AGP Executive Report

Mining Integrity & EITI Prep: The Solomon Islands Government, UNDP and the UK say they’re tightening coordination to curb corruption, illicit financial flows and revenue leakages as the country moves to rejoin EITI. Agriculture Recovery Support: MALD received 200 tools from New Zealand (MFAT) to help cyclone Maila-affected farmers restart food gardens. Aviation Infrastructure: Santa Cruz Airport Terminal works are substantially completed, with testing and commissioning about 80% done and final power connection pending. Water & Energy Security: Solomon Water warns El Niño could trigger temporary rationing if sources keep declining, urging customers to conserve now. Digital Shipping & Logistics: Solomon Ports Authority will manage a new Shipping Schedule Hub to keep vessel booking and arrival/departure info updated in real time. Fuel Prices: Diesel and kerosene drop for July rates in Honiara, while petrol rises slightly. SME Finance: Government signed a revised MoU with CBSI to strengthen the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, including SBD18m disbursement for 2026. Transport Resilience: MID is upgrading road asset management systems to better plan, prioritize and maintain transport infrastructure under climate risk. Community & Skills: East Honiara delivered materials for the Aekafo footpath, while WorldFish and KGA trained Western Province students in organic farming and nutrition.

Independence & Accountability: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale marked the 48th Independence Anniversary with a media message urging shared responsibility across citizens, leaders, public servants, churches, businesses and youth, stressing integrity and transparency. Water & Energy Security: Solomon Water warned Honiara and other centres may face temporary rationing if El Niño-linked dry conditions keep reducing supplies, while fuel prices eased from July 1 with diesel and kerosene dropping sharply and petrol rising slightly. Mining Governance: UNDP and the UK-backed EITI support project brought over 30 agencies and companies together in Honiara to coordinate action against corruption, illicit financial flows and revenue leakage as mining activity ramps up. Aviation & Infrastructure: Santa Cruz Airport Terminal works are substantially complete, with commissioning about 80% done and final power connection pending. Shipping & Logistics Digitisation: Solomon Ports launched a Shipping Schedule Hub App and says its Harbours Department will manage real-time vessel booking and schedule updates. SME Finance: Government signed a revised MoU with CBSI to strengthen the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, including SBD18 million disbursement from 2026. Transport Resilience: MID is upgrading transport asset management under SIRAP2 to improve climate-resilient planning and maintenance of roads, bridges, culverts and wharves. Food Systems Skills: WorldFish and KGA trained Western Province students in organic farming and nutrition to support food security. Community Works: East Honiara delivered materials for the Aekafo footpath project to improve safer access for residents. Climate Risk Finance (Regional): Tonga received a TOP$114,168 parametric insurance payout to boost drought preparedness in the Niuas.

Aviation & Infrastructure: The new Santa Cruz Airport Terminal in Temotu is effectively ready, with major civil, structural, architectural and building services works substantially completed; testing and commissioning is about 80% done, pending final connection to Solomon Power. Maritime Digital Services: Solomon Ports has launched its Shipping Schedule Hub App, giving the public real-time domestic vessel movement updates and delay/cancellation notifications, with the Harbours Department set to manage and monitor the platform’s day-to-day accuracy. Energy & Household Costs: Fuel prices in Honiara shift from July 1 rates: diesel and kerosene drop sharply, while petrol rises slightly, with updated retail and 200-litre drum refill costs. Transport Safety: Road marking works have started at Tandai in West Honiara to improve lane guidance, pedestrian safety and traffic flow as part of wider road upgrades. Business Finance: Government renewed and revised the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme with CBSI, including SBD18 million to support SME lending nationwide. Mining & Resource Governance: Solomon Islands and PNG deepen mining cooperation, with PNG offering policy and legal expertise as Honiara pushes reforms for better alluvial gold governance and value retention. Agriculture & Skills: WorldFish and KGA trained Western Province secondary students in organic farming and nutrition to support food security and healthier diets. Climate & Youth: Pacific youth at a Vanuatu climate forum urged child-centred decision-making, calling for real power and platforms for young people to lead solutions.

Shipping & Ports Digitalisation: Solomon Ports Authority launched its Shipping Schedule Hub App, aiming to give passengers and operators real-time domestic vessel schedules, delay alerts and announcements, as the Harbours Department takes day-to-day control of bookings and schedule updates. Fuel Prices: Diesel and kerosene prices fell for July 1 in Honiara, while petrol rose slightly, with service-station retail prices adjusted after wholesale rate changes. Roads & Safety: Road marking works began at Tandai in West Honiara, adding lane markings, arrows, stop lines and signs to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. SME Finance: Government renewed its SME Credit Guarantee Scheme MoU with CBSI, with SBD18 million earmarked for 2026 to expand business lending across sectors. Transport Asset Management: MID is upgrading the Solomon Islands Transport Asset Management System under SIRAP2 to strengthen climate-resilient planning and maintenance of roads, bridges, culverts and wharves. Mining & Resource Governance: PNG and Solomon Islands agreed to deepen mining cooperation, with PNG offering policy and legal expertise and both sides pushing reforms to retain more value locally. Agriculture Skills: WorldFish and KGA trained Western Province secondary students in organic farming and nutrition to support food security and healthier diets. Renewables Support: North West Choiseul received PRC-backed funding for solar power systems, deep freezers and electrical upgrades for schools, clinics, churches and community needs. Regional Fisheries: Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial talks in Wellington concluded with ministers backing priorities for Pacific fisheries cooperation and leadership continuity.

Minimum Wage Review: Solomon Islands private sector reps want any minimum wage adjustment preceded by broad provincial consultation and a full economic impact assessment, warning a poorly set increase could hurt business viability and jobs. Transport Infrastructure & Climate Resilience: The World Bank-backed SIRAP2 is upgrading the Solomon Islands Transport Asset Management System (SITAMS) to better plan, prioritize and maintain roads, bridges, culverts and wharves with climate vulnerability data. SME Finance Boost: Government has signed a revised MoU with the Central Bank to strengthen the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, including SBD18 million to be disbursed in 2026 to expand SME lending. Fuel Measurement for Fair Trade: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement trolleys to Solomon Islands and other Pacific nations to help regulators test pump accuracy at service stations and depots. Local Business & Maritime Digital Services: Solomon Ports launched a Shipping Schedule Hub App for real-time domestic vessel movement updates across the country. Agriculture Skills for Food Security: WorldFish and KGA trained Western Province secondary students in organic farming and nutrition as part of the Island Food Systems Programme. Road Safety Works: Road marking works began at Tandai in West Honiara to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. Mining Cooperation: Solomon Islands and PNG agreed to deepen mining sector governance cooperation, with PNG offering policy and legal expertise as Honiara reforms its resource regime.

Minimum Wage Review: SICCI and private sector voices urged Solomon Islands to consult widely across provinces and assess economic conditions before any minimum wage adjustment, warning a misstep could hurt business viability and jobs. Transport Infrastructure & Roads: MID, with World Bank support under SIRAP2, is upgrading the Solomon Islands Transport Asset Management System to improve climate-resilient planning and maintenance for roads, bridges, culverts and wharves; meanwhile, road marking works have started at Tandai in West Honiara to boost safety and traffic flow. SME Finance: Government signed a revised MoU with the Central Bank to strengthen the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, with SBD18 million earmarked for 2026 to expand lending to local businesses. Fuel Measurement for Fair Trade: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel trolleys to Pacific nations including Solomon Islands to help regulators verify pump accuracy and protect consumers and revenue. Food Systems Skills: WorldFish and KGA trained Western Province secondary students in organic farming and nutrition to support food security and healthier diets. Maritime Digital Services: Solomon Ports launched a Shipping Schedule Hub App for real-time domestic vessel movement updates across the country. Mining Cooperation: PNG and Solomon Islands agreed to deepen mining governance cooperation, with PNG offering policy and legal expertise as Honiara pushes reforms for greater local benefits. Community Infrastructure: East Honiara delivered materials for the Aekafo footpath project, improving access and safety for residents.

Pacific trade resilience: A new Pacific Islands Export Survey says exporters across all 16 Pacific Islands Forum countries are responding to global uncertainty by diversifying markets and adopting digital tools, even as finance gets harder. Honiara road safety works: Lane markings and traffic signs are now being installed at Tandai in West Honiara as part of wider road improvements to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow. Disaster logistics training: SPC and WFP ran a Humanitarian Warehouse Exchange in Brisbane for disaster management logistics officers, including Solomon Islands staff, to speed up relief warehousing and dispatch during emergencies. Mining governance push (PNG–SI): Papua New Guinea will share mining policy experience with Solomon Islands, including support for reforms in alluvial gold, with plans for stronger governance and more value retained locally. Maritime digital upgrade: Solomon Ports launched its Shipping Schedule Hub App, giving the public real-time domestic vessel movement updates and delay/cancellation notifications. Regional security diplomacy: Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement, barring foreign military bases in Vanuatu while Australia boosts support—an issue closely watched across the Pacific.

Maritime & Transport Modernisation: Solomon Ports has launched its first-ever Shipping Schedule Hub App, giving passengers real-time domestic vessel movement updates, delay/cancellation notifications and travel announcements, as part of a wider push to modernise maritime services and improve connectivity between Honiara and the provinces. Road Safety & Infrastructure: Road marking works have started at Tandai in West Honiara, with lane markings, arrows, stop lines and related signs being procured to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. Mining & Resource Governance (PNG–SI): PNG Prime Minister James Marape says PNG will share mining policy and legal expertise to help Solomon Islands build a modern resource regime, including encouraging PNG companies to invest, while both sides move to strengthen mining sector reforms and governance. Bilateral Trade, Security & Development (PNG–SI): Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale signed a 2026–2030 framework agreement covering trade, investment, infrastructure, security, policing, fisheries and regional cooperation. Regional Security Deal (Australia–Vanuatu): Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement, a revised security and economic pact that bars foreign military bases in Vanuatu and includes Aus$500 million in support, with consultation replacing earlier tighter approval rules on third-party infrastructure. Disaster Readiness Logistics: SPC and WFP trained logistics and warehouse officers from six Pacific disaster management offices in Brisbane on humanitarian warehousing and dispatch, including first aid certification. Agriculture & Investment (PNG): A World Bank report says PNG can boost farm incomes and jobs by improving productivity, strengthening value chains and creating a more investment-friendly environment. Climate & Youth Voice (Vanuatu): Youth leaders at Vanuatu’s Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment are calling for children to be central in climate decision-making, pushing for real power and resources.

Security & Sovereignty: Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, committing Aus$500m in support and barring any foreign military base in Vanuatu, while requiring consultation on critical infrastructure to keep it free from militarisation or unauthorised access. Honiara Transport Safety: Road marking works have started at Tandai in West Honiara, with lane markings, arrows, stop lines and signs planned to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. Disaster Readiness Logistics: SPC and WFP trained disaster management logistics and warehouse officers from six Pacific countries in Brisbane, including Solomon Islands, to strengthen warehousing, dispatch and first aid for faster relief delivery. Mining Governance Push (PNG–SI): PNG offered Solomon Islands its mining policy experience, with leaders agreeing to deepen cooperation on mining sector reforms, trade and investment, including plans for more structured, transparent alluvial gold governance. Maritime Digital Services: Solomon Ports launched a Shipping Schedule Hub App for real-time domestic vessel schedules and delay/cancellation notifications, boosting connectivity between Honiara and provinces. Agriculture Productivity Focus: A World Bank report launched in PNG highlights reforms to lift farm productivity and expand agribusiness investment—relevant for the wider Melanesian food economy. Rural Cocoa/Copra Support: Farmers in Guadalcanal praised CEMA’s local buying points and support for copra and cocoa, cutting transport costs and improving incomes. Climate Youth Voice: Pacific youth called for child-centred climate decision-making at a major regional forum in Vanuatu.

Humanitarian Logistics Training: SPC and WFP trained disaster management logistics and warehouse officers from six Pacific nations in Brisbane, including Solomon Islands, to strengthen procurement, storage, kitting and dispatch for faster relief delivery. Mining Policy Support: Papua New Guinea offered Solomon Islands its mining policy and resource governance experience, including deploying lawyers and technical experts, as both governments push reforms to maximise local benefits and keep projects investor-attractive. Mining Sector Cooperation: Solomon Islands and PNG agreed to deepen mining sector governance, with PNG officials expected to visit; Solomon Islands also plans steps for alluvial gold reforms such as a dedicated gold export unit and, longer term, a national gold refinery. Maritime Digital Services: Solomon Ports launched its Shipping Schedule Hub App, giving the public real-time domestic vessel movement updates and delay/cancellation notifications, improving connectivity between Honiara and provinces. Agriculture Investment Push: A World Bank report says PNG can boost farm productivity, value chains and private investment over the next decade, with agriculture helping stabilise the non-resource economy. Climate and Resilience Voices: Youth leaders at a regional climate forum in Vanuatu called for child-centred decision-making and more power for young people in climate solutions. Rural Producer Support: CEMA buying points are helping copra and cocoa farmers in Guadalcanal cut transport costs and sell more easily, improving rural incomes. Regional Trade Framework: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 framework agreement covering trade, investment, infrastructure, security, fisheries, agriculture and policing cooperation. Security Partnerships: Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement, barring foreign military bases in Vanuatu while committing Aus$500m in support—highlighting the wider Pacific security competition.

Australia–Vanuatu Security Deal: Canberra and Port Vila signed the Nakamal Agreement, pledging Aus$500m support while barring any foreign military base in Vanuatu—an effort to reduce Pacific militarisation fears amid China–US rivalry. Mining Governance Push (SI–PNG): Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea agreed to deepen mining sector reforms, with PNG offering legal and technical support and sharing lessons to improve transparency, national benefit, and value retention (including plans like a gold export unit/refinery). Maritime Digital Upgrade: Solomon Ports launched its Shipping Schedule Hub App, giving passengers real-time domestic vessel movement updates and delay/cancellation notifications. Maritime Cooperation & Workforce Focus: SI and PNG also signed a 2026–2030 framework covering trade, infrastructure, security, and mining, while SI marked International Day of the Seafarer with renewed calls for maritime investment and training. Rural Agriculture Support: CEMA buying points are helping East Guadalcanal copra and cocoa farmers cut transport costs and sell more easily, with similar praise from West Guadalcanal cocoa growers. Disaster Readiness: 29 health and emergency response professionals completed disaster rehabilitation training in Honiara, supported by Australia’s regional program. Food Pressure in Honiara: El Niño-linked dry weather is reducing slippery cabbage harvests, shrinking bundles at markets and tightening supply.

PNG–Solomon Security & Trade Framework: Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 framework to boost trade, investment, infrastructure, policing and security, with leaders also pushing closer cooperation on mining, fisheries, agriculture and border issues. Mining Sector Push: PNG Prime Minister James Marape offered Solomon Islands legal and technical mining expertise, urging PNG-owned companies to invest as Honiara reforms its resource governance. Maritime Investment & Seafarers: Solomon Islands marked International Day of the Seafarer at the Maritime College, while the Infrastructure Ministry flagged priorities to grow domestic shipping, maritime workforce training and safer connectivity. Port & Towage Services: PacTow launched a Towing Operations Customer Centre in Port Moresby, adding a faster online tug services request for ports across PNG and Solomon Islands. Rural Agriculture Support: CEMA agents are buying copra and cocoa in rural communities, cutting transport costs for farmers and improving local sales. El Niño Pressure on Food: Honiara markets report reduced slippery cabbage harvests as dry conditions bite. Climate Risk Warning: The Green Climate Fund warns Solomon Islands to prepare for a “super El Niño” in 2026–2027. Media & Creative Industry: Tavuli News signed a cooperation deal with Guizhou Today to expand journalism exchanges, and Solomon Islands will compete in the POP48 48-hour film challenge in September. Sports: Auckland United FC opened the OFC Women’s Champions League with an 11–1 win over Drehu Atletico in Honiara.

Maritime Investment Push: Solomon Islands marked International Day of the Seafarer with renewed focus on safer, better-connected shipping—MID flagged priorities including maritime financing, workforce development and support for SIMC accreditation. Port Expansion: SIPA commissioned Kulabule Jetty and says it will expand the Honiara Domestic Port with a new wharf, extra loading ramps, and possible reclamation near the Central Market to ease congestion. Road Works in Honiara: LMCP reports progress on Central Honiara road upgrades, including Hot Bread Roundabout works with subgrade, concrete and safety-focused traffic planning. Rural Agriculture Support (Copra & Cocoa): East Guadalcanal farmers credit CEMA’s rural buying points and inputs for cutting transport costs and improving earnings for copra and cocoa producers. El Niño Food Pressure: Honiara markets report reduced slippery cabbage supplies as the dry season bites, with El Niño-linked harvest suppression shrinking bundle sizes. Disaster Readiness Training: 29 health and emergency response professionals completed disaster rehabilitation training in Honiara, supported by Australia’s regional program. PNG–Solomon Islands Cooperation: PMs Marape and Wale signed a five-year development and economic framework covering trade, infrastructure, security and investment. Media & Film Industry Link: Tavuli News signed a media cooperation deal with Guizhou Today and secured Solomon Islands’ spot in the PoP48 48-hour film challenge for regional production in September. Climate Risk Warning: Green Climate Fund warns Solomon Islands must prepare for a 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” with impacts expected to intensify amid tighter resources.

Agribusiness & Rural Trade: East Guadalcanal copra and cocoa farmers say CEMA’s rural buying points have cut transport, freight and accommodation costs, making it easier to sell locally and earn more. Agribusiness & Cocoa Processing: A West Guadalcanal cocoa grower credits CEMA support for providing drums, nets and dryer construction help, enabling the first sales of processed cocoa products. Maritime & Infrastructure: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) commissioned the Kulabule Jetty and says it will expand the Honiara Domestic Port with an extra wharf and new loading ramps, alongside berth upgrades supported through the Land and Maritime Connectivity Programme. Maritime Workforce & Safety: International Day of the Seafarer in Honiara highlighted plans to boost maritime investment and financing, strengthen the Maritime College, and improve safety and connectivity. Climate & Food Supply: Honiara markets report slippery cabbage supplies are down as El Niño-linked dry weather suppresses harvests, shrinking bundle sizes and raising pressure on shoppers. Disaster Preparedness: Twenty-nine health and emergency response professionals completed disaster rehabilitation training in Honiara, including access for people with disabilities during emergencies. Bilateral Trade & Security: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea signed a five-year framework agreement (2026–2030) covering trade, investment, infrastructure and security, with leaders also discussing mining reforms and regional cooperation. Regional Geopolitics: Australia’s defence industry minister says strategic competition with China is set to continue, while stressing Pacific countries choose their own paths and noting infrastructure deals with local content. Public Finance: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo urges Solomon Islands to save and invest more via a domestic capital market and a sovereign wealth fund to break the cycle of “earn and spend.”

CEMA Boost for Rural Farmers: East Guadalcanal copra and cocoa grower Russell says CEMA’s local buying points cut transport, freight and accommodation costs, making it easier to sell and earn more. Cocoa Support in West Guadalcanal: Another cocoa farmer in Sumate praises CEMA for buying wet beans and backing dryers, drums and nets, helping groups make their first processed cocoa sales. PNG–Solomon Islands 5-Year Deal: Prime Ministers James Marape and Matthew Wale signed a 2026–2030 Framework Agreement covering trade, investment, infrastructure, security and regional cooperation. Maritime Investment Push: On International Day of the Seafarer, Solomon Islands’ maritime leaders flagged priorities for financing, safety and workforce development, while SIPA outlined plans to expand Honiara’s domestic port with a new wharf and ramps. Honiara Road Works: Central Honiara’s Hot Bread Roundabout upgrades are progressing, with concrete and foundation works aimed at easing congestion and improving safety. El Niño Hits Food Supply: Slippery cabbage is running low at Honiara markets as dry weather suppresses harvests, with smaller bundles and higher competition for limited produce. Disaster Response Training: 29 health and emergency professionals completed rehabilitation-in-disasters training in Honiara, supported by Australia’s regional program. Tourism & Culture: Temotu Bash 2.0 in Lata drew about 1,000 people and is set as an annual event under the Discover Temotu initiative. Climate Warning: A Green Climate Fund official warns Solomon Islands to prepare for a potentially severe 2026–2027 “super El Niño.”

PNG–Solomon Islands Cooperation: Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands signed a new five-year Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030) after talks in Port Moresby, covering trade, investment, infrastructure, security, border management, and regional engagement. Regional Leadership Push: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged PNG to keep leading on Pacific priorities, including strengthening the Melanesian Spearhead Group and wider regional cooperation. Maritime Focus in Honiara: Solomon Islands marked International Day of the Seafarer at the Solomon Islands Maritime College under the theme “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks,” while the Ministry of Infrastructure Development outlined priorities for maritime investment, safety, and workforce development. Ports and Domestic Shipping: SIPA commissioned the Kulabule Jetty and says it plans to expand the Honiara Domestic Port with a new wharf, ramps, and possible reclamation near the Central Market to ease congestion and boost capacity. Road Works: Central Honiara’s main road upgrades continue, with Hot Bread Roundabout works progressing on subgrade, concrete, and safety improvements. Climate and Food Pressure: El Niño-linked dry weather is cutting slippery cabbage harvests at Honiara markets, shrinking bundles and raising scarcity. Disaster Readiness: 29 health and emergency response professionals completed rehabilitation in disaster training in Honiara, supported by Australia’s DFAT program. Security and Trade Risks: Australia-linked cocaine investigations highlight how shipments allegedly moved from Queensland to Sydney, with a Belize-flagged vessel seized in the Solomon Islands as part of the broader network. Tourism Boost: Temotu Bash 2.0 in Lata drew about 1,000 people and is positioned as an annual event to grow provincial tourism.