AGP Executive Report

Mining & Local Support: Gold Ridge Mining Limited has launched its second annual Community Foundation Programme, committing SBD$1.5 million in personal cash donations from senior leadership to support vulnerable people across 36 communities in the Gold Ridge catchment, with distribution already underway for 305 beneficiaries and more events planned. Tourism & Borders: Tourism Solomons backs the Solomon Islands’ move to a digital e-Visa system but says practical details are still unclear, asking Immigration Department for clarification so airlines and tourism partners can guide visitors confidently. Infrastructure & Resilience: The tender for the climate-resilient Fiu River Bridge in Malaita closed on 18 September, with contract award expected by December; the new 84-metre bridge will include a two-lane carriageway and pedestrian walkway. Road Safety Works: MID is installing street lighting along the Tandai Highway, with overnight closures (9pm–5am) scheduled for three nights, while warning against vandalised road signs that endanger road users. Maritime & Skills: Solomon Islands Maritime Authority advances Phase Two of the Ocean Accounts Initiative, focusing on maritime connectivity and accessibility for communities. Governance & Finance: CBSI warns EFTPOS merchants not to impose card surcharges, saying the practice is unauthorised and must stop. Diplomacy for Trade & Agriculture: Solomon Islands has formalised diplomatic relations with Kenya and Ghana, highlighting cooperation in agriculture, food security, climate adaptation, ICT and education.

Tourism & Travel: Tourism Solomons backs the government’s move to a digital e-Visa system, but says it needs clarification from Immigration on practical details so travellers and airlines aren’t left guessing. Infrastructure & Roads: The tender for the new climate-resilient Fiu River Bridge in Malaita has closed, with an award expected by December; the replacement will upgrade a 77-metre structure to an 84-metre, two-lane bridge with a pedestrian walkway. Road Safety Works: MID is installing speed humps along the Henderson–Mberande Road and warns that vandalised or missing signs could endanger road users. Night Traffic Disruption: Tandai Highway landside carriageway closures run 9pm–5am for three nights for street lighting installation, with detours in place. Energy: Tulagi’s 250kW solar hybrid plant has been commissioned, aiming to improve reliable, affordable power and support tourism and local services. Finance & Retail: CBSI warns EFTPOS merchants to stop unauthorised card surcharges and keep transparent, consistent pricing. Governance & Media Skills: Pacific journalists were urged to embrace AI and social media storytelling, while UNODC pushed climate funding accountability and integrity in disaster planning. Diplomacy: Solomon Islands formalised ties with Kenya and Ghana, highlighting cooperation in agriculture, climate adaptation, ICT and education. Security & Community Safety: HALO Trust launched a UXO technical survey pilot in Munda to help clear unexploded ordnance.

Diplomacy & Trade Links: Solomon Islands has formally established diplomatic relations with Kenya and Ghana in New York, with talks focused on agriculture and food security, climate adaptation, ICT and digital financial services, and education/skills exchanges. Infrastructure & Safety: MID is progressing speed hump installations on Henderson–Mberande Road but warns that vandalised road signs threaten road safety; meanwhile, the Tandai Highway landside carriageway will close overnight (9pm–5am) for street lighting works under the LMCP. Roads, Bridges & Resilience: The tender for the new Fiu River Bridge in Malaita has closed, with contract award expected by December 2026; the replacement will be climate-resilient with a two-lane carriageway and pedestrian walkway. Community & Industry Enforcement: Police in Malaita raided kwaso (homebrew) production sites at Fiu village, pulling down temporary structures and seizing cooking equipment, with arrests expected. Energy & Development: Tulagi’s 250kW solar hybrid plant has been commissioned, aiming to improve reliable, affordable power for tourism, businesses, and public services. Finance & Consumer Protection: CBSI has warned EFTPOS merchants against unauthorised card surcharges, urging transparent pricing. Maritime & Governance: SIMA advanced Phase Two of the Ocean Accounts Initiative, including work on a Maritime Connectivity and Accessibility Account. Mining Transparency: Solomon Islands has re-entered the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) with UK support, as mining growth in gold and nickel ramps up.

Diplomacy & Trade Links: Solomon Islands has formalised diplomatic relations with Kenya and Ghana at the UN General Assembly, opening doors for cooperation in farming, food supply, climate resilience, digital technology, education and skills. Mining Governance: The UK has launched its next phase of support for Solomon Islands’ return to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), pushing greater mining-sector transparency as gold and nickel projects ramp up. Land & Transport Works: The Tandai Highway will close at night (9pm–5am) for street lighting installation, with diversions in place for motorists. Maritime Safety: The SIMA-led inquiry into the MV Anjeanette casualty continues in Honiara, examining operations, emergency response and compliance with maritime rules. Renewable Energy: Tulagi’s 250kW solar hybrid plant has been commissioned, aiming to cut diesel reliance and improve reliable power for tourism, services and small businesses. Payments & Consumer Protection: CBSI warns EFTPOS merchants to stop unauthorised card surcharges and keep pricing transparent and consistent. Tourism & WWII Heritage: A US historian says Solomon Islands’ WWII sites are under-marketed in the US and urges operators to target veterans’ groups and promote lesser-known trails. Finance Inclusion Survey: CBSI will run a national demand-side survey (Sept–Oct 2026) to map access, usage and satisfaction of financial services, including interest in climate-related products. Humanitarian UXO Survey: HALO Trust has launched a UXO technical survey pilot in Munda to support safer land for future development.

EITI Re-entry: The UK and UNDP backed Solomon Islands’ return to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, pushing new mining-sector disclosure rules as gold and nickel projects ramp up. UXO Safety in Munda: HALO Trust launched a UXO technical survey pilot in Munda to map and support clearance, feeding into a planned National UXO Bill. Road Works: The Tandai Highway will close at night (9pm–5am) for street lighting installation, with daytime access kept open. Financial Rules for Merchants: CBSI warned EFTPOS merchants to stop card surcharges, saying the practice is unauthorised and should not be passed to customers. Renewable Power for Tulagi: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW solar hybrid plant to cut diesel reliance and improve reliability for businesses and services. Financial Inclusion Survey: CBSI will run a national demand-side survey (Sept–Oct 2026) to gauge access, usage and satisfaction with financial services, including climate-related product readiness. Jobs Push: The government unveiled a plan targeting 25,000 jobs across formal and informal sectors. Maritime Sector Planning: SIMA advanced Phase Two of the Ocean Accounts initiative to strengthen maritime connectivity and accessibility data.

Renewables & Power: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW solar hybrid plant in Tulagi, Central Islands, to cut diesel reliance and improve reliability for tourism, clinics and small businesses, with ADB and government support. Maritime & Shipping: SIMA advanced Phase Two of the Ocean Accounts Initiative, focusing on a Maritime Connectivity and Accessibility Account to better link shipping services to schools, health and markets. Finance & Consumer Protection: CBSI warned EFTPOS merchants to stop unauthorised card surcharges, saying fees must be absorbed by businesses and pricing should be transparent and consistent. Banking Research: CBSI, with Tebbutt Research and SINSO, will run a second National Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sept–Oct 2026), including Makira-Ulawa, to map access, usage and gaps in financial inclusion. Infrastructure in the Provinces: MID is preparing to redevelop the old PWD compound in Kirakira, Makira-Ulawa, including staff houses and discussions on road rehabilitation and tar sealing. Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods: CEMA support is helping Malaita cocoa and copra farmers, including free copra bags and continued buying centre links in Auki. Jobs & Business Climate: SICCI urged faster electricity reforms and more competition to lower operating costs and unlock private sector growth and jobs. Disaster Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands demanded public updates on Cyclone Maila recovery funds, asking what was received, spent and what remains for communities. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.4 quake struck Papua New Guinea along the Australia-Pacific plate boundary, with risks including landslides and liquefaction.

Renewable Energy in Central Islands: Solomon Power has commissioned a 250-kilowatt Tulagi solar hybrid plant, cutting reliance on imported diesel and aiming for more reliable, affordable power for tourism, schools and clinics. Maritime Sector Development: The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) advanced Phase Two of its Ocean Accounts Initiative, focusing next on a Maritime Connectivity and Accessibility Account to better link shipping services to communities and markets. Payments & Consumer Protection: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) warned EFTPOS merchants against card payment surcharges, saying the practice is unauthorised and must stop to keep pricing transparent. Financial Inclusion Planning: CBSI will run its second National Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sept–Oct 2026) to measure access, usage, quality and satisfaction, including readiness for climate-related financial products. Agriculture Support: Malaita cocoa and copra farmers praised CEMA support, including free copra bags and the value of the Auki buying centre, while West Marovo farmers completed cocoa pest/disease and post-harvest training with ADRA. Jobs & Private Sector Push: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration outlined a plan targeting 25,000 jobs, and SICCI urged faster reforms—especially lower electricity costs and a more competitive power market—to lift growth. Transport Works in Honiara: Roadside parking and bus-bay concrete works near completion, with streetlight installation set to begin soon. Maritime Safety Inquiry: The MV Anjeanette marine inquiry continues in Honiara as witnesses delay hearings, with findings and recommendations expected after evidence review.

Renewable Energy & Power: Solomon Power has commissioned a 250kW solar hybrid plant in Tulagi, backed by ADB and government funding, aiming to cut diesel dependence and improve reliable electricity for tourism, schools and clinics. Maritime & Shipping Data: SIMA advanced Phase Two of its Ocean Accounts Initiative via an internal workshop, including work toward a Maritime Connectivity and Accessibility Account to track how shipping links communities to services and markets. Financial Inclusion & Consumer Protection: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) warned EFTPOS merchants to stop adding card surcharges, saying the practice is unauthorised and should not shift merchant fees onto customers. Finance Sector Planning: CBSI will run its second National Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sept–Oct 2026) covering about 992 adults to assess access, usage, quality, satisfaction and readiness for climate-related financial products. Jobs & Private Sector: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration unveiled a plan targeting 25,000 jobs across formal and informal sectors, while SICCI urged bold reforms, including faster electricity market changes and more solar uptake. Urban Infrastructure: Honiara’s Central Market bus bay and nearby roadside parking works are nearing completion, with streetlights expected to follow. Agriculture & Exports: CEMA support continues in Malaita, with farmers praising help such as free copra bags and continued buying-centre access in Auki; West Marovo cocoa farmers also completed IPDM and post-harvest training. Telecom Update: Bmobile says it has not shut down, but is restructuring and modernising its network to secure a sustainable operating model. Maritime Safety: The MV Anjeanette marine inquiry continues in Honiara, with the board examining operations, emergency response and compliance. Professional Development: The Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) opened its annual congress in Honiara, focusing on leadership, ethics and the role of technology in public trust.

Renewables for Central: Solomon Power has commissioned a 250kW solar hybrid plant in Tulagi, backed by ADB and government funding, aiming to cut diesel reliance and improve reliable, affordable power for tourism, schools and clinics. Maritime planning: The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) advanced Phase Two of its Ocean Accounts Initiative, focusing next on a Maritime Connectivity and Accessibility Account to map how shipping links communities to markets and services. Payments crackdown: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) warned EFTPOS merchants to stop adding card surcharges, saying the fees are unauthorised and should be absorbed as business costs. Cocoa support in Malaita: A West Kwara’ae farmer praised CEMA’s help, including free copra bags and a stronger buying-centre link in Auki, while West Marovo cocoa farmers completed IPDM and post-harvest training with ADRA. Finance sector survey: CBSI will run a national Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sept–Oct 2026) covering about 992 adults to assess access, usage, quality and readiness for climate-related financial products. Jobs push: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration closed the 2026 National Trade Fair while reiterating a plan targeting 25,000 jobs across formal and informal sectors. Telecom update: Bmobile says it has not shut down; it’s restructuring and modernising its network while adjusting its workforce. Honiara infrastructure: Roadside parking and the Central Market bus bay works are nearing completion, with streetlight installation expected to start soon.

Renewable Energy & Power Reliability: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW solar hybrid plant in Tulagi, with ADB and government support, aiming to cut diesel reliance and improve electricity reliability for tourism, schools and clinics. Central Banking & Payments: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) warned EFTPOS merchants to stop unauthorised card surcharges, saying fees should be absorbed by businesses and pricing must be transparent at the point of sale. Maritime Sector Planning: SIMA advanced Phase Two of its Ocean Accounts Initiative via an internal workshop, including work toward a Maritime Connectivity and Accessibility Account to map how shipping links communities to markets and services. Agriculture Support: A Malaita cocoa and copra farmer praised CEMA for practical support like free copra bags and maintaining an Auki buying centre that keeps farmers connected to markets. Infrastructure & Urban Transport: Honiara’s main-market and magistrate bus terminals are set to reopen as road works near completion, with remaining carpark and utility relocation tasks still affecting timelines. Jobs & Private Sector: MCILI unveiled a plan targeting 25,000 jobs across formal and informal sectors, while SICCI pushed for faster electricity reforms and more competition to help businesses grow. Telecom Update: Bmobile clarified it has not shut down, saying it is restructuring and modernising its network to secure a sustainable operating model. Health & Energy Access: Seven Malaita clinics received solar power systems to improve reliability for vaccine cold-chain, maternal care and emergency services. Cocoa Skills Training: ADRA/SEAS completed cocoa IPDM and post-harvest training in West Marovo for 22 farmers, covering nursery, grafting, pruning and field management. Maritime Safety Inquiry: The MV Anjeanette marine inquiry continues in Honiara as witnesses’ availability affects the schedule, focusing on operations, emergency response and compliance.

EFTPOS Rules: CBSI has told Solomon Islands merchants to stop unauthorised card payment surcharges, saying fees must be absorbed by businesses and pricing should be clear at the point of sale. Financial Inclusion Survey: CBSI will run its second National Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sept–Oct 2026) covering about 992 adults to track access, usage, quality, satisfaction and readiness for climate-related financial products. Energy for Health: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW solar hybrid plant in Tulagi to cut diesel reliance, while seven Malaita clinics received new solar systems to keep vaccine cold-chain and maternal care running during outages. Transport & Cities: Honiara’s main-market and magistrate bus bays are set to return as road works near completion, and Central Honiara concrete works for a new bus bay and carparks are progressing toward opening. Private Sector Push: SICCI is urging faster electricity reforms and more solar competition to lift growth and jobs, as Government targets 25,000 jobs across formal and informal sectors. Maritime Safety: The MV Anjeanette marine inquiry continues in Honiara after witness delays, with the board focusing on operations, emergency response and compliance. Telecom Update: Bmobile says it has not shut down, but is restructuring and modernising its network for a more sustainable model. Climate Finance & Delivery: PM Wale says climate finance must be justice, with measurable delivery to communities, not charity.

Climate Finance in Honiara: Australia and New Zealand used the 5th Pacific Oceans Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara to push for climate finance that strengthens Pacific institutions and delivers practical, visible results for communities. Health & Energy: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW solar hybrid plant in Tulagi to cut diesel reliance, while seven Malaita clinics received new solar systems to keep vaccine cold-chain and essential services running during outages. Business & Jobs: The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged bold reforms at the National Business Forum, pointing to high electricity costs and calling for faster Electricity Act changes; government also reiterated a 25,000 jobs target over four years. Finance Access: CBSI and Tebbutt Research will run a second National Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sept–Oct) to map access, usage, satisfaction, and readiness for climate-related financial products. Transport & Industry Works: Honiara’s central market bus bay and westbound terminal are set to return to original locations as road works near completion; MID says streetlights will follow. Maritime Safety: The MV Anjeanette marine inquiry continues in Honiara as witnesses delay proceedings, examining operations, emergency response, and compliance. Telecom Update: Bmobile says it has not shut down, but is restructuring and modernising its network.

Accounting & Governance: The ISIA Annual Congress 2026 opened in Honiara under “Beyond Qualifications,” with calls for accountants to protect public trust and use technology without losing ethical judgment. Financial Inclusion Survey: CBSI will run a nationwide demand-side survey (about 992 adults) from September to October to track access, usage, satisfaction, and readiness for climate-related financial products. Energy & Health Infrastructure: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW solar hybrid plant in Tulagi to cut diesel reliance, while seven Malaita clinics received new solar systems to improve reliability for vaccines, maternal care, and emergency services. Private Sector Push: SICCI urged bold reforms to lift growth and jobs, pointing to high electricity costs and calling for faster Electricity Act amendments to open competition and expand affordable renewables. Urban Works & Transport: Honiara’s Central Market bus bay and nearby roadside parking are nearing completion, with bus terminals set to return to original locations as utility relocations are finished. Agriculture Skills: ADRA/SEAS completed cocoa IPDM and post-harvest training for West Marovo farmers, building practical skills from nursery work to grafting and pruning. Maritime Industry: Pacific Towing began re-flagging its Honiara-based tug Pacific Salvor to become a Solomon Islands vessel, supporting local towage and emergency response. Business & Jobs Agenda: The GREAT Coalition set a target of 25,000 new jobs over four years, linking investment climate reforms to absorbing young jobseekers. Construction Milestones: The Aviation Complex Building at Henderson reached major completion, with remaining transformer and IT hardware procurement before full commissioning.

Pacific Security & Defence: Australia’s ASPI warns defence spending and drills are rising around Northeast Asia, after US-Japan-South Korea exercises in the Sea of Japan ended just before North Korea’s missile test. Pacific Trade & Diplomacy: The US says it will “promote trade over aid” in the Pacific, pushing private-sector-led growth and energy-security support. Solomon Islands Climate Policy: PM Matthew Wale opened a regional climate conference in Honiara, calling climate finance “justice, not charity” and promising legislation, budgeting, enforcement and reporting by 2050. Malaita Health Power: Seven Malaita clinics received solar systems via Solomon Islands, Australia and UNICEF to improve vaccine cold-chain, maternal care and emergency response. Business & Jobs Drive: SICCI and the GREAT Coalition push reforms to lift private growth and create 25,000 jobs in four years, with electricity costs flagged as a key barrier. Transport & Ports: Honiara’s main market and magistrate bus terminals are set to return to original sites as road works near completion; meanwhile a formal marine inquiry begins into the MV Anjeanette disaster. Energy & Infrastructure: The Aviation Complex Building at Henderson reaches major completion, with transformer installation and IT hardware still pending. Maritime Industry: Pacific Towing re-flags its Honiara-based tug Pacific Salvor to become a Solomon Islands vessel, supporting local towage and emergency response. Agriculture Skills: Cocoa IPDM and post-harvest training wrapped up for West Marovo farmers, while SIART continues pig breeding improvements and poultry support for Malaita groups.

Climate & resilience: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale told the Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara that climate finance must be climate justice, not charity, calling for adequate, predictable, grant-based funding and stronger domestic systems to reach provinces and communities. Climate policy delivery: Wale also unveiled the GREAT government’s climate action plan, promising legislation, budgeting, enforcement and reporting by 2050, plus stronger weather and climate services, renewable energy and a circular economy. Energy for health: Seven Malaita clinics received new solar power systems via a Solomon Islands–Australia–UNICEF partnership, improving vaccine cold-chain, maternal care and emergency response while cutting reliance on costly fuel. Jobs & business climate: SICCI CEO James Dolarii urged bold reforms to lift growth and create jobs, pointing to high electricity costs and calling for faster Electricity Act amendments to open competition and expand affordable renewables. Workforce & skills: The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre project is creating career pathways, with two Solomon Islanders moving from apprenticeship to electrician roles on major projects nationwide. Transport & urban services: Honiara’s main market and magistrate bus terminals are set to return to original locations as road works near completion, with schedules tied to carpark and utility relocation progress. Maritime industry: Pacific Towing re-flagged its Honiara-based tug Pacific Salvor to become a Solomon Islands vessel, strengthening local emergency towage and salvage capacity. Mining governance: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee rejected claims that more consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 would cost $1b, warning rushed changes could fracture trust and destabilise communities. Infrastructure milestone: The Aviation Complex Building at Henderson reached major completion, with remaining transformer installation and IT procurement before full commissioning. Agriculture training: ADRA’s SEAS project completed cocoa IPDM and post-harvest training for West Marovo farmers, covering nursery, grafting, pruning and field application.

Private Sector Reform Push: SICCI CEO James Dolarii urged bold reforms at the National Business Forum 2026, targeting faster growth (from 3–4% to 7–8%) by tackling barriers like high electricity costs and calling for fast-tracked Electricity Act changes to open the market for cheaper renewables. Aviation Infrastructure: The World Bank-backed SIRAP2 Aviation Complex Building at Henderson has hit a major completion milestone, with remaining work focused on transformer installation and IT hardware before testing and handover. Jobs and Investment Climate: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma backed the GREAT Coalition’s plan to create 25,000 new jobs in four years, linking it to law reform, streamlined processes, and removing bureaucratic roadblocks. Maritime Safety Inquiry: A formal Marine Inquiry has begun in Honiara into the MV ANJEANETTE disaster after a July fire and sinking, with a three-member independent board appointed by SIMA. Mining Law Consultation: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee rejected claims that more consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 would cost $1b, warning rushed changes could fracture trust and destabilise communities. Climate Finance for Justice: PM Matthew Wale said climate finance must be grant-based where possible and treated as justice, not charity, with benefits reaching provinces and vulnerable groups. Agriculture Livelihoods: SIART’s pig breed improvement program and Malaita poultry support both moved ahead, including completed hormonal feeding and distribution of day-old chicks to agribusiness groups. Water Supply Disruption: Solomon Water warned east Honiara customers of low/no supply from issues with borehole pumps feeding the Panatina Tank, with repairs underway and refilling needed. Skills Pipeline: The first five students left for China under the “1,000 students per year” vocational initiative aimed at TVET and science teaching capacity.