and compliance steps underway. Energy & power affordability: Solomon Power says the 2026–2028 non-fuel tariff framework aims to cut charges while protecting investment, and the UK is helping MMERE draft laws for a new independent energy regulator. Transport & industry: A new US$5.77m aviation complex opens under the World Bank SIRAP2 project, and a shipping agreement expands routes for Ulawa communities. Agribusiness investment: SIART has put $8.7m into 20 community pig farming groups, targeting improved livelihoods for 532 households, with more coconut output expected from supported ABPOs. Governance & transparency: Solomon Islands rejoins EITI, and the UN Human Rights Council adopts the country’s UPR outcomes—supporting 140 recommendations and noting 41.

Climate & livelihoods: El Niño is already disrupting seaweed farming in Western Province, with nonstop rain, weak drying, and earlier cyclone damage hitting incomes. Energy reform: Solomon Power says the 2026–2028 non-fuel electricity tariff framework will cut charges while protecting investment in renewables and reliability. Energy regulation (UK support): The UK and MMERE agreed the next stage of work to set up an independent energy regulator, with secondary legislation drafting aimed for early 2027. Agriculture & food security: MALD’s rice trial (MAL 1 and MAL 2) is in final field trials ahead of harvest, with post-harvest quality tests planned. Fisheries policy: The beche-de-mer fishery will close from 31 October 2026, with all harvesting, processing and export activities to stop. Mining governance: Solomon Islands has rejoined EITI to strengthen transparency as gold and nickel projects expand. Transport & logistics: A new shipping agreement will extend MV Taimareho services to South Ulawa, easing market access for copra farmers. Business & construction: Reeves Envico confirmed as sponsor of the Building and Construction Award for SICCI’s 9th Business Excellence Awards. Education & skills: SINU graduation highlights responsible AI use and a push for more women in science and trades.

El Niño Impacts Seaweed Farming: Western Province seaweed growers say nonstop rain, stronger winds and longer low tides are slowing drying and packaging, cutting income after Cyclone Maila destroyed farms. Climate Diplomacy Ahead of COP31: PM Matthew Wale will attend pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and a Tuvalu day trip to show sea-level rise impacts, pushing for loss and damage finance, 1.5°C and maritime sovereignty. Energy Reform for Cheaper Power: Solomon Power says a new non-fuel electricity tariff framework (2026–2028) aims to reduce charges while keeping investment in renewables and reliability; the UK also agreed next-stage legal work for an independent energy regulator. Fisheries Policy: The beche-de-mer fishery will close from 31 October 2026, with enforcement and compliance steps starting now. Mining Governance: Solomon Islands rejoined EITI as gold and nickel projects expand, while Makira Ulawa moves to map minerals using new data collection. Agribusiness Push: SIART invested $8.7m into community pig farming groups, and ADRA is urging cocoa farmers to plant more trees; rice trials enter final field stages ahead of harvest. Business & Transport: Reeves Envico confirmed as sponsor for SICCI’s 9th Business Excellence Awards (Building and Construction); West Are’are shipping routes expand to improve access for copra and local trade. Economy Watch: CPI rose 1.3% in August; government’s operating deficit widened to SBD$37m.

Maritime Security: Australia joined Pacific partners for Operation Nasse, boosting patrol coordination and efforts to detect and deter illegal fishing across the region, with Solomon Islands among the participating nations. Aviation & Infrastructure: The Ministry of Communication and Aviation opened a new US$5.77m Aviation Complex Building in Honiara under the World Bank-backed SIRAP2, ending years of reliance on rented offices and bringing key agencies under one roof. Energy Reform: The UK agreed the next stage of its energy programme with MMERE to draft the legal framework for a new independent energy regulator, aiming to cut electricity costs and reduce diesel dependence while enabling more independent power providers. Electricity Tariffs: Solomon Power says the 2026–2028 non-fuel electricity tariff framework will reduce charges while protecting investment in renewables and system reliability. Mining & Transparency: Solomon Islands rejoined EITI as gold and nickel projects expand, while Makira Ulawa Province moves to build a Minerals Accuracy Map to improve local mineral data. Agribusiness & Food Security: SIART invested $8.7m in community pig farming across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa, and rice trials enter final field stages ahead of harvest. Fisheries Regulation: The beche-de-mer fishery is set to close from 31 October 2026. Climate Diplomacy: PM Matthew Wale will attend pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, pushing for loss and damage financing, stronger 1.5°C commitments, and maritime sovereignty. Business Recognition: Reeves Envico confirmed as sponsor for the 9th Business Excellence Awards, backing the Building and Construction Award. Education & Skills: SINU urged responsible AI use and highlighted women’s participation in science and TVET graduation outcomes.

Energy Reform: The UK and Solomon Islands’ MMERE agreed the next stage of work to set up an independent energy regulator, aiming to cut electricity costs and reduce reliance on imported diesel by enabling more independent and renewable power providers. Electricity Tariffs: Solomon Power says the new non-fuel electricity tariff framework for 2026–2028 will lower the non-fuel component while pushing efficiency to keep investing in infrastructure and reliability. Aviation & Infrastructure: MCA opened a new US$5.77m aviation complex in Honiara, ending years of rented offices and bringing key aviation and digital services under one roof; meanwhile, Honiara and Munda control tower works under SIRAP2 are progressing. Mining Governance: Solomon Islands has rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) as gold and nickel projects expand, with UNDP backing stronger oversight and better production and revenue data. Shipping & Logistics: West Are’are’s MV Taimareho will serve South Ulawa after a signed agreement with Makira Ulawa Province and WAC Shipping, easing long-standing transport gaps for copra and local businesses. Fisheries Regulation: The beche-de-mer fishery is set to close from 31 October 2026, with all harvesting, processing, selling and export activities to stop from that date. Agriculture & Food Security: SIART reports $8.7m invested in 20 community pig farming groups across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa, supporting 532 households; it also expects higher copra output after coconut plantation rehabilitation. Climate Diplomacy: PM Matthew Wale will attend pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and a Tuvalu day trip focused on sea-level rise impacts and climate finance priorities. Business Recognition: Reeves Envico confirmed as sponsor for the Building and Construction Award at SICCI’s 9th Business Excellence Awards. Education & Skills: SINU urged responsible AI use and highlighted that women make up 63% of its 2026 graduates, while Australia-backed training begins for hearing-impaired phone repair trainees in Honiara.