AGP Executive Report

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 Politics & Business Confidence: A no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Matthew Wale was withdrawn by East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga, sparing Wale from Monday’s vote, while the Opposition urged the GREAT Coalition to answer substantive governance and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.

Pacific Diplomacy: China’s “Wolf Warrior” pressure over Taiwan’s presence at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau left host Palau in the middle, with Beijing warning of “consequences” and leaders pushing for a unified Pacific response on sovereignty and transparency. Regional Security & Fisheries: Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela called for a future-fit Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre in Honiara as illegal fishing and maritime threats evolve, while RAAF surveillance support helped identify vessels of interest during Operation Solania. Climate-Ready Schools: A new EU-UNICEF €17m programme will upgrade climate-resilient water, sanitation, renewable power and maintenance systems for about 15,000 children (including Solomon Islands) and train teachers and communities for disaster-ready schooling. Solomon Islands Finance & Payments: CBSI Governor appointed Vice Chair of the Pacific Islands Regional Initiative, highlighting work on financial inclusion, unified QR, digital literacy and MSME financing. Agriculture & Construction: SIART training strengthened rural farmers’ financial literacy and feed formulation in Malaita, while Auki’s new agriculture office building passed the halfway mark under World Bank-funded work. Business Climate: SICCI says political instability is still stalling decisions and hurting business confidence ahead of the no-confidence motion period. Maritime Safety: A marine inquiry has begun into the MV Anjeanette fire, sinking and presumed loss of life, including cargo and emergency response practices.

Agribusiness Skills in Malaita: The SIART project ran a three-day training in Auki (26–28 Aug) on financial literacy and feed formulation for young agriculture extension officers, aiming to help Malaita’s 45 supported ABPOs run more profitable rural businesses. World Bank-backed Agriculture Infrastructure: In Auki, construction of a new double-storey agriculture office (SBD17.9m) has passed the halfway mark and is on track for roofing within a 12-month build, meeting CESMP environmental and safety requirements. Construction Finance Boost: Australia supported an Access to Finance workshop in Honiara, linking over 50 contractors with banks and business support groups and stressing records, cash-flow management, and meeting lending requirements. Energy and Electricity Costs: World Bank discussions at the PIF highlighted support for Solomon Islands energy reforms and the Tina River Hydropower push to cut reliance on imported fuel and lower power costs. Maritime Safety Check: A marine inquiry has started into the MV Anjeanette fire, sinking and presumed loss of life, examining cargo handling, dangerous goods, crew readiness, and emergency response. Cattle Project Update: The Garanga National Cattle Project in Isabel is progressing with pasture establishment (about 14 hectares in Paddock 2) despite dry-season setbacks and fuel limits. Business Confidence Hit by Politics: SICCI says ongoing political instability is stalling decisions, delaying approvals and financing, and weakening investor confidence across the private sector. Climate Resilience for Schools: A new EU-UNICEF €17m programme launched at the PIF will upgrade school infrastructure and maintenance systems across Fiji, FSM, Kiribati and Solomon Islands, targeting about 15,000 children. Pacific Islands Forum Diplomacy: Leaders wrapped the 55th PIF in Palau with a push for urgent climate action and renewed focus on regional security and external influence, while Taiwan-China tensions and missile-test concerns continued to shadow talks.

Climate-Resilient Schools: The EU and UNICEF launched a €17m Pacific Climate Resilient Education Systems programme in Palau, targeting about 15,000 children in Fiji, FSM, Kiribati and Solomon Islands with safer water/sanitation, renewable power and stronger maintenance so schools can stay open during disasters. Energy Security Push: World Bank talks at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum reaffirm support for Solomon Islands’ Tina River Hydropower and back energy reforms aimed at cutting electricity costs and easing fuel-price pressure. Maritime Safety & Accountability: A marine inquiry has started into the MV Anjeanette fire, sinking and presumed loss of life, with a board tasked to examine cargo handling, crew readiness and emergency response. Agriculture Infrastructure: SIART reports the SBD17.9m Auki agriculture office is past the mid-way point, with roofing preparation underway after foundation and second-floor beam milestones. Cattle Project Update: Garanga National Cattle Project in Isabel continues steady pasture development despite limited funding and fuel shortages, with weeding support to protect young grazing plots. Business Confidence Under Strain: SICCI says Solomon Islands’ political instability is still disrupting private-sector operations, stalling approvals and delaying financing. Fisheries Patrol Support: RAAF surveillance missions under Operation Solania 26-3 identified 19 vessels of interest to strengthen regional action against illegal fishing. Biosecurity Strategy Ahead: MALD and Biosecurity Solomon Islands are preparing the National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 after a Honiara validation workshop, warning invasive pests could threaten food security and livelihoods. Skills & Jobs Link: Solomon Islands and New Zealand agreed to deepen cooperation on vocational training and labour mobility, including expanding beyond current sectors into agriculture and value-added processing. Trade & Industry Venue: SINU will host the 2026 National Trade Fair (Sept 7–14) after an MoU with MCILI, with upgrades planned for SINU Village facilities.

Maritime Security: RAAF C-27J Spartan aircraft supported Operation Solania 26-3 from Aug 3–14, flying 10 surveillance missions over 320,000 sq km and flagging 19 vessels of interest for the FFA’s Operation Island Chief in Honiara. Fisheries Infrastructure: Solomon Islands’ FM Rick Houenipwela urged investment in a modern Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre, calling for resilient infrastructure, secure tech, better analysis and sustained access to surveillance assets. Climate-Ready Schools: A €17m EU-UNICEF programme will strengthen Pacific education systems and disaster resilience, targeting about 15,000 children (including Solomon Islands) with safer water/sanitation, renewable energy, improved connectivity and training for teachers. Biosecurity Strategy: MALD and Biosecurity Solomon Islands are preparing the National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 after a Honiara validation workshop, warning invasive pests and diseases could hit agriculture, food security and livelihoods. SME Finance Boost: SICCI welcomed the relaunch of the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme, saying it can unlock affordable business finance for local entrepreneurs. Inflation Watch: CBSI kept its policy rate at 1.5% and warned inflation could reach 5–6% by end-2026, driven mainly by oil prices and weather disruptions. Pacific Forum Politics: China’s missile-test criticism and Taiwan-China tensions continue to shadow the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, while leaders push to keep climate, crime and development at the top.

Political Stability & Industry Impact: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale left the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau hours after arriving to respond to a no-confidence motion, with cabinet consultations ongoing—another sign how regional geopolitics can spill into domestic decision-making. Biosecurity for Agriculture: MALD and Biosecurity Solomon Islands are set to launch the National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 after a Honiara validation workshop, warning invasive pests like the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle and Giant African Snail could hit farming, biodiversity, food security and livelihoods. Energy & Rural Services: UNICEF and partners handed over solar electrification to seven rural health facilities in Malaita, improving maternal and child care and resilience during power disruptions. Jobs & Skills: Solomon Islands and New Zealand agreed to deepen cooperation on job creation, vocational training and labour mobility, including expanding opportunities into agriculture and value-added processing. SME Finance: SICCI welcomed the government’s relaunch of the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme, aiming to unlock bank lending for local businesses. Regional Funding Push: Australia and the US announced a combined US$580m package for Pacific nations, including US$60m for fuel storage and grid stability—key for reliable power and business operations. Trade & Business Events: SINU will host the 2026 National Trade Fair (Sept 7–14) after an MoU with MCILI, with facility upgrades planned at SINU Village.

Jobs & Skills: Solomon Islands and New Zealand agreed to deepen cooperation on vocational training, labour mobility and job pathways, with talks highlighting expansion of seasonal work opportunities into agriculture and value-added processing. Pacific Funding Push: Australia and the US announced a combined US$580m package for Pacific nations, including US$60m for fuel storage and grid stability and major support aimed at tackling energy insecurity and organised crime. Central Bank Watch: CBSI warned inflation could reach 5–6% by end-2026 while keeping its policy rate at 1.5%, citing oil-price and weather disruptions plus betel nut price swings. SME Finance Boost: SICCI welcomed the government’s relaunch of the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme, saying it can unlock bank lending for local businesses. Mining Governance: Transparency Solomon Islands urged stronger transparency and landowner consultation in the Mineral Resources Bill, including calls to remove “constructive consent.” Energy for Health: UNICEF and partners delivered solar electrification to seven rural health facilities in Malaita, improving maternal and child services. Trade & Industry: SINU will host the 2026 National Trade Fair (Sept 7–14) after signing an MoU with MCILI, with upgrades planned for SINU Village. Seafood & Supply Chains: Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia opened in Singapore, spotlighting new products and processing tech across the seafood supply chain.

Pacific Summit Politics: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is already roiled by absences and China–Taiwan tensions, with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale leaving early for a no-confidence crisis and other leaders also skipping or sending deputies. China–Taiwan Pressure: China warned of “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended the opening, while Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese said the forum decides participation, not Beijing. Honiara Business Finance: SICCI welcomed the government’s relaunch of the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme, saying it can unlock bank lending for local MSMEs. Energy Costs Focus: Solomon Islands met the World Bank on energy security, fuel prices and lowering electricity costs, including plans for more solar/hydro and possible fuel storage. Rural Health Electrification (Malaita): UNICEF and partners handed over solar power to seven rural health facilities in Malaita, improving maternal and child care and emergency services. Honiara City Land Administration: CAUSE II held a valuation workshop to support Honiara property revaluation under the Integrated Land Information System. Central Bank Watch: CBSI kept its policy rate at 1.5% but downgraded 2026 growth to 3.0%, citing higher fuel costs and weather disruptions. Training & Skills: Australia’s RSIPF joint Coastwatchers exercise brings 31 ADF personnel for policing and small-boat training across Honiara and provinces.

Solar Power for Rural Health: UNICEF has handed over solar electrification to seven rural primary healthcare facilities in Malaita, boosting maternal and child health, immunisation and emergency care with more reliable power during outages and severe weather. Women in Agribusiness: Australia is partnering with Primerise, a woman-owned business, to expand locally grown flowers in Solomon Islands via irrigation and greenhouse support—aiming for steadier year-round supply and new varieties for Honiara markets. Energy Costs on the Table: Solomon Islands met the World Bank on energy security, fuel prices and electricity affordability, discussing reforms, renewable expansion (solar and hydro) and options like local fuel storage to reduce regional fuel costs. Honiara City Property Revaluation: CAUSE II has convened a valuation workshop to lay groundwork for revaluing rateable properties across Honiara, feeding into the Integrated Land Information System for better land administration. Central Bank Watch: CBSI kept the policy rate at 1.5% and warned inflation could rise to 5–6% by end-2026, while also downgrading growth forecasts to 3.0% amid fuel costs and weather disruptions. Pacific Islands Forum Turmoil: The PIF leaders meeting in Palau is underway but marred by major no-shows and China–Taiwan tensions, with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale leaving early for a domestic no-confidence crisis. Training for Policing Capacity: 31 Australian Defence Force personnel arrived for a three-week joint RSIPF training exercise (Coastwatchers) across Honiara and provinces, including advanced small boats instruction.

Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: China warned Taiwan’s presence at the Palau summit could bring “consequences,” while several leaders skipped key talks, weakening unity on climate and security. Solomons Politics: Three senior ministers resigned as PM Matthew Wale faces a no-confidence motion, adding uncertainty to Solomon Islands’ regional role. Central Banking Watch: CBSI kept the policy rate at 1.5% but flagged inflation could rise to 5–6% by year-end; growth forecasts were cut to 3.0% for 2026. Honiara Land & Rates: CAUSE II advanced Honiara’s property revaluation with a valuation workshop tied to the ILIS land information push. Health & Power Access: UNICEF handed over solar electrification to seven rural health facilities in Malaita, backing long-term service delivery. Honiara Housing Shock: Homes were demolished at Lungga after a High Court order, leaving at least 10 households homeless and calling for urgent shelter support. Fisheries Inclusion Plan: The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources prepares to launch its GEDSI strategy after staff training.

Political shake-up in Honiara: Three Solomon Islands ministers quit as PM Matthew Wale faces a no-confidence motion heading to Parliament, with Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga (who filed the motion), Justice Minister Clezy Rore, and Commerce/Industries/Labour/Immigration Minister Harry Kuma all resigning—raising fresh questions about cabinet consultation and governance. Pacific forum ripple effects: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, at least five leaders are skipping or sending lower-level representatives amid China–Taiwan tensions, while Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese still attends and security, climate, and food/fuel pressures stay on the agenda. Fisheries policy for inclusion: The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources prepares to launch a new GEDSI strategy after training staff, aiming to embed gender equality, disability and social inclusion across fisheries work. Rural energy for health: UNICEF handed over solar electrification systems to seven rural primary healthcare facilities in Malaita, in a project worth nearly SBD$1.89m. Banking watch: CBSI cut its 2026 growth forecast to 3.0% and kept its policy rate at 1.5%, citing fuel costs, Cyclone Maila and El Niño disruptions, with inflation expected to rise later in 2026. Skills pipeline: Two SINU agriculture graduates left for China on Master’s scholarships, targeting stronger expertise for Solomon Islands’ agriculture sector. Blue economy conservation: Consultations are complete for the proposed Kavachi Seascape National Park in Marovo Lagoon, with communities backing plans to protect against overfishing and deep-sea mining.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders meet in Koror as regional security and climate finance dominate, but the summit is already hit by no-shows after Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale flew home over a no-confidence motion; other absences add pressure on unity. Geopolitics at the edges: Taiwan’s presence is backed by the US while China and Taiwan tensions spill into the agenda, including disputes over tourism and partner influence. Honiara land and housing shock: In Lungga, east of Honiara, families face homelessness after homes were demolished under a High Court order tied to a disputed land parcel. SME finance boost: Solomon Islands has reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, with $18m committed to help small businesses access loans where collateral is a barrier. Women’s poultry push: SIART support is helping Gold Ridge women expand broiler production, with improved housing and early sales expected in weeks. Energy and infrastructure in East Honiara: A China-funded RSDP handover delivered 400 solar street lights to communities in East Honiara, aimed at safety and better night-time conditions. Mining law pressure: Guadalcanal’s Gold Ridge landowners and Parliament’s Bills committee are pushing for changes and more consultation around the Mineral Resources Bill 2025. Agriculture biosecurity planning: MAL and Biosecurity Solomon Islands will validate the Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 next week. Conservation momentum: Consultations back the Kavachi Seascape National Park plan in Marovo Lagoon, targeting protection from overfishing and harmful activities.

Pacific Islands Forum turmoil in Palau: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale cancelled his appearance after a no-confidence motion filed by Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga, who says Wale acted without proper Cabinet consultation; Maelanga denies being offered the PM post and says he only moved the motion, with Peter Kenilorea Jr and Rick Hou to represent SI. Geopolitics at the summit: Leaders are set to tackle drug crime, renewable energy, food security and climate change, but Taiwan–China tensions are spilling into the agenda as Palau invites Taiwan’s diplomats and China protests. SME finance boost in Honiara: Government has reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, with CBSI noting collateral shortfalls block bigger loans; the scheme is backed by an $18m guarantee to help MSMEs start or expand. Women’s poultry production grows: SIART support is helping Gold Ridge women farmers expand broiler capacity and sell birds after six weeks. Energy and local infrastructure: China-funded RSDP delivered 400 solar street lights worth $1.5m to East Honiara communities, and a second-phase mini solar cooperation agreement was signed. Land and mining pressure: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee warns Guadalcanal landowners that Mineral Resources Bill amendments could significantly change mining rules, including State participation, prompting petitions for more consultation. Community impacts: Lungga homes were demolished under a High Court order, leaving at least 10 households homeless and calling for urgent shelter support. Conservation momentum: WCS says consultations are complete for the Kavachi Seascape National Park plan in Marovo Lagoon, with communities backing protection from overfishing and deep-sea mining.