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.