AGP Executive Report

Electricity Upgrade: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line linking the Tina River Hydropower Facility to Honiara’s Lungga Power Station, aiming to deliver up to 15MW of renewable power and cut reliance on diesel; the project is expected to finish in early 2028. Mining & Power Costs: Government says it will take up to a 25% stake in major mining projects and push electricity costs down to about 15 US cents per kWh through reforms including a new Mineral Resources Bill and “No Pay, No Ship.” Roads & Urban Mobility: Honiara’s second road corridor is moving forward, with feasibility and detailed design being procured for an alternative route from Lungga to White River, alongside work on the White River–Lambi road. Agriculture Jobs Push: The government targets 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut plantations, plus rehabilitation support, and plans to deploy agricultural officers to all 50 constituencies. Education Reform: Prime Minister Wale says fee-free education will roll out nationwide by 2027. Infrastructure for Trade: Kirakira Wharf in Makira-Ulawa is at 90% completion, with remaining approach road and protective works expected to finish by month-end. Public Service Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands calls for dismissal of absentee public officers after an Auditor General report found over $1 billion paid for no work. Court & Forestry: A Honiara lawyer and two clients ordered to repay $2.57m linked to illegal tubi log export proceedings. Diplomacy & Security: Pacific foreign ministers debate whether to issue a joint response to China’s July missile test, with Solomon Islands’ FM chairing the forum discussions. Regional Politics: Australia’s new security treaties with Fiji advance deeper Pacific security alignment, while Solomon Islands talks on a similar treaty continue.

Local Business & Jobs: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma says reforms under “First Bite, Better Bite” will review reserved business activities, strengthen MSMEs, and link government procurement to building capable local suppliers. Agriculture Expansion: Agriculture Minister Franklyn Wasi targets 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut plantations, with nurseries, drying/storage upgrades, pest control, and a plan to post agricultural officers to all 50 constituencies. Energy & Power Costs: Construction has started on a 22km transmission line to bring up to 15MW of Tina River hydropower to Honiara, aiming to cut electricity costs and improve reliability by early 2028. Mining Reform: Mines Minister Derrick Rawcliff Manuari says the Government will take up to 25% stakes in major mining projects, cut power costs, and introduce “No Pay, No Ship” rules. Infrastructure & Trade: Seghe Market is 75% complete; Kirakira Wharf is 90% complete; Ahanga Wharf piling equipment has been added after ground delays. Education: PM Matthew Wale announces nationwide fee-free education rollout by 2027. Governance Watch: Transparency SI calls for action over “No Work, Full Pay” public service absenteeism, citing over $1b wasted. Regional Security: Pacific ministers debate a joint response to China’s July missile test, while Australia’s new Pacific security treaties with Fiji draw criticism.

Electricity & Energy Reform: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line linking the Tina River Hydropower Facility to Honiara’s grid via Lungga Power Station, aiming to deliver up to 15MW of renewable power and cut reliance on diesel; the project is backed by Australia’s AIFFP with works expected to finish in early 2028. Mining & Power Costs: The Government says it will take up to a 25% stake in major mining projects through a new minerals holding company, introduce “No Pay, No Ship” rules, reserve alluvial mining for Solomon Islanders, and push renewable investment to bring power costs down to about 15 US cents per kWh. Agriculture Jobs Push: Agriculture Minister Franklyn Wasi outlined plans to establish 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut plantations, rehabilitate aging farms, expand nurseries and storage, and deploy agricultural officers to all 50 constituencies. Local Infrastructure: Kirakira Wharf in Makira-Ulawa is at 90% completion, with remaining works including approach roads and protective infrastructure; Ahanga Wharf progress resumes after the contractor acquired specialized piling equipment. Education Reform: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says fee-free education will roll out nationwide by 2027. Governance & Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls for “No Work, Full Pay” absenteeism to be punished after an Auditor General report flagged about $1 billion wasted on non-attending public officers. Court & Forestry: A Honiara lawyer and two clients were ordered to repay $2.57m linked to illegal tubi log export enforcement proceedings. Regional Security Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva are set to debate whether to issue a joint statement condemning China’s July missile test, with New Zealand pushing but divisions likely to persist.

Pacific Security Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva will debate whether to issue a joint response to China’s July missile launch, with New Zealand urging action but warning divisions may block agreement. Energy for Honiara: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line linking the Tina River Hydropower Facility to Honiara’s grid via Lungga, aiming to deliver up to 15MW of cleaner power by early 2028. Local Economy Push: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma outlines plans to strengthen local businesses, expand SME access to finance, and create jobs, including reforms to recognise assets as collateral. Education Reform: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says fee-free education will roll out nationwide in 2027, while MEHRD has announced national exam dates for primary and secondary levels. Infrastructure Progress: Kirakira Wharf in Makira-Ulawa is at 90% completion, with remaining works expected to finish by month-end; Ahanga Wharf progress resumes after the contractor adds specialised piling equipment. Governance and Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands calls for “No Work, Full Pay” absenteeism to be punished after an Auditor General report flagged about $1 billion wasted; a court orders a Honiara lawyer and clients to repay $2.57m to a logging company. Agriculture Services: MALD will deploy agricultural officers to all 50 constituencies and target 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut plantations to boost rural production.

Wharf Progress: Kirakira Wharf construction in Makira-Ulawa has hit 90%, with remaining works focused on an upgraded approach road, protective works, and a passenger terminal building to improve safer, faster maritime access. Infrastructure & Shipping: Ahanga Wharf on Bellona Island is back on track after delays tied to unexpected ground conditions, with the contractor bringing in specialized piling equipment to complete foundation works. Agriculture Reform: The government says it will prioritise agriculture implementation of the 2026–2030 plan, including new legislation, biosecurity reviews, and a major rollout of agricultural officers to all 50 constituencies. Planting Push: Plans are unveiled for 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut plantations, alongside nursery expansion, extension support, and stronger pest and disease management. Education & Workforce: Prime Minister Wale announces nationwide fee-free education by 2027, positioning it as a long-term investment in a skilled workforce for industrial growth. Public Service Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands calls for stronger action on public service absenteeism after the Auditor General’s attendance management findings. Tourism Upgrade: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovations expected to run into 2027.

Agriculture Reform Push: Minister Franklyn Wasi says the GREAT Coalition will prioritise implementing the National Agriculture Development Plan 2026–2030, including new agriculture legislation, a re-established research centre, advisory council changes, and biosecurity law reviews. Rural Service Delivery: Wasi also announced agriculture officers will be posted to all 50 constituencies to bring extension and technical support closer to farmers. Plantation Expansion: Government targets 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut plantations, alongside seedling nurseries, improved drying and storage, and stronger pest and disease management. Education Investment: PM Matthew Wale declared nationwide fee-free education by 2027, positioning it as a workforce-building step for future processing and manufacturing. Political Accountability: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare warned the government will be judged on delivery, not promises, as he flagged major commitments including Bina tuna processing and mining reforms. Honiara Business & Infrastructure: Mendana Avenue upgrade continues with key lanes reopening, while Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovation into 2027. Trade & Biosecurity Watch: Pineapple growers raised biosecurity concerns over proposed Asian imports, warning of pest risks and calling for tighter safeguards.

SI–PNG Cooperation: Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met PNG’s James Marape on security, policing, trade and people-to-people ties, including progress toward revised border arrangements and a policing deployment agreement. Ship Rider Debate: Opposition figures and MPs are trading sharp views over the US Ship Rider Agreement, while fisheries expert Dr Transform Aqorau says the public debate is mixing up legal questions with geopolitics and should focus on Solomon Islands’ national interest. Anti-Corruption & Economic Reset: PM Matthew Wale told parliament his government will keep zero tolerance on corruption and push reforms across forestry, mining, land, taxation and the economy, alongside plans for free education in 2027. Mining Justice Push: Deputy PM Francis Sade pledged sweeping mining reforms after the Gold Ridge tragedy, stressing mineral wealth must stay in-country and benefit communities. Infrastructure & Climate Resilience: Mendana Avenue’s upgrade keeps moving with lanes reopening, while North Malaita planted 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline. Food & Agribusiness Links: Japan’s SATREPS begins a five-year sweet potato seedling project with MALD, and Pacific Trade Invest will bring Solomon Islands food exporters to Fine Food Australia. SME Financing: Australia and DBSI partnered to help 10 SMEs access more affordable blended finance for growth and transport to markets. Health & Food Security: Solomon Islands submitted its annual antimicrobial resistance assessment to WHO’s TrACSS survey, and JICA welcomed three new volunteers for fisheries, community development and PE in Honiara.

Guadalcanal-Politics: Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu says PM Matthew Wale’s absence from the province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day in Honiara felt like “disrespect,” even as DPM Francis Sade represented the government and reiterated momentum on constitutional reform toward federalism. Constitutional Reform: DPM Sade reaffirmed the push for a federal system but ruled out promising a statehood date for Guadalcanal, citing lawful, bipartisan processes and province-by-province cost-benefit work. Maritime Governance: Fisheries expert Dr Transform Aqorau says the Ship Rider Agreements debate is mixing up the legal question with geopolitics; he argues the legal side is largely settled and the real issue is whether deals serve Solomon Islands’ national interest. U.S.-Solomons Ties: During America’s 250th celebrations, leaders said bilateral momentum is growing, including the formal return of the U.S. Peace Corps. Coastal Protection & Infrastructure: North Malaita communities planted 2,000 mangroves to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, pairing nature-based restoration with a seawall and climate resilience support from Australia. Mining Sector Reform: DPM Francis Sade pledged sweeping mining reforms after Gold Ridge concerns, stressing mineral wealth must deliver justice and benefits for landowners and communities. Road Works: Mendana Avenue upgrade continues as lanes reopen around Hot Bread Roundabout, with traffic arrangements adjusted while concreting finishes. Agriculture & Food Security: Japan’s SATREPS and JICA begin a five-year sweet potato project with MALD to strengthen seedling management and boost production. Health & Agriculture AMR: Solomon Islands submitted its annual antimicrobial resistance assessment to WHO’s TrACSS, using data from health, livestock, food and environment sectors to guide action. Business & Trade: PTI Australia backs Solomon Islands food exporters at Fine Food Australia 2026, while a new Australia–DBSI financing partnership targets cheaper startup costs for 10 SMEs to expand local jobs.

Road Works Milestone: Mendana Avenue’s seaside upgrade keeps moving, with both lanes between HCC and Hot Bread Roundabouts reopened and traffic staged to protect bus bays and parking areas. Coastal Resilience for Industry: North Malaita communities are planting 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, pairing nature-based protection with the SBD15m market investment. Economic Reset & Finance Reform: The Governor-General says 2026 recovery is expected to be moderate, with mining, fisheries, agriculture and business services leading, alongside plans for VAT and income tax reforms, a Sovereign Wealth Fund, and restarting the National Bank. Mining Must Deliver Justice: Deputy PM Francis Sade pledges sweeping mining reforms after Gold Ridge, pushing a “First Bite, Better Bite” approach so mineral wealth benefits Solomon Islanders and landowners. Food & Trade Push: Pacific exporters, including SolTuna, will take part in Australia’s Fine Food Australia 2026 via PTI’s Pacific Showcase, aiming to connect premium food producers with buyers. SME Financing: Australia and DBSI partner to help 10 SMEs access more affordable blended financing, targeting Indigenous businesses and growth investments. Infrastructure Tender: A tender is open for the climate-resilient replacement of the Fiu River Bridge in Malaita under SIRAP2, improving safer access for communities and businesses. Health Security: Solomon Islands submitted its latest TrACSS antimicrobial resistance assessment, strengthening national planning across health, agriculture, food and the environment. JICA Support: New JICA volunteers begin work in fisheries-linked community development and school sports in Malaita, Western Province and Honiara. Maritime Governance: Work is underway on a 90-day SIMA plan, including steps toward a Solomon Islands International Shipping Registry to grow the blue economy.

Coastal Resilience for Honiara’s Trade Hub: North Malaita communities are planting 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the coastline around the new Malu’u Market, pairing nature-based restoration with a seawall backed by Australia for a SBD15 million investment. Food Security Research: Japan’s SATREPS team has begun a five-year collaboration with MALD to strengthen sweet potato production, with long-term experts now in place after the May 2026 start. SME Financing Push: Australia and the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) are partnering to help 10 SMEs access more affordable financing, aiming to cut upfront costs and expand support for Indigenous businesses. Pacific Food Exports: Solomon Islands exporters are set to join PTI Australia’s Pacific Showcase at Fine Food Australia (31 Aug–3 Sep), including SolTuna, as regional food producers chase new buyers. Shipping Momentum: Steamships reports marine logistics volumes grew 15–20% in 2025 and is carrying that momentum into 2026, driven by strong cash-crop prices. Infrastructure Tender: The tender is open for a new climate-resilient Fiu River Bridge in Malaita under SIRAP2, replacing an ageing 77-metre truss with an 84-metre two-lane bridge plus pedestrian access. Maritime Governance Planning: The GREAT Coalition’s productive sector team and SIMA are drafting a 90-day work plan, including steps toward a Solomon Islands International Shipping Registry. Community Development via JICA: Three new JICA volunteers have arrived to support fisheries-linked community development and PE education in Malaita, Western Province and Honiara. Labour Rights Warning (Regional): New Zealand’s Labour Inspectorate warns Pacific workers not to pay for jobs, urging use of official advice channels.

Melanesian Ocean Reserve: Solomon Islands has joined a new Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), aiming to protect Indigenous marine areas across Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, PNG and New Caledonia while allowing only sustainable, Indigenous-value-aligned activities. Mining policy: Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade backs the “First Bite, Better Bite” principle, including state-owned enterprise and mineral holdings ideas, while stressing landowner fairness after Gold Ridge fatalities. Infrastructure tenders: A tender has opened for the climate-resilient replacement of the Fiu River Bridge in Malaita under SIRAP2, with a longer, safer two-lane crossing and upgraded approaches. Road works in Honiara: The Hot Bread to HCC roundabout upgrade is in its final stage after asphalt paving, with finishing works like walkways, parking and streetlights underway. Maritime governance: The Productive Sector Team and SIMA are drafting a 90-day work plan, including plans for a Solomon Islands International Shipping Registry to grow the blue economy. Trade and investment: PM Matthew Wale will open the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara on 19–20 August, while the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair is set for September 7–14. Health and food systems: Solomon Islands submitted to WHO’s antimicrobial resistance survey (TrACSS), and MALD handed over SBD 1.34m to indigenous agribusinesses for downstream processing and market access. Seaweed livelihoods: Government distributed 50 boats and motors worth SBD 3.45m to seaweed farmers to improve transport, farm management and productivity. Security and ports: Solomon Islands signed a US shiprider agreement amid debate, and PM Wale says the US is in talks to finance Bina Harbour port development.

Mining Policy: Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade backed the “First Bite, Better Bite” principle, saying Solomon Islands wants more value from minerals staying in-country via state-owned enterprise plans, mineral holdings, and a gold trading/buying framework through the Central Bank—while urging serious action on Gold Ridge fatalities, fair landowner compensation, and meaningful participation. Public Health: Solomon Islands reaffirmed its fight against antimicrobial resistance after submitting to WHO’s TrACSS survey, covering human health, animal, agriculture, food and the environment. Infrastructure & Transport: The tender for a new climate-resilient replacement Fiu River Bridge opened under SIRAP2, aiming to improve safety and access for communities and businesses. Aviation Works: Progress continues at Henderson International Airport under SIRAP2, with the aviation complex building and air traffic control tower advancing. Maritime Economy: The Productive Sector Team and SIMA mapped a 90-day work plan for GREAT Coalition maritime priorities, including a Solomon Islands International Shipping Registry and rural shipping connectivity. Seafood & Rural Livelihoods: Government handed over 50 boats and motors to seaweed farmers, and MALD granted over SBD 1.34m to indigenous agribusinesses for processing and market access. Governance & Skills: WELSI wrapped leadership training for 18 women executives in Honiara, while police said there’s no immediate eviction tied to Rove police academy site works. Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands signed a U.S. shiprider agreement as it also navigates criticism over its existing China security ties. Digital Connectivity: China-aided national broadband infrastructure was handed over, boosting coverage across all provinces and major islands.

Maritime & Security: Solomon Islands signed a U.S. Shiprider Agreement, allowing Solomon Islands law enforcement to be embedded on U.S. Coast Guard vessels, sparking opposition claims of “selling sovereignty” while government and experts point to regional ocean-control frameworks. Infrastructure & Transport: The tender for the new climate-resilient Fiu River Bridge opened under SIRAP2, replacing an ageing 77-metre crossing with an 84-metre two-lane bridge plus pedestrian access. Telecom & Connectivity: China-aided national broadband infrastructure was handed over, boosting coverage from 56% to 86% across nine provinces and 35 islands. Agriculture & Value-Add: MALD handed over SBD 1.34m in CADP grants to four indigenous agribusinesses, supporting downstream processing and farmer-to-market links, while CEMA-backed cocoa farmers report expansion with improved market support. Seaweed Jobs: Government delivered 50 boats and motors worth SBD 3.45m to 50 seaweed farming communities to improve farm access and productivity. Governance & Business Reform: The GREAT Coalition advanced consultations on modernising business, labour and immigration rules, including electronic passport and visa systems. Mining Safety: A landslide at Gold Ridge mine killed at least one person and searches continue as officials review possible causes and mining regulation needs. Trade & Industry Events: Minister Harry Kuma launched the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair (Sept 7–14), pushing innovation across farming, fishing, manufacturing and digital trade.

Maritime Security & Sovereignty: Solomon Islands signed a U.S. shiprider agreement, letting Solomon Islands law enforcement embed on U.S. Coast Guard vessels to tackle illegal fishing—sparking opposition claims of “selling sovereignty” and calls to table the deal in parliament. Infrastructure Tender: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development opened the tender for a new, climate-resilient Fiu River Bridge in Malaita under SIRAP2, replacing an ageing 77-metre steel truss with an 84-metre two-lane bridge plus pedestrian access. U.S.-China Balancing & Ports: Solomon PM Matthew Wale says the U.S. is in advanced talks to finance Bina Harbour, a deep-water port aimed at commercial shipping and tuna industry growth, as Washington seeks influence alongside China. Digital Connectivity Handover: China-aided national broadband infrastructure was officially handed over, expanding coverage across all provinces and islands via 3G/4G base stations built with CHEC and Huawei. Agriculture & Value-Adding: MALD handed over SBD 1.34m in grants to indigenous agribusinesses for downstream processing and market access, while cocoa farmer John Roni credited CEMA support for expanding production. Seaweed Support: Fifty seaweed farming communities received 18-foot boats and outboards worth SBD 3.45m to boost farm management and transport. Local Business & Trade: Minister Harry Kuma launched the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair (Sept 7–14), pushing innovation across farming, fishing, manufacturing and digital trade. Mining Safety Crisis: A landslide at Gold Ridge mine on Guadalcanal killed at least one man; officials say cause is unclear and police/search efforts continue amid renewed calls to crack down on illegal mining.

Infrastructure Tendering: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has opened the tender for a new climate-resilient Fiu River Bridge in Malaita, replacing the ageing 77-metre steel truss with an 84-metre two-lane bridge plus pedestrian walkway under SIRAP2, with bids due 18 September 2026. Aviation Works: At Henderson International Airport, SIRAP2 progress continues on the Aviation Complex Building and Air Traffic Control Tower, with World Bank-backed contracts and supervision aimed at improving aviation operations. Road Upgrade: Honiara’s Hot Bread roundabout road upgrade is in its final stretch, with asphalt paving completed and finishing works underway for safer traffic flow and pedestrian access. Maritime & Trade Planning: SIMA and the Productive Sector Team are building a 90-day work plan to push GREAT Coalition maritime priorities, including a proposed Solomon Islands International Shipping Registry. Agribusiness Support: MALD has handed SBD 1.34m in CADP grants to four indigenous agribusinesses to boost downstream processing, market access and post-harvest work. Seaweed Boost: Fifty seaweed farming communities received 18-foot boats and motors worth SBD 3.45m to improve farm management and transport. Security & Ports: Solomon Islands signed a U.S. shiprider security agreement while also pursuing U.S. talks to finance Bina Harbour, reigniting regional infrastructure and influence competition. Mining Safety Alarm: After the Gold Ridge pit landslide on Guadalcanal, police and officials confirmed a body recovered and searches continue, while calls grow for stronger action against illegal mining.

Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands signed a finalized U.S. shiprider security agreement in Honiara while reaffirming its “friend to all, enemy to none” stance despite already having a security agreement with China, drawing sharp opposition criticism. Connectivity & Telecoms: China-aided National Broadband Infrastructure Project was handed over, boosting coverage from 56% to 86% across nine provinces and 35 islands. Maritime Economy: Productive Sector and SIMA mapped a 90-day work plan, including moves toward a Solomon Islands International Shipping Registry to grow the blue economy. Infrastructure in Honiara: The Hot Bread–Honiara City Council road upgrade is in its final stage, with asphalt paving complete and finishing works underway. Agribusiness & Jobs: MALD handed over SBD 1.34m to four indigenous agribusinesses for downstream processing and market access, while CEMA support continues to help cocoa farmers expand production. Seaweed Support: Government delivered 50 boats and engines worth SBD 3.45m to seaweed farmers to improve transport and productivity. Governance & People: GEDSI training strengthened inclusive delivery for the SOLKAS project, and 18 senior women completed WELSI leadership training. Mining Safety: A landslide at Gold Ridge mine killed at least one and left 10 feared dead, with calls for urgent action against illegal mining around the site.