AGP Executive Report

UXO and public safety: A new documentary highlights how World War II bombs and other unexploded ordnance still kill and injure Solomon Islanders decades later, with clearance ongoing but support for survivors still limited. Security and drugs: Australia unveiled a major plan to target cocaine traffickers using a “Pacific drugs highway,” with recent narco-sub incidents reported in the region including the Solomon Islands. Mining governance: The Bills and Legislation Committee rejected claims that longer consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 would cost $1 billion, warning that rushed decisions could damage trust and stability for landowners and provinces. Water and utilities: Solomon Water warned east Honiara customers of low or no supply from problems at the Panatina Tank borehole pumps, with repairs underway and recovery dependent on refilling. Transport and local development: China-funded RSDP delivered a $1.5m maritime transport boost to West Makira—17 boats and 18 outboard engines—to support health, education, fisheries and agriculture. Business and jobs: SICCI launched the 9th Business Excellence Awards, expanding categories to recognise more provincial SMEs and entrepreneurs. Climate and agriculture: El Niño is strengthening, with Solomon Islands urged to prepare for hotter, drier conditions that could strain water, farming and fishing livelihoods. Skills pipeline: The first five students left for China under the Government’s “1,000 students per year” vocational initiative, aimed at filling key TVET and science teaching gaps. Biosecurity: Solomon Islands launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to better prevent, detect and respond to pests and diseases threatening agriculture and food security. Trade and industry: The National Annual Trade Fair opened in Honiara, pushing innovation and local value-adding as the country prepares for LDC graduation.

Development Partnership: Solomon Islands is pushing to deepen ties with Canada, focusing on education, labour mobility, affordable energy and national connectivity discussed at the Pacific Islands Forum in Koror. Mining Law Consultation: The Bills and Legislation Committee says Mineral Resources Bill 2025 amendments should not rush consultation, warning that skipping proper talks with landowners and provinces could trigger instability and loss of legitimacy. Health & Medicines Links: A MHMS delegation met India’s health officials in New Delhi to advance health cooperation and recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia. Weather & Climate Readiness: Solomon Islands’ meteorology service is urging preparation as El Niño strengthens, with risks to water, agriculture, fishing and health. Transport for Remote Communities: West Makira received a $1.5m China-funded maritime transport boost—17 boats and 18 outboard engines—to support health, education, fisheries and agriculture. Business & Skills: SICCI launched its expanded 9th Business Excellence Awards, while the first five students left for China under the “1,000 students per year” vocational initiative. Biosecurity: Government launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to protect agriculture, food security and trade from pests and diseases. Industry Training: SINU heavy vehicle students visited GPPOL’s workshop for hands-on steering and suspension training. Water Supply Disruption: Solomon Water warned east Honiara customers of low pressure due to problems with borehole pumps feeding the Panatina Tank.

Mineral Resources Bill: Solomon Islands’ Bills and Legislation Committee rejected claims that delaying consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 would cost $1b, warning the real risk is rushing changes without proper input from landowners, provinces and stakeholders—potentially triggering fractured trust and instability. Water supply disruption: Solomon Water warned east Honiara customers of low pressure or outages due to problems with borehole pumps feeding the Panatina Tank, with repairs done but full supply dependent on the tank refilling. Health cooperation: A Solomon Islands MHMS delegation met India counterparts in New Delhi to advance health MOUs and recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia. Transport for remote communities: West Makira received a $1.5m China-funded RSDP maritime package—17 fibreglass boats and 18 outboard engines—to support health referrals, schooling, fisheries and agriculture. Business push: SICCI launched the 9th Business Excellence Awards, expanding categories to 21 (plus a Prime Minister’s Award) and urging wider provincial SME participation. Climate readiness: SIMS says El Niño is firmly established and could bring hotter, drier conditions affecting water, agriculture, fisheries and health. Skills pipeline: The first five students left for China under the “1,000 students per year” vocational initiative, aimed at closing TVET and science-teacher gaps. Industry training: SINU heavy vehicle students toured GPPOL’s transport and vehicle workshop for hands-on steering and suspension training. Biosecurity: Government launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to strengthen prevention, detection and response to pests and diseases supporting agriculture and food security. Seaweed sector: A three-day seaweed stakeholders’ consultation in Honiara is underway to share extension experiences and identify practical ways to grow the industry.

Mineral Resources Bill: Solomon Islands’ Bills and Legislation Committee rejects claims that more consultation would cost $1b, saying the real risk is fractured trust and instability; it has urged the Prime Minister to withdraw the 2025 Bill for wider consultation with landowners, provinces and mining stakeholders. Health ties: An MHMS delegation in New Delhi advanced Solomon Islands–India health cooperation, including MOUs on medical care and recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia. Water supply disruption: Solomon Water warns east Honiara customers of low/no water from critically low levels at the Panatina Tank due to borehole pump problems, with repairs underway but normal supply needing time to recover. Transport for remote communities: China-funded RSDP delivered a $1.5m maritime boost to West Makira—17 fibreglass boats and 18 outboard engines—to support health referrals, schooling, fisheries and agriculture. Climate and agriculture: SIMS says El Niño is firmly established and may persist into early 2027, with warnings on hotter, drier conditions, water shortages and pressure on crops, livestock and coastal livelihoods. Skills and jobs pipeline: The Government’s “1,000 students per year to China” initiative begins with the first five vocational students departing, targeting TVET and science-teacher training. Business growth: SICCI expands its Business Excellence Awards to 21 categories (plus a PM Award), encouraging provincial SMEs to apply. Biosecurity: Solomon Islands launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to strengthen prevention, detection and response to pests and diseases supporting agriculture and food security. Industry training: SINU heavy vehicle students visited GPPOL’s transport and vehicle workshop for hands-on steering and suspension training. Seaweed sector: A three-day seaweed stakeholders’ consultation in Honiara brings together extension officers to share challenges and solutions for the industry. Mining law reform: Mines and Energy Minister Derrick Manu’ari says the “first come, first serve” mining licence system is a major weakness and is pushing legislative amendments to give customary landowners a stronger voice.

Australian Volunteers Program: A new intake cohort marks the start of another round of placements, with the program reporting 700+ volunteers since 1965 and recent gains in assignment progress with local partners. Education & Skills: The “1,000 Students Per Year to China” initiative begins as the first five students depart for vocational studies, while SINU heavy vehicle students get hands-on training at GPPOL. Business & Industry: SICCI expands its Business Excellence Awards to 21 categories (plus a Prime Minister’s Award), and the chamber urges provincial SMEs to join. Trade & Growth: Honiara hosts the 2026 National Annual Trade Fair (Sept 9–16) to showcase local production, innovation and investment opportunities. Climate & Food Security: El Niño is strengthening, with Solomon Islands urged to prepare for hotter, drier conditions that could hit water and agriculture. Biosecurity: Government launches a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to protect agriculture, food security and trade from pests and diseases. Transport & Infrastructure: Malaita’s Malu’u Market seawall is completed, and West Makira receives $1.5m for fibreglass boats and outboard engines to support fisheries, agriculture and services. Mining Law Reform: Minister Derrick Manu’ari says the “first come, first serve” mining licence system is a weakness and reforms are headed to Parliament.

Education & Skills Pipeline: Five Solomon Islands students departed for China under the Government’s 1,000 Students Per Year to China initiative, targeting vocational training to plug TVET and science-teacher gaps. Trade & Enterprise: SICCI is urging provincial SMEs to join the 2026 Business Excellence Awards, now expanded to 21 categories plus a Prime Minister’s Award, with a dedicated SME track. National Trade Fair: Honiara hosts the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair (Sept 9–16) at FOPA Village, pushing innovation and sustainable local production, with daily exhibitions and a float parade. Transport for Rural Growth: West Makira received 17 fibreglass boats and 18 outboard engines (US$1.5m PRC-funded) to improve access for health, schools, fisheries and agriculture. Biosecurity for Agriculture: Solomon Islands launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to strengthen prevention, detection and response to pests and diseases supporting food security and trade. Mining Governance: Mines and Energy Minister Derrick Manu’ari says “first come, first serve” licensing is a weakness and is moving amendments to give customary landowners more say. Border Services: A new electronic visa system went live under the Solomon Islands Border Management System to speed up online applications and improve security.

Road & Construction Readiness: Malaita road upgrades move toward major works after community consultations, with contractors finalising environmental and social plans before mobilisation. Trade & Industry Push: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma urged faster innovation and more domestic production as Solomon Islands prepares for LDC graduation in 2027, warning against relying on raw commodity exports. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Government launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to protect farming, food security, trade and the rural economy from pests and diseases. Seaweed Sector Support: A three-day seaweed stakeholders’ consultation in Honiara brings together fisheries extension officers to share challenges and practical solutions. Mining Law Reform: Mines and Energy Minister Derrick Manu’ari says the “first come, first serve” mining licence system is a major weakness and is moving amendments to strengthen customary landowner input. Honiara Business Calendar: The 2026 Annual National Trade Fair opens Sept 9–16 at SINU, aiming to turn Honiara into a hub for local products, enterprise and innovation. Border & Maritime Security: The government ordered immediate closure of non-ISPS-compliant sufferance wharves to protect revenue and tighten border security. Skills & Workforce: ISIA will host its 3rd annual congress Sept 17–18, urging employers to back professional development for accountants. Local Infrastructure Resilience: Malu’u Market’s 120-metre seawall is complete, with construction shifting to the next phase for a safer, climate-resilient market in North Malaita.

Road & Construction: Malaita road upgrades are moving toward works after community consultations along project corridors; contractors are finalising environmental and social plans before mobilisation. Trade & Innovation: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma urged faster innovation and more domestic processing as Solomon Islands prepares for LDC graduation in 2027, warning that “special treatment” will fade. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Solomon Islands launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to protect farming, food security, trade and the rural economy, shifting focus beyond border checks. Seaweed Farming: A three-day consultation in Honiara is bringing together seaweed extension officers to share challenges and practical solutions. Markets & Local Jobs: The Malu’u Market seawall is complete and groundworks are underway, with local workers and community mentoring supporting climate-resilient infrastructure in North Malaita. Skills & Workforce: ISIA will hold its 3rd annual accountants’ congress (Sept 17–18) urging employers to back professional development. Border & Shipping Security: Government ordered immediate closure of non-ISPS-compliant sufferance wharves and tightened import controls to protect revenue and border security. Politics & Business Climate: PM Matthew Wale survived a no-confidence attempt; parliament adjourned indefinitely, with mining reforms and free education flagged for the next push. Visa Reform: A new electronic visa system went live to speed up online applications and strengthen immigration security.

Pacific Politics & Security: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale survived a no-confidence attempt, with parliament adjourned indefinitely and the government pointing to mining reforms and free education as next steps, as US and China watch closely. Australia–Solomons Deal: A leaked message says Australia is preparing a landmark treaty with Solomon Islands, potentially adding over A$980m to support the pact—raising stakes in the region’s China–US competition. Mining Law Reform: Mines and Energy Minister Derrick Manu’ari says the “first come, first serve” licence system is a major flaw and is pushing amendments to strengthen customary landowners’ say. Maritime Trade Security: Government ordered immediate closure of non-ISPS-compliant sufferance wharves, tightening border security and revenue protection. Biosecurity for Agriculture: The government launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 to protect farming, food security and rural livelihoods. Local Infrastructure & Markets: Malu’u seawall completion marks the next phase of the Malu’u Market project in North Malaita, with local jobs and climate resilience. Business & Travel: Honiara hosts the 2026 National Trade Fair (Sept 9–16) and a new electronic visa system is now in place to speed up applications. Skills & STEM: ISIA will hold its 3rd annual accountants congress (Sept 17–18), while STEM Science Showcases are encouraging secondary students.

Infrastructure & Jobs: The Australia-funded Malu’u Market project in North Malaita hit a major milestone with completion of a 120-metre seawall, while groundworks move to the next phase; 44 workers are already on site, including 32 locals, and the team is also planting mangroves for extra coastal protection. Professional Development: The Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) will hold its 3rd annual Congress on Sept 17–18 at Heritage Park Hotel, urging employers to back accountants’ professional development as the role expands beyond compliance into tech, risk and governance. Border & Trade Security: Government has ordered the immediate closure of all sufferance wharves that are not ISPS-compliant, with import operations halted until facilities meet Solomon Islands Maritime Authority requirements and duties/taxes are properly handled. Mining Law Reform: Mines and Energy Minister Derrick Manu’ari says the “first come, first serve” mining licence approach is a major weakness and is pushing amendments to give customary landowners a stronger say in mineral development decisions. Education Policy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale reaffirmed plans to roll out free education from ECE through SINU and TAFE/TVET, with STEM strengthened to build a skilled workforce. National Trade & Innovation: Honiara will host the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair Sept 9–16 at FOPA Village, bringing together farmers, businesses, innovators and government services under a sustainability-focused theme. Regional Finance & Inclusion: The CBSI Governor has been appointed Vice Chair of the Pacific Islands Regional Initiative (PIRI), highlighting work on financial inclusion, digital finance and payment systems. Politics: Wale’s government survived a no-confidence attempt, with parliament adjourned indefinitely as lawmakers withdrew the motion after crossovers.

Solomon Islands Politics: Prime Minister Matthew Wale survived a no-confidence attempt, with parliament adjourned indefinitely after the motion was withdrawn—leaving mining reforms and free education on the agenda while the US, China and Australia watch closely. Australia–Solomons Deal: A leaked message says Australia is preparing a major new treaty package for the Solomons, with funding commitments reported at more than $980 million. Border & Trade Security: Government ordered the immediate closure of non-ISPS-compliant sufferance wharves and import operations until security accreditation and customs controls are in place. Education & Skills: Wale reaffirmed a plan for free education from ECE to SINU and TVET/TAFE, with STEM strengthened to build a skilled workforce. Business & Innovation: Honiara will host the 2026 National Trade Fair (Sept 9–16) to spotlight local products, enterprise and culture. Immigration Reform: A new electronic visa system went live to speed up applications and improve border security. Agriculture & Jobs: SIART training in Malaita focused on financial literacy and feed formulation for young extension officers and farmers; construction of an Auki agriculture building is past the halfway mark. Regional Finance: CBSI’s governor appointed vice chair of PIRI, pushing digital finance and financial inclusion across the Pacific.

Solomon Islands Politics: Prime Minister Matthew Wale survived a no-confidence attempt, with parliament adjourned indefinitely to allow policy work including mining reforms and free education rollout. COP31 & Clean Energy Push: Pacific leaders at the Palau summit urged COP31 to deliver climate finance for renewables and resilient communities, as fossil fuel costs bite. Australia–Solomons Deal: A leaked text says Australia has agreed in principle to a major new treaty backing Solomon Islands with over $980m in additional funding. Maritime Trade Crackdown: Government ordered immediate closure of unsafe, non-ISPS-compliant sufferance wharves, tightening border security and revenue protection. Local Construction & Markets: Australia-funded Malu’u Market in North Malaita hit a key milestone with a completed 120-metre seawall and local jobs, plus mangrove planting. Skills & Education: Wale reaffirmed free education from ECE to SINU and TVET/TAFE, while STEM showcases in Honiara encouraged students into science pathways. Agriculture Capacity: SIART training in Malaita focused on financial literacy and feed formulation for young extension officers and farmer groups.

Maritime Security & Trade: The Solomon Islands Government has ordered the immediate closure of all non-ISPS-compliant sufferance wharves, with import operations stopped from 4 September unless facilities meet International Ship and Port Facility Security standards and pay duties before cargo release—aimed at plugging security gaps and protecting revenue. Politics & Business Confidence: A no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Matthew Wale was withdrawn by East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga, sparing Wale from Monday’s vote, while the Opposition urged the GREAT Coalition to answer substantive governance and fiscal concerns beyond its short time in office; meanwhile SICCI says political instability is still disrupting private-sector planning and investment. Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods: SIART continues training in Malaita, building financial literacy and feed formulation skills for young agriculture extension officers and farmer groups, while the new Auki agriculture building (SBD17.9m) has passed the halfway mark under World Bank-funded environmental safeguards. Regional Finance & Digital Inclusion: CBSI’s Governor has been appointed Vice Chair of the Pacific Islands Regional Initiative, highlighting work on QR payments, digital financial literacy, MSME financing and the Bokolo Cash CBDC push. Energy & Infrastructure Support: World Bank engagement on Solomon Islands energy reforms and lower electricity costs continues, alongside Australia’s support for local construction firms to access finance and expand. Maritime Safety: A marine inquiry has begun into the MV Anjeanette fire, sinking and presumed loss of life, examining causes, cargo handling, onboard control and emergency response. Regional Spotlight: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders pushed for stronger climate action and registered concern over China’s missile test, while the Philippines signalled closer Pacific integration through its Philippine-Pacific Initiative.

Maritime Security & Trade: The Solomon Islands Government has ordered the immediate closure of all non-ISPS-compliant sufferance wharves nationwide, effective 4 September, directing Customs to shut facilities lacking ISPS accreditation from SIMA and to only resume operations once compliance is verified; for compliant wharves, cargo release must be tied to full duty and tax payment and tighter controls on landings. Political Pressure on Business: Ahead of Monday’s Motion of No Confidence, the Opposition says the GREAT Coalition should stop hiding behind “three months” and answer deeper fiscal and governance concerns, while SICCI has urged calm, normal business activity and asked police to prioritise protection of critical infrastructure and essential services. Agriculture & Rural Jobs: SIART is training Malaita’s young agriculture extension officers and Agribusiness Producer Organizations on financial literacy and feed formulation, while Auki’s new agriculture building construction has passed the halfway mark and is progressing under World Bank-funded safeguards. Finance & Skills: ISIA will hold its 3rd annual Congress (17–18 Sept) to build a future-ready accounting workforce, and CBSI’s Governor has been appointed Vice Chair of the Pacific financial inclusion initiative PIRI. Energy & Education Resilience: World Bank support for Solomon Islands energy reforms and lower electricity costs continues, and a new EU-UNICEF climate-resilient education programme will upgrade schools in Solomon Islands and other Pacific states to keep learning going during disasters. Maritime Safety Inquiry: A marine inquiry has begun into the MV Anjeanette fire, sinking and presumed loss of life, with SIMA’s board tasked to examine causes, cargo handling, onboard control and emergency response.

Agribusiness Skills Boost: The SIART project trained Solomon Islands Young Professionals and Malaita’s provincial agriculture teams in financial literacy and feed formulation, equipping them to support 45 Agribusiness Producer Organizations and help farmers run more profitable operations. Agriculture Infrastructure Progress: In Auki, Malaita, SIART’s new double-storey agriculture office building has passed the halfway mark, with foundation and first-floor slab work completed and roofing preparation underway under a World Bank-funded 12-month plan. Construction Finance for Local Firms: Australia-backed workshops in Honiara connected more than 50 contractors with banks and business support groups, focusing on better financial records, cash-flow management, and meeting lending requirements to expand the local construction sector. Energy and Cost Pressures: Solomon Islands and the World Bank discussed energy security and lowering electricity costs, including support for the Tina River Hydropower project and efforts to secure Green Climate Fund financing. Regional Finance Leadership: CBSI Governor Matthew Wale? (CBSI) was appointed Vice Chair of the Pacific Islands Regional Initiative, highlighting work on financial inclusion, digital finance literacy, and payment system upgrades. Maritime Safety Probe: A marine inquiry has begun into the MV Anjeanette fire, sinking and presumed loss of life, with a board tasked to examine causes, cargo handling, and emergency response. Business Confidence Under Strain: SICCI says political instability is still disrupting private-sector operations, delaying decisions and financing, and stalling jobs. Climate Action for Schools: A new EU-UNICEF programme will fund climate-resilient education systems across the Pacific, including Solomon Islands, aiming to keep schools operational during disasters. Pacific Forum Fallout: At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders pushed for urgent climate action and registered concern over China’s missile test, while Taiwan’s presence sparked diplomatic tension.

SIART Agriculture Training: The Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project wrapped a 3-day workshop in Auki, Malaita (26–28 Aug) training SIART Young Professionals and the Provincial Project Team on financial literacy and feed formulation, with skills meant to flow to 45 Malaita agribusiness producer organizations. Construction & Agriculture Services: SIART says the new double-storey agriculture office building in Auki has passed the halfway mark, meeting environmental and social requirements under the Contractor’s Environmental and Social Management Plan, with roofing next in the 12-month build. Local Business Finance: Australia-backed workshops in Honiara helped over 50 construction firms connect with banks and lenders, focusing on financial records, cash-flow management and meeting funding requirements. Energy & Electricity Costs: The World Bank reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands energy reforms and the Tina River Hydropower push aimed at lowering reliance on imported fuel and reducing electricity costs. Regional Security & Politics: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders pushed for climate-focused funding over geopolitics, while China defended its military stance after Pacific criticism of an ICBM test; locally, SICCI urged calm ahead of Solomon Islands’ no-confidence motion and called for protection of critical infrastructure. Education & Climate Resilience: UNICEF and the EU launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme to upgrade schools in Solomon Islands and other countries so they can keep operating during disasters.