AGP Executive Report

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.

Climate & Oceans Ahead of COP31: PM Matthew Wale will travel to Fiji and Tuvalu for pre-COP31 meetings, pushing for loss and damage funding, stronger 1.5°C action and clearer maritime sovereignty. Energy Affordability & Reform: Solomon Power says the 2026–2028 non-fuel tariff framework cuts charges while protecting investment, as the UK backs legal work for a new independent energy regulator to expand renewables and reduce diesel dependence. Fisheries Regulation: The beche-de-mer fishery will close from 31 October, with compliance and enforcement steps aimed at stopping all harvesting, processing and export-linked activity after the cut-off. Mining & Transparency: Makira Ulawa is building a minerals accuracy map to update provincial geology, while Solomon Islands rejoined EITI to strengthen transparency as gold and nickel projects expand. Transport & Logistics: West Are’are’s MV Taimareho route is set to serve South Ulawa after a shipping agreement, easing market access for copra farmers. Agriculture & Rural Jobs: SIART invested $8.7m in 20 community pig farming groups, and rice trials enter final field stage ahead of harvest. Business & Skills: Reeves Envico confirmed as sponsor for the Building and Construction Award at the 9th Business Excellence Awards; SINU also urged responsible AI use and highlighted women’s strong representation among graduates. Economy Watch: CPI rose 1.3% in August, and the government’s operating deficit widened to SBD$37m.

Climate & Governance: Pacific leaders meet in Fiji and Tuvalu ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, urging countries to keep 1.5°C within reach as UNEP warns the world is on track to cross it soon; Integrity in Climate Talks: Transparency International urges Pacific governments to push for independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest rules and disclosure of fossil fuel ties for COP31; Food Security (Rice): Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development says its rice trial of two varieties (MAL 1 and MAL 2) is in the final field stage before harvest, with yield and quality tests to follow; Public Finance: The government’s operating deficit widened to SBD$37m in August as revenue fell 39%, while the CPI rose 1.3% in August; Energy Reform: The UK and MMERE agree the next stage of work to draft laws for a new independent energy regulator to enable more power providers and cut reliance on imported diesel; Extractives Transparency: Solomon Islands rejoins EITI after an eight-year exit, aiming for stronger oversight as gold and nickel projects expand; Agriculture (SIART): SIART reports SBD$8.7m invested in 20 community pig farming groups across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa, supporting 532 households, while coconut rehabilitation is expected to lift copra output; Transport & Aviation: MCA opens a new US$5.77m aviation complex in Honiara, and SIRAP2 construction continues on Honiara and Munda control towers; Shipping Link: Makira Ulawa’s MUPG and WAC Shipping sign an agreement to expand MV Taimareho routes to serve South Ulawa communities.

Agriculture & Food Security: MALD’s rice research trial is in its final field stage, with two varieties (MAL 1 and MAL 2) due for harvest next Monday, followed by drying, milling, taste-testing and yield checks. Cost of Living: Solomon Islands’ CPI rose 1.3% in August to 136.6, with alcohol/tobacco up sharply while food/non-alcoholic beverages fell; Honiara inflation moved higher month-on-month. Energy Reform: The UK and MMERE agreed the next step to create an independent energy regulator, aiming to cut reliance on imported diesel and lower power costs, with legal drafting for licensing and electrical worker certification. Transport & Logistics: MUPG and WAC Shipping signed a shipping agreement to extend MV Taimareho services to South Ulawa, easing long-standing market and copra transport problems. Rural Livelihoods (SIART): SIART invested $8.7m into 20 community pig farming groups across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa, supporting 532 households, and is also targeting higher copra output after coconut plantation rehabilitation. Governance & Industry Transparency: Solomon Islands rejoined EITI to strengthen transparency in mining revenue as gold and nickel projects expand. Human Rights (UPR): The UN Human Rights Council adopted Solomon Islands’ UPR outcomes: 140 recommendations supported, 41 noted, including sensitive social and legal issues. Infrastructure (Aviation): Construction is progressing on Honiara and Munda control tower facilities under SIRAP2, alongside the opening of a new MCA aviation complex. Maritime Compliance: Makira-Ulawa barred a landing craft from unloading cargo over unpaid provincial shipping licensing, signalling stricter enforcement.

Human Rights Update: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review recommendations, while noting 41 on sensitive issues like decriminalising consensual same-sex relationships, legalising abortion and abolishing the death penalty—government says it’s about capacity and resources, not a lack of commitment. Energy Reform: The UK and Solomon Islands’ MMERE agreed the next stage of energy reforms to set up an independent energy regulator, aiming to cut electricity costs and reduce reliance on imported diesel, with legal work due by early 2027. Aviation & Infrastructure: The Ministry of Communication and Aviation opened a new US$5.77m aviation complex in Honiara, ending years of office rentals and bringing key agencies under one roof. Shipping & Trade Links: Makira-Ulawa’s MUPG and WAC Shipping signed an agreement to expand MV Taimareho routes to serve South Ulawa, easing long-standing transport gaps for businesses and copra farmers. Agriculture & Livelihoods: SIART invested $8.7m into 20 community pig farming groups across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa, supporting 532 households and targeting major weaner and pork output. Extractives Transparency: Solomon Islands rejoined EITI, with UNDP saying the move strengthens transparency as gold and nickel projects expand. Regional Security Talk: The US says it will soon announce plans to tackle illegal fishing in the Pacific, including improving maritime awareness.

Energy Regulation Push: The UK and Solomon Islands’ MMERE have agreed the next stage of energy reforms, including drafting primary and secondary laws to set up an independent energy regulator—aimed at boosting independent power providers, cutting diesel dependence, and lowering electricity costs. Agriculture Investment: SIART has injected $8.7m into 20 community pig farming groups across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa, supporting 532 households with pig houses, breeding stock, feed and weaners. Human Rights UPR: Solomon Islands backed 140 of 181 recommendations in its UN Human Rights Council UPR, while noting 41 on sensitive issues such as same-sex relationships and abortion. Extractives Transparency: Solomon Islands has rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), with UNDP saying it will strengthen transparency as gold and nickel projects expand. Shipping Compliance: Makira-Ulawa barred a landing craft from unloading cargo over unpaid provincial shipping licensing, signalling tighter enforcement of local rules. Infrastructure Works: Progress continues on Honiara and Munda control towers under SIRAP2, with major structural works completed in Honiara and finishing works advancing at both sites.

Resource Governance: PNG Governor Gary Juffa warns outdated, colonial-era resource laws could leave customary landowners with little control over mining and logging, as Solomon Islands considers mineral resources law changes and calls for deeper consultation with landowners. Extractives Transparency: Solomon Islands rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), with UNDP saying it will strengthen oversight as gold and nickel projects expand. Aviation & Infrastructure: Construction is progressing on new Honiara and Munda control tower facilities under SIRAP2, with major structural works completed in Honiara and installation works advancing in Munda. Agriculture & Jobs: SIART expects higher copra output from 14 ABPOs across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa after rehabilitating 771 hectares and restoring 46 driers; SIART also says 14,665 farmers are already benefiting. Skills & Inclusion: Australia-backed training with Smart Technology will equip 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders with mobile phone repair skills, tools and mentoring. Shipping Licences: Makira-Ulawa barred a landing craft from unloading over unsettled provincial shipping licensing, signalling stricter compliance for operators. Finance: Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia says SINPF can support the economy through carefully managed long-term investments while protecting members’ retirement savings. Climate & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands leaders at the UN General Assembly pushed for real climate action and warned that small island states face rising costs and vulnerability as sea-level rise accelerates.

Coconut Boost for SIART: SIART says copra output is set to rise in Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa after rehabilitating 771 hectares and building/restoring 46 driers, with 14 ABPOs backed by SBD5.2m. Resource Transparency: Solomon Islands has rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), with UNDP pointing to stronger oversight and better production and revenue data as gold and nickel projects expand. Aviation Infrastructure: Construction is progressing on new Honiara and Munda control towers under SIRAP2, with major structural works completed in Honiara and installation works advancing at both sites. Shipping Rules Tightened: Makira-Ulawa barred a landing craft from unloading in Kirakira until its provincial shipping licence is fully settled, signalling stricter compliance for operators. Climate Finance Push at UNGA: PM Matthew Wale told the UN that resources exist but “what is missing is the will,” calling for more climate funding and faster action. Pacific Health Watch: A new analysis highlights uneven life expectancy gains across the Pacific, with Naoero falling furthest behind while Solomon Islands has moved above the regional average. Skills for Jobs: Australia is funding training for 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in mobile phone repair through Smart Technology in Honiara. Media Leadership: Elizabeth Osifelo was elected PINA Vice-President, with MASI hailing the milestone for Solomon Islands journalism.

West Papua at UN: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale used UNGA81 to renew calls for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua for independent verification, framing it as a transparency test while stressing respect for Indonesia’s sovereignty. Climate finance pressure: Wale told the UN the world has resources for climate action but lacks political will, contrasting huge military spending with falling development assistance and urging full funding for Pacific resilience and loss-and-damage mechanisms. Shipping rules tightened in Makira-Ulawa: A landing craft was barred from unloading in Kirakira after failing to fully settle its provincial shipping licence, as the province pushes stricter compliance and revenue collection. Agriculture boost via SIART: SIART says 14,665 farmers across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa are supported through 96 ABPO grants (SBD38.08m), with coconut rehabilitation and driers aimed at lifting copra output. Skills for jobs in Honiara: Australia and Smart Technology are training 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in mobile phone repair, with tools and mentoring. Media industry leadership: MASI congratulated Elizabeth Osifelo on election as PINA Vice-President, while another report warns Solomon Islands faces a growing journalist shortage and limited accredited training. Regional forestry enforcement: Pacific lawmakers and regulators at the Asia Pacific Forests Crime Network meeting in Cairns focused on stopping illegal logging networks, with calls for stronger oversight in PNG and Solomon Islands.

Climate Finance Push: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale told the UN General Assembly that the world has the money to tackle climate change but lacks political will, pointing to huge military spending versus falling development aid and urging full funding for Pacific resilience and loss-and-damage mechanisms. Forest Crime Crackdown: Regional lawmakers and regulators at the Asia Pacific Forests Crime Network meeting in Cairns focused on enforcement against illegal logging networks, with attention on Solomon Islands and PNG oversight gaps. Shipping Licences Tightened: Makira-Ulawa Province barred a landing craft from unloading cargo over unpaid provincial shipping licensing, warning operators to regularize documentation or face disruptions. Skills for Jobs: Australia partnered with Honiara’s Smart Technology to train 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in mobile phone repair, with tools and mentoring. Youth Entrepreneurship in Gizo: A week-long leadership and business training in Gizo brought together 48 young entrepreneurs, covering business registration, partnerships and planning. Agriculture Support: The SIART project says 14,665 farmers across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa are benefiting from SBD38.08m in ABPO grants for cocoa, coconut, piggery, poultry and other value chains. Ports Sustainability: SIPA signed an agreement with Australia’s NTRO to develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework to strengthen port resilience and environmental protection. Media Leadership: MASI congratulated journalist Elizabeth Osifelo on her election as PINA Vice-President, highlighting the growing role of Solomon Islands media leaders.

PINA Leadership: Elizabeth Osifelo says she is humbled after being elected Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) at the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, with MASI praising her as a boost for Solomon Islands media leadership. Shipping & Compliance: Makira-Ulawa Province barred a landing craft from unloading in Kirakira after its shipping license was not fully settled, warning operators to register and pay provincial fees to avoid disruptions. Agriculture Support: The World Bank-funded SIART project says 14,665 farmers across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa are benefiting from SBD38.08m in grants to 96 agribusiness producer organisations, targeting cocoa, coconut, piggery, poultry and more. Ports & Green Growth: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) signed an agreement with Australia’s NTRO to develop a GreenPort Framework to strengthen port sustainability and resilience. Climate Pressure at UNGA: PNG and Solomon Islands leaders used UNGA to demand real emissions cuts, warning sea-level rise is already erasing development gains and calling for climate finance as grants. Work Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed eligible countries for work placements, including Solomon Islands, alongside Fiji, PNG and others.

Shipping & Compliance: Makira-Ulawa Province barred a landing craft from unloading in Kirakira after it failed to settle its provincial shipping license, warning operators that schedules and voyages require proper registration and payment of licensing. UN Ocean Security: Island and coastal leaders at UNGA 2026 pushed back on turning the Indian and Pacific oceans into arenas for military rivalry, stressing peaceful seas and freedom to set independent foreign policy. Climate Pressure at UNGA: PNG and Solomon Islands leaders demanded real emissions cuts and “no more empty promises,” arguing climate finance must be grants at scale and not loans that rebuild after repeated disasters. Trade & Diplomacy: Indonesia and Solomon Islands agreed to boost development cooperation and trade, including fisheries and agriculture, and discussed education and culture agreements. Ports & Industry Support: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) signed with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a GreenPort Framework to strengthen port sustainability and resilience. Agriculture & Jobs: SIART says 14,665 farmers across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa are benefiting from World Bank-funded ABPO grants worth SBD38.08m. Mining Communities: Gold Ridge Mining launched its second Community Foundation Programme, committing SBD1.5m to support vulnerable people across 36 communities. Media Workforce: Solomon Islands media leaders warned of a growing journalist shortage, with limited accredited training pathways.

UN Climate Push: Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands leaders used UNGA to demand real emissions cuts, warning sea-level rise is already erasing years of development and calling for climate finance as grants, not loans. Trade & Capacity Building: Indonesia and Solomon Islands agreed to boost development cooperation, trade and scholarships, with plans to expand Solomon Islands representation in Jakarta and push education and culture agreements. Ports & Green Growth: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) signed with Australia’s NTRO to co-develop a GreenPort Framework aimed at making ports more sustainable and resilient. Agriculture Support: SIART says 14,665 farmers across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa are benefiting from SBD38.08m in World Bank-funded grants to 96 ABPOs for cocoa, coconut, piggery, poultry and more. Skills for Industry: USP Solomon Islands Campus graduated 215 students across agriculture, engineering, IT, business, law and other fields. Media & Workforce: MASI backed journalist Elizabeth Osifelo’s election as Vice-President of PINA, while SI media leaders warn of a growing journalist shortage. Tourism Operations: Tourism Solomons urged clarity on the new e-visa process as the system is still being refined. Gold Ridge Community Aid: Gold Ridge Mining launched its second Community Foundation Programme with SBD1.5m for vulnerable people in its catchment area.

UN Climate Push: Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands leaders used UNGA81 to demand real climate action, warning sea-level rise is already destroying development and calling for major emitters to cut carbon emissions now. Trade & Diplomacy: Indonesia and Solomon Islands agreed to boost development cooperation and trade, including fisheries and agriculture, and Indonesia invited SI business leaders to Trade Expo Indonesia. Agriculture Support: The SI Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) project says 14,665 farmers across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa are benefiting from SBD38.08m in grants to 96 agribusiness producer organisations. Ports & Green Growth: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) signed with Australia’s NTRO to develop a locally led GreenPort Framework to strengthen port sustainability and resilience. Workforce & Skills: Australian-backed training for local contractors is underway at the Malu’u Market redevelopment in North Malaita, building construction and project-planning skills. Media Industry: MASI congratulated journalist Elizabeth Osifelo on her election as Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), highlighting leadership and youth pipeline concerns. Tourism Admin: Tourism Solomons asked for clarification on practical details of the new Solomon Islands e-visa system as it rolls out.

Climate at UNGA: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press for faster action on sea-level rise and emissions, with Tuvalu calling it “present reality” and Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele warning a single disaster could erase years of development. Resource laws and land rights: PNG Governor Garry Juffa warned that outdated colonial resource rules could leave landowners exposed to foreign “criminal cartels,” urging reform in both PNG and Solomon Islands. Agriculture support (SIART): Solomon Islands’ World Bank-backed SIART project says 14,665 farmers across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa are benefiting from SBD38.08m grants to 96 Agribusiness Producer Organizations for cocoa, coconut, piggery, poultry and more. Ports sustainability: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) signed with Australia’s NTRO to develop a Solomon Islands-led GreenPort Framework to strengthen port resilience and environmental protection. Media industry capacity: MASI congratulated journalist Elizabeth Osifelo on election as PINA Vice-President, while Solomon Islands media leaders warned of a growing journalist shortage and urged better training pathways. Tourism operations: Tourism Solomons asked for clarification on the early-stage new e-Visa system so airlines and partners can guide visitors confidently. Education and skills: USP Solomon Islands Campus held a graduation for 215 students, and a Malu’u Market redevelopment project included on-site construction management training for local team leaders. Mining and markets: Separate coverage highlighted Indonesia’s nickel output cuts and the difficulty of controlling prices once supply dominates global demand.