AGP Executive Report

Agriculture Market Push: SIART’s two-day Market Linkage Workshop wrapped up in Auki, Malaita, with Agriculture Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi urging farmers to overcome the biggest bottlenecks—buyers, transport, storage and market information—while a second session is set for Malu’u (May 21–22). Stakeholder Praise: Malaita PS George Eric said agriculture remains the provinces’ economic backbone, but SIART’s commercial potential still isn’t fully realised. Pacific Drug Crackdown: Australia and New Zealand police announced a Colombia-based strike force to disrupt the Pacific drug trade, including a liaison officer in Bogota and an International Joint Investigations Team as chiefs meet in Suva. Connectivity Drive: Energy and transport ministers ended PRETMM6 with the Manubada Call to Action, pushing faster delivery on energy security and maritime links across the Blue Pacific. Wellness in the Air: Fiji Airways launched FlyWell, adding red light therapy to its Premier Lounge and select long-haul flights.

Wellness in the skies: Fiji Airways is rolling out its FlyWell program, adding red light therapy to the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at Nadi and select long-haul flights from Jun 1, with a free trial for eligible Business Class guests for two months before onboard sales begin Aug 1. Connectivity push: Pacific Energy and Transport Ministers wrapped up PRETMM6 with the Manubada Call to Action, urging faster delivery on energy security and maritime links across the Blue Pacific, including a push toward a 100% renewable future. Solomons politics: Matthew Wale has locked in a full 24-member Cabinet after winning PM support, promising “change” while navigating a tight two-year mandate and shifting loyalties. Fuel costs: Solomon Islands fuel maximum prices were adjusted for 16–30 May, with the next change due 1 June. Farmers get market links: SIART’s Market Linkage Workshop is underway in Malaita to help farmers connect to buyers and improve value chains. Sports spotlight: The Pacific sports scene is in full swing, with major moments from athletics to rugby union.

STEM Push: UNESCO’s new STEM education institute in Shanghai is officially up and running, with a mandate to boost inclusive, equitable science and tech learning from early years to adulthood. Solomons Politics: In the biggest local shake-up, Matthew Wale was sworn in as Solomon Islands PM after a tight parliamentary vote, quickly forming a full 24-member Cabinet and promising “discipline and prudent management” as reforms may be painful. Geopolitics Watch: The Pacific Islands Forum is set to meet in Palau in late August, a venue that raises the stakes as China and the US compete for influence across the Indo-Pacific. Fuel Costs: Honiara’s maximum fuel prices have been adjusted for 16–30 May, with the government warning that without fiscal support prices would be higher. Energy & Jobs: ADB and SIEA have signed on for the Solomons’ first large-scale grid solar project, aiming to cut heavy diesel dependence. Fisheries Drama: The live dolphin export ban was lifted quietly, then reinstated—prompting fresh debate over how fast policy changes should move.

Solomon Islands Power Shift: Matthew Wale was sworn in as PM and moved fast to complete a full 24-member Cabinet, promising “discipline and prudent management” as the country navigates tough economic and political conditions. Geopolitics in the Spotlight: The new leadership follows a no-confidence shake-up of the previous government and comes as the Pacific Islands Forum prepares to meet in Palau—an arena where China-US competition is increasingly hard to ignore. Fisheries Shockwave: In the middle of the political churn, the live dolphin export ban was lifted then reinstated—Wale says the ban is back to protect standards and the tuna industry’s reputation. Infrastructure Momentum: Santa Cruz’s new terminal building is about 70% complete, while in Honiara the SIEA-ADB deal aims to cut diesel dependence with the country’s first large-scale grid solar project. Business & Jobs Pressure: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is slipping toward under 3% in 2026 as fuel and shipping costs bite—making local job creation and water infrastructure even more urgent.

Solomon Islands Power Shift: Matthew Wale was sworn in as prime minister after a tight 26–22 win in parliament, promising “discipline and prudent management” and warning some reforms may be “painful,” with Francis Sade named deputy PM and a full 24-member Cabinet quickly put in place. Fisheries Flashpoint: In the same political churn, the Solomon Islands reinstated a ban on live dolphin exports just days after it was quietly lifted—an incoming move Wale says protects fisheries standards and the tuna industry’s reputation. Clean-Up and Health: A major clean-up is planned after concerns raised about carcinogens linked to drug-making, with attention turning to safer manufacturing and public health. Energy Transition Push: Honiara’s grid is set for its first large-scale solar push, with the ADB backing SIEA on project prep and tendering as diesel still dominates power generation. Pacific Economic Pressure: The World Bank warns growth across Pacific island states will slow in 2026 as fuel and shipping costs bite, with youth jobs now a central focus.

Solomon Islands leadership shake-up: Matthew Wale has been elected prime minister in a secret ballot, beating Peter Shanel Agovaka 26–22 after Jeremiah Manele was ousted in a no-confidence vote—an outcome Western diplomats are watching closely as Wale has long questioned China’s security footprint, even if he now says he will “look at” the 2022 pact before deciding what to do. Energy and power push: In parallel, the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority and the Asian Development Bank have signed on for the country’s first large-scale grid solar project for Honiara, aiming to cut diesel’s grip (currently 98% of generation) and assess battery storage. Pacific economic pressure: The World Bank warns growth across 11 Pacific states is set to slow further in 2026 (to about 2.8%) as Middle East-linked fuel and shipping costs bite, with Solomon Islands logging also flagged. Marine science spotlight: A new satellite-tracking study finds whale sharks travel much farther across the Indo-Pacific than previously thought, underlining the need for wider protection. Regional context: Press freedom concerns continue to surface across the Pacific, even as some countries show small gains.

Solomon Islands leadership shake-up: Matthew Wale has been elected prime minister in a secret ballot, winning 26 votes to 22 after Jeremiah Manele was ousted in a no-confidence move—an outcome being watched closely for what it means for ties with China and for Australia’s influence. Wale says “change is coming,” and while he previously criticised the 2022 China security pact, he now says he will review it before deciding next steps. Energy and jobs pressure: The World Bank warns Pacific growth will slow further in 2026 (forecast 2.8%) as Middle East-linked fuel and shipping costs bite, with diesel still powering most electricity. Honiara power plan: In parallel, the ADB and Solomon Islands Electricity Authority have signed up for the country’s first large-scale grid solar project for Honiara, aiming to cut heavy diesel dependence. Business on the move: SICCI welcomed a decision to relocate east Honiara buses away from the Central Market to ease congestion. Marine science: A new satellite study finds whale sharks travel much farther across the Indo-Pacific than previously thought, underlining the need for wider protection.

Solomon Islands leadership shake-up: Matthew Wale has been elected prime minister after a no-confidence vote ousted Jeremiah Manele, winning 26–22 in a secret ballot and promising “change” while urging Solomon Islanders to stay united amid global geopolitical pressure. Wale has previously criticised China’s 2022 security deal, though he now says he will review it before deciding what to do. Energy and power: The Solomon Islands Electricity Authority and the Asian Development Bank have signed on for the country’s first large-scale grid-connected solar PV project for Honiara, aiming to cut heavy diesel dependence (98% of generation) and assess whether battery storage is needed. Pacific economic pressure: The World Bank warns growth across Pacific island states is slipping, with 2026 forecast around 2.8–under 3%, as Middle East-linked fuel and shipping costs hit import-dependent economies. Business on the ground: SICCI welcomed a move to relocate east Honiara buses away from the Central Market to ease congestion and improve trade flow. Environment and protection: PNG is pushing a major “no-take” marine protected area under the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, while new research shows whale sharks travel far across Indo-Pacific waters.

Solomon Islands Leadership Shock: Matthew Wale has been elected prime minister in a secret ballot, beating the government candidate 26–22 after Jeremiah Manele was ousted in a no-confidence vote—an outcome Western diplomats are watching closely as Wale has long been more cautious about China’s security footprint. Energy & Cost Pressure: The World Bank warns Pacific growth will cool further in 2026 (below 3%), with diesel dependence and Middle East-linked fuel, freight and insurance costs hitting hardest. Honiara Power Pivot: In Honiara, the SIEA and ADB have signed on to build the first large-scale grid-connected solar PV project, with battery storage being assessed to cut reliance on diesel. Local Business Relief: SICCI welcomed a move to relocate east Honiara buses away from the Central Market to ease congestion and keep trade moving. Marine Protection Update: A new study shows whale sharks travel far farther across the Indo-Pacific than previously thought, strengthening the case for wider protection.

Solomon Islands Leadership Shake-Up: Matthew Wale has been elected prime minister after a no-confidence vote ousted Jeremiah Manele, a move being watched closely by Australia and the US as Wale has long criticised China’s security footprint but now says he will review the 2022 pact before deciding what to do next. Energy & Cost Pressure: A new op-ed argues the Middle East crisis is hitting Pacific tuna operators fast through fuel—Singapore bunker prices reportedly jumped from about $709/ton end-Feb to $1,630/ton by 10 April, with fuel often the biggest vessel cost. Renewables Push in Honiara: The ADB and Solomon Islands Electricity Authority signed on for the country’s first large-scale grid solar PV project, aiming to cut diesel dependence. Marine News: Whale sharks are travelling much farther than thought, with satellite tracking across 13 places. Culture & Media: Doc Edge unveiled its 2026 programme with 28 world premieres, while Tonga faced a rare armed threat against a journalist at a radio newsroom.

Solomon Islands Power Shift: Opposition leader Matthew Wale has been elected prime minister in a secret ballot, winning 26 votes to 22 after Jeremiah Manele’s no-confidence ouster—Wale says “change is coming” and has promised more transparency, including around foreign mining and logging. Energy Push: In parallel, Honiara is set to get its first large-scale grid-connected solar project, with the ADB advising and assessing whether battery storage is needed as diesel still drives 98% of electricity. Pacific Economy Pressure: The World Bank warns growth across Pacific island states is slipping—fuel, shipping costs, weaker tourism and repeated global shocks are expected to drag 2026 growth to under 3%. Jobs and Water: The same World Bank update flags youth pressure and points to water infrastructure as a jobs engine. Environment and Governance: PNG moves to create a huge “no-take” marine protected area, while Solomon Islands is still not endorsing a regional ocean declaration amid domestic process delays. Culture Spotlight: Doc Edge Festival has unveiled its 2026 programme with 28 world premieres.

Energy Deal: SIEA and the Asian Development Bank have signed on to prepare Honiara’s first large-scale grid-connected solar project, with private investment in the driver’s seat and battery storage needs to be assessed. Political Stability Watch: Solomon Islands remains in caretaker mode after PM Jeremiah Manele was toppled in a no-confidence vote, with a new prime minister vote set for May 15. Ocean Governance: PNG is moving ahead with a huge “no-take” marine protected area under the Melanesian Ocean Corridor, while Solomon Islands says it still plans to sign the Melanesian Ocean Reserve Declaration once domestic processes are finished. Jobs & Growth Pressure: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is likely to slip to about 2.8% in 2026 as fuel costs, debt, and weaker tourism bite—youth jobs are the key battleground. Honiara Business Moves: SICCI welcomed the relocation of east Honiara buses away from the Central Market to ease traffic and keep commerce flowing. Local Climate Action: A CAUSE II cleanup pilot is already removing 14 truckloads of waste from a Honiara stream in three weeks.

Marine Protection Push: Papua New Guinea says it will create a huge “no-take” marine protected area—about 200,000 km²—inside the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, aiming to shield sharks, manta rays, turtles, dolphins and seabirds while still supporting fisheries. Ocean Governance Tension: Solomon Islands is still not signing the Melanesian Ocean Reserve Declaration, with caretaker PM Jeremiah Manele pointing to constitutional and Cabinet delays after the political shake-up. Jobs and Water Focus: The World Bank flags slower Pacific growth and puts Solomon Islands’ water sector at the centre of jobs and growth, while warning youth employment needs a “jobs-first” push. Honiara Traffic Relief: SICCI welcomed a move to relocate east Honiara buses away from the Central Market to ease congestion and help business run smoother. Politics Next Week: Solomon Islands’ no-confidence vote has toppled Manele, with a new prime minister vote expected May 15. Plastic Crackdown: Solomon Islands has gazetted a single-use plastics ban starting 1 September.

Ocean Governance Clash: Solomon Islands has declined to endorse a new moral ocean declaration at the Melanesian Ocean Summit, with High Commissioner William Soaki arguing customary governance and constitutional due process must guide how the country relates to the sea. Plastic Pressure: Kiribati is calling for stronger upstream action to tackle the plastic crisis, warning it sits “downstream” with limited capacity and costly recycling exports. Jobs and Youth Bulge: The World Bank says Solomon Islands is set to have the Pacific’s biggest youth population by 2035, making a “jobs-first” push urgent—especially as water access is flagged as a jobs engine. Slower Growth Ahead: The World Bank warns Pacific growth will cool in 2026 (forecast around 2.8%) as diesel dependence and Middle East-linked shipping and fuel shocks bite. Honiara Business Relief: SICCI welcomed a move to relocate east Honiara buses away from Central Market to ease traffic and protect trade flow. Next SI Leadership Vote: Solomon Islands heads toward a new prime minister vote on May 15 after Jeremiah Manele’s no-confidence ouster.

Pacific Economy Watch: The World Bank says growth across 11 Pacific island economies is set to cool sharply, with 2026 forecasts slipping to around 2.8% (and “below three per cent” in some cases) as diesel dependence, higher fuel and shipping costs, and weaker tourism bite—Fiji led the slowdown as visitors fell, while Solomon Islands logging weakened. Honiara Traffic Relief: In the capital, SICCI welcomed a government move to relocate east Honiara buses away from the Central Market, shifting operations to the MID pool area next to the Honiara City Council roundabout to ease congestion and keep goods moving. Climate + Energy Funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty has entered into force after Australia and Fiji ratified it, aiming to push community-level climate and disaster grants. Community Action: A CAUSE II stream cleanup in Honiara removed 14 truckloads of waste in three weeks, with single-use plastics and household rubbish flagged as key drivers. Solomon Islands Politics: Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele was ousted in a no-confidence vote, with a new leadership vote expected next week.

Pacific Economy Watch: The World Bank says Pacific growth is losing momentum and is forecast to slip to 2.8% in 2026, with fuel and shipping costs, weaker tourism, and repeated global shocks now acting like a “new normal.” Honiara Business Pulse: In Solomon Islands, the SICCI welcomed a government move to relocate east Honiara buses away from the Central Market to the MID pool area, aiming to ease congestion that’s been hitting deliveries and productivity. Climate & Energy Moves: Ministers backed faster energy access and maritime connectivity at PRETMM6, while the Pacific Resilience Facility treaty has entered into force—pushing community-level climate and clean-energy financing forward. Skills & Jobs: Australia-backed scholarships and PPE are supporting training at Afutara Adventist Technical School, as the region grapples with youth job needs. Local Environment: Solomon Islands has gazetted a single-use plastics ban starting 1 September.