AGP Executive Report

Mining Integrity & Legal Process: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare is pressing Attorney-General Gabriel Suri to recuse himself from all APID-related matters as investigations begin into 33 controversial bauxite shipments, arguing the public needs confidence in conflict-free legal decisions. Extractives Transparency: UNDP and the British High Commission ran a Training of Trainers for civil society on EITI implementation, monitoring and reporting, aiming to strengthen transparency in oil, gas and mineral revenues. Gold Sector Compliance: Mines Division has started compliance verification for Gold Dealer Licence holders, with inspections and record checks under the Mines and Minerals Act. Minimum Wage Push: The Labour Division, with ILO support, is running minimum wage setting workshops and province surveys to update the 2019 rate using data on living costs and business capacity. Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion, including external façade installation and major access-road progress. Road & Rural Transport: In Malaita, TTC is building a 5km tar-sealed road section, while North Guadalcanal received 13 trucks to boost access for Economic Zones and farm produce. Water Supply Upgrade: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara, moving into testing and commissioning after structural works. Community Food Security: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000+ vegetable seedlings in Honiara to improve nutrition and small-scale income. Resource Sector Warning: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the government welcomes ethical logging and mining investment but will act hard against deliberate illegal operators. Energy & Climate Pressure: Pacific climate groups are urging stronger fossil fuel action ahead of major climate talks, while insurers face renewed calls to avoid backing LNG expansion in the Coral Triangle.

Bauxite Probe & Legal Integrity: Investigations have begun into 33 bauxite shipments from West Rennell, with the Attorney-General’s Chambers and Mines Division leading the process—while Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare is pressing AG Gabriel Suri to recuse from all APID-related matters over conflict-of-interest concerns. Gold Sector Compliance: The Mines Division has started compliance verification for all Gold Dealer Licence holders, with inspections underway and further action planned after full assessments. Minimum Wage Review: A three-day minimum wage setting workshop is underway, with the Labour Division running province surveys and analysis to guide a new rate. Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion, including external façade installation and progress on access roads and drainage. Road Works in Malaita & Honiara: TTC has started a 5km tar-sealed road from Kwaibala to Oibola, while Honiara road users are warned about ongoing Mendana Avenue works and traffic management. Water & Sanitation: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving into testing and commissioning. Extractives Transparency: UNDP and the British High Commission ran Training of Trainers for civil society on EITI implementation, monitoring and reporting. Rural Agriculture & Food Security: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000+ vegetable seedlings in Honiara to boost nutrition and small-scale income. Resource Enforcement: PM Matthew Wale reiterated the government will welcome ethical logging and mining investment but will act hard against deliberate law-breaking.

Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion under SIRAP2, with the external façade installed and access road works about 80% done, while internal partitions and stormwater drainage continue. Extractives Transparency: UNDP and the British High Commission ran a Training of Trainers for civil society on EITI implementation, monitoring and reporting to strengthen openness in oil, gas and minerals. Mining & Labour Oversight: China Railway Construction Engineering Group denies Rotui mining staff claims over overtime, allowances and NPF payments, saying workers were paid and NPF processing is underway. Resource Sector Integrity: Government has begun compliance verification for Gold Dealer Licence holders, with Mines Division inspections underway and further action planned after all holders are assessed. Minimum Wage Push: The Labour Division is surveying provinces for the minimum wage review, with analysis to follow using data support from the National Statistics Office and ILO. Roads & Transport: TTC has started a 5km tar-sealed road from Kwaibala to Oibola in Malaita, supported by Australia’s National Transport Fund. Water Supply Upgrade: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving into testing and commissioning after major structures were completed. Rural Food Security: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000+ vegetable seedlings in Honiara to boost nutrition and small-scale income. Climate & Energy Debate: Pacific climate groups are urging more governments to back a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate meeting, arguing renewable delivery must match targets.

Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion under SIRAP2, with the external façade installed, access road works about 80% done, and internal framing and stormwater drainage progressing. Extractives Transparency: UNDP and the British High Commission ran a Training of Trainers for Solomon Islands civil society on EITI implementation, monitoring and reporting, aiming to strengthen transparency and public dialogue around oil, gas and minerals. Resource Sector Oversight: The Mines Division has started compliance verification for all Gold Dealer Licence holders, with inspections already covering six operators and further action to follow after full assessment. Roads and Safety: MID reminds road users about ongoing works along Mendana Avenue and calls for patience and respect for traffic controllers after an incident of violence against a contractor staff member. Minimum Wage Review: The Labour Division is surveying provinces for the national minimum wage review, with analysis to follow using data support from the National Statistics Office and the ILO. Rural Transport for Farmers: TTC has begun tar-sealing a 5km road section in Malaita (Kwaibala to Oibola), supported by the National Transport Fund and aimed at improving market access. Food Security via Seeds: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed more than 35,000 vegetable seedlings in and around Honiara to boost household nutrition and small-scale income. EU Development Focus: The EU says it will shift toward more investment-driven cooperation with Solomon Islands, including visits to Malaita and the proposed Bina Harbour site.

Climate & Energy Push: 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors urged more Pacific governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate meeting, pointing to Solomon Islands and other Pacific signatories calling for a Fossil Free Pacific transition. Roads & Transport: In Malaita, Trades Transportation Company has started a 5km tar-sealed road from Kwaibala to Oibola, after rehabilitating 33km, with Australian funding via the National Transport Fund. Minimum Wage Process: The Labour Division is running surveys for a national minimum wage review (ILO and Statistics Office support), with SICCI calling for data-driven decisions that balance worker costs and business capacity. Resource Sector Oversight: Prime Minister Matthew Wale warned illegal loggers and miners they will face strong action, while investigations begin into 33 controversial bauxite shipments. Water & Urban Services: Solomon Water reports major progress on new concrete reservoirs in Honiara (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving into testing and commissioning. Agriculture & Food Security: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000+ vegetable seedlings in Honiara to boost nutrition and small-scale income. EU Development Focus: The EU says its renewable energy and water investments are building resilience, and reaffirmed support during a visit that included discussions on Bina Harbour.

Climate & Energy Push: 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors urged more Pacific governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate talks, pointing to Solomon Islands and other Pacific signatories calling for a faster shift to renewables. Minimum Wage & Jobs: SICCI says Solomon Islands’ minimum wage review must be data-driven and balanced, as the Labour Division runs surveys across provinces and analysis is set to guide the next rate. Roads & Transport: In Malaita, TTC has started 5km of tar-sealed road works from Kwaibala to Oibola, while MID also reminded Honiara road users to be patient and respect traffic controllers during Mendana Avenue roadworks. Rural Economy & Agriculture: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000+ vegetable seedlings in and around Honiara to boost nutrition and small income from surplus sales. Water Infrastructure: Solomon Water is progressing on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving into testing and commissioning. Resource Oversight: Government warned illegal loggers and miners, while investigations began into 33 controversial bauxite shipments from Rennell. EU Partnership: The EU says its renewable energy, water and sanitation investments are strengthening Solomon Islands resilience, and it expects cooperation to continue despite the new government.

Minimum Wage Review: Solomon Islands’ Labour Division is running province surveys for the national minimum wage, with Honiara data collection this month; analysis will follow with the National Statistics Office and the ILO, after which the Labour Advisory Board will recommend a new rate. Business & Wages Data: The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) is urging a balanced, evidence-based review, warning that any increase must reflect both workers’ cost of living and businesses’ ability to pay, with better and more timely data collection. Food Security in Honiara: Kastom Gaden Association and Solomon Tobacco delivered 35,000+ vegetable seedlings to communities around Honiara, targeting nutrition and small income from surplus sales. Roadworks Safety: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development is reminding Honiara road users to cooperate with traffic controllers on Mendana Avenue roadworks after an incident involving a slapped controller, stressing respect and adherence to safety plans. Water Infrastructure: Solomon Water says three new concrete reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina are progressing toward testing and commissioning, boosting Honiara’s storage capacity. EU Development Push: A high-level EU delegation says cooperation with the new Solomon Islands government will not slow projects, highlighting investment in renewable energy, water and sanitation, and backing for initiatives like Bina Harbour. Mining Oversight: Investigations have begun into 33 controversial bauxite shipments from Rennell, with the Attorney General’s Chambers and Mines Division leading efforts to restore integrity in the sector. Energy Transition Pressure: A Pacific fuel crisis analysis points to how global oil price shocks expose reliance on imported diesel, urging faster renewable energy delivery to protect tourism and other key sectors.

Minimum Wage Review: SICCI and the Labour Division are pushing for a data-driven minimum wage process after the three-day Minimum Wage Setting Workshop, noting the last national rate was set in 2019 and that new analysis will use surveys led by the NSO and the ILO. Roadworks Safety: MID is reminding Honiara road users to cooperate with traffic controllers on Mendana Avenue after an incident of a pedestrian slapping a controller, urging patience and strict obedience to work-zone signs. Food Security & Agriculture: Kastom Gaden Association and Solomon Tobacco delivered 35,000+ vegetable seedlings in Honiara to boost nutrition and small-scale income for households. Special Economic Zones: Western Province Premier Billy Veo calls for reform of the SEZs Act, saying provinces and customary landowners are sidelined from key decisions. Energy & Water Infrastructure: Solomon Water reports major progress on new concrete reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina, moving into testing and commissioning. Mining Oversight: Investigations have begun into 33 controversial bauxite shipments from Rennell, with MMERE and the Attorney General’s Chambers leading the process. EU Trade Compliance: Fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels. Community Renewable Power: Rae’ao community members thank MMERE for cable support to maintain and upgrade a long-running hydro system.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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