AGP Executive Report

US–Pacific Engagement: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau continued a Pacific tour after the PIF meeting, visiting Solomon Islands and signing an agreement for Peace Corps to return, while also backing cultural preservation at Bloody Ridge. Development Partnership: Solomon Islands is seeking stronger ties with Canada, with priorities including education, labour mobility, affordable energy and connectivity. Infrastructure & Public Assets: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development raised alarms over repeated damage to road signs along the Henderson–Alligator corridor, urging communities to protect LMCP assets. Mining Law Consultation: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee rejected claims that longer consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 would cost $1b, arguing rushed changes could fracture trust and destabilise communities. Health Cooperation: A MHMS delegation advanced Solomon Islands–India health talks on MOUs covering medical cooperation and recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia. Climate & Risk: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service warned El Niño is strengthening and could bring hotter, drier conditions affecting water, agriculture and livelihoods. Business Sector: SICCI launched the 9th Business Excellence Awards, expanding categories to 21 (22 with the PM’s Award) and pushing wider provincial SME participation. Regional Weather Planning: PMC-8 opened in Tonga, with Solomon Islands calling for equipment, sustainable financing, technology and partnerships to strengthen climate services. Local Transport Boost: China-funded RSDP delivered a $1.5m maritime transport package to West Makira with boats and outboard engines for remote communities.

US-Pacific Engagement: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau visited the Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands and Kiribati, pledging over US$100m for disaster relief and reconstruction in FSM and signing a Peace Corps return agreement with Solomon Islands. Public Infrastructure Protection: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Infrastructure Development says road signs along the Henderson–Alligator corridor are being damaged, urging road users and communities to protect public assets. Mineral Resources Bill 2025: The Bills and Legislation Committee rejects claims that more consultation would cost $1b in revenue, warning rushed changes could fracture trust and destabilise communities, and recommends withdrawing the bill for wider consultation. Health Cooperation with India: A Solomon Islands MHMS delegation in New Delhi advanced health cooperation, including recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia and implementation of health MOUs. IMF Warning: The IMF says weak financial management and governance are constraining growth, projecting slower 2026 growth and higher inflation, and urging fiscal discipline and realistic, funded budgets. Local Transport Boost: West Makira received a $1.5m China-funded maritime project with 17 boats and 18 outboard motors to support remote communities’ health, education, fisheries and agriculture. Business Sector Push: SICCI launched its 9th Business Excellence Awards, expanding categories to recognise more businesses and SMEs nationwide. Climate & Water Risk: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service warns El Niño is strengthening, with risks of reduced rainfall, water shortages and pressure on agriculture and livelihoods. Trade & Entrepreneurship: The National Annual Trade Fair opened in Honiara, positioning the event as a platform for local business, investment and youth entrepreneurship.

US-Pacific Diplomacy: With no resident US ambassador across 14 Pacific Island countries, a US push for “more presence” is being debated after Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau’s Pacific trip and announced investment plans, as China and Taiwan diplomacy continue to shape regional attention. Mineral Resources Bill: Solomon Islands’ Bills and Legislation Committee rejects claims that extra consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 would cost $1b, warning rushed changes could trigger fractured trust and instability for landowners, provinces, investors and the wider economy. Infrastructure & Accountability: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development says road signs and public assets on the Henderson–Alligator corridor are being damaged, urging communities to protect LMCP upgrades. Health Cooperation: A Solomon Islands MHMS delegation in New Delhi advanced health cooperation with India, including recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia and implementation of health MOUs. Climate & Risk: Solomon Islands is urged to prepare for El Niño impacts, with possible hotter, drier conditions affecting water, agriculture, fisheries and health. Trade & Skills: SICCI launches expanded Business Excellence Awards (21 categories) and the National Annual Trade Fair spotlights innovation and entrepreneurship, while West Makira receives a $1.5m China-funded maritime transport boost for health, education, fisheries and agriculture.

Mineral Resources Bill: Solomon Islands’ Bills and Legislation Committee rejects the Government’s claim that delaying further consultation would cost about $1b, saying the real risk is fractured trust and community instability, and urges the Bill be withdrawn for wider consultation with landowners, provinces and stakeholders. Health diplomacy: A Solomon Islands MHMS delegation met India officials in New Delhi to advance health cooperation MOUs and recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia, with National Referral Hospital and National Medical Store leaders in the talks. Road safety and assets: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development warns road users after repeated damage to signage on the Henderson–Alligator corridor, urging communities to protect public infrastructure. Weather and climate services: Solomon Islands is using PMC-8 in Tonga to push for stronger meteorological equipment, financing and regional partnerships to improve forecasts and warnings. Public finance pressure: The IMF warns weak financial management is constraining growth, projecting slower 2026 growth and higher inflation, and calls for tighter fiscal discipline and realistic, fully funded budgets. Transport boost for West Makira: China-funded RSDP delivered a $1.5m maritime project to West Makira with 17 boats and 18 outboard engines to support health, education, fisheries and agriculture. Business and skills: SICCI expands its Business Excellence Awards to 21 categories (plus a Prime Minister’s Award), while the Government’s GREAT-linked “1,000 students per year to China” initiative sends the first cohort for vocational training. Education and scholarships: Four Solomon Islanders win UK Chevening Scholarships and are set to start postgraduate studies in the UK. Climate outlook: El Niño is strengthening, with Solomon Islands urged to prepare for hotter, drier conditions and impacts on water, agriculture and health. Regional security: Pacific leaders endorse a five-year security roadmap and raise alarm over unannounced ICBM tests, while backing disaster and maritime security coordination. Governance support: Japan provides JPY 430m (US$3m) to UNDP for electoral and democratic governance support through SIDGEAP.

Australian Volunteers Program: Australia says more than 700 volunteers have supported Solomon Islands since 1965, with 191 volunteers completing 240 assignments since 2018 and 80% of partner organisations reporting good or excellent progress. Mobility & policy links: A new look at Australia–Pacific bilateral agreements highlights how “mobility” is increasingly treated as part of economic development and climate adaptation planning. Business awards: SICCI has launched the 9th Business Excellence Awards, expanding from 12 to 21 categories (plus a Prime Minister’s Award), with a push to include more provincial SMEs. Trade push: The National Annual Trade Fair is back in Honiara under a sustainability theme, with ministers stressing innovation, entrepreneurship and local value-adding ahead of LDC graduation. Finance & regional banking: CBSI Governor Luke Forau reaffirmed the Wansolwara collaboration with PNG and Vanuatu central banks, focusing on payments, inclusion, capacity, climate risks and cybersecurity. Biosecurity: Solomon Islands launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to protect agriculture, food security and trade by strengthening prevention, detection and response systems. Climate warning: El Niño is now established and expected to persist into early 2027, with risks of hotter, drier conditions, water stress and impacts on gardens, crops and fisheries. Passport access: Solomon Islands’ passport ranks 59th globally in 2026, with visa-free or simplified entry access to 69.2% of destinations. Education scholarships: Four Solomon Islanders received UK Chevening Scholarships and will travel to the UK later this month. Governance support: Japan pledged JPY 430 million (about US$3m) to UNDP’s Solomon Islands Democratic Governance and Electoral Assistance Project to strengthen electoral institutions.

Solomon Islands trade & business: SICCI is urging provincial SMEs to enter the expanded 2026 Business Excellence Awards, now with 21 categories (22 including the Prime Minister’s Award) and a new dedicated SME category, with promotion via radio, social media and chamber networks. National trade fair push: The 2026 National Annual Trade Fair in Honiara is spotlighting innovation and entrepreneurship, with Minister Harry Kuma linking it to Solomon Islands’ 2027 LDC graduation and the need for more domestic production and value-adding. Infrastructure for growth: Malaita road upgrades are moving closer to construction after community consultations, while West Makira received a $1.5m China-funded transport boost of boats and outboard engines to support health, education, fisheries and agriculture. Biosecurity for food security: Government launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to protect agriculture, trade and the rural economy from pests and diseases. Governance & elections funding: Japan provided JPY 430m (about US$3m) to UNDP for the SIDGEAP project to strengthen electoral institutions. Airport safety & US support: The US says it will provide four aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles for Honiara International Airport, and MCC will assess Parliament building rehabilitation costs. Accountants’ skills: ISIA will hold its 3rd annual congress in Honiara on Sept 17–18, urging employers to back professional development. Politics & foreign influence row: Solomon Islands Opposition is demanding answers over leaked communications alleging Australian financial assistance could be tied to influencing domestic political outcomes.

Road & Infrastructure: Malaita road upgrades are moving toward construction after community consultations, with contractors finalising environmental and social management plans before mobilisation. Trade & Industry: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma says Solomon Islands must accelerate innovation and local value-adding ahead of 2027 LDC graduation, reducing reliance on raw commodity exports. Agriculture & Food Security: Government has launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to protect farming, trade and rural livelihoods by strengthening prevention, detection and response. Elections & Governance Funding: Japan has provided JPY 430 million (US$3m) to UNDP for electoral and democratic governance support, implemented with the Electoral Commission and political parties office. Airport Safety & US Support: The US plans to supply four aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles for Honiara International Airport, while also assessing rehabilitation needs for the National Parliament building. Business & Skills: ISIA will hold its 3rd annual congress in Honiara (Sept 17–18), urging employers to back accountants’ professional development. Local Markets: The Malu’u Market seawall is complete and construction shifts to the next phase, supporting up to 140 vendors in North Malaita. Immigration Reform: A new electronic visa system has been launched under the Solomon Islands Border Management System to speed up online applications and strengthen border security. National Trade Fair: Honiara hosts the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair (Sept 9–16), spotlighting local enterprise, innovation and literacy-linked community activities. Regional Security: Pacific leaders endorsed a five-year security roadmap in Palau, raising alarm over recent ICBM tests and agreeing steps for maritime and policing coordination. Politics & Foreign Influence: Opposition leaders are demanding answers over leaked communications alleging Australian treaty talks and funding could influence Solomon Islands domestic political outcomes.

Road Works & Local Jobs: Malaita road upgrades in North Road (about 12km) are moving toward construction after community consultations; contractors are finalising environmental and social plans before mobilisation. Trade & Industry Strategy: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma says Solomon Islands must speed up innovation and local value-adding ahead of 2027 LDC graduation, reducing reliance on raw commodity exports. Health Workforce Partnership: Solomon Islands and the Philippines are exploring a nursing education twinning under the PhilPac initiative, supported by WHO, to strengthen training and clinical teaching. Governance & Elections Funding: Japan has provided JPY 430m (US$3m) to UNDP for electoral and democratic governance support, implemented with SIEC and the political parties registrar. Biosecurity for Food Security: Government launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 to protect agriculture, trade and the rural economy from pests and diseases. Airport Safety & US Support: The US will supply four aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles for Honiara International Airport, and will assess Parliament building rehabilitation needs. Immigration Reform: A new electronic visa system is now in place via the Solomon Islands Border Management System to speed up processing and improve security. Business & Skills: ISIA will hold its 3rd annual Congress in Honiara on Sept 17–18, urging employers to back accountants’ professional development. Regional Security: Pacific leaders endorsed a five-year security roadmap and raised alarm over recent ICBM tests, while pushing stronger regional coordination. Politics Watch: A no-confidence motion against PM Matthew Wale was withdrawn after a cabinet crisis, keeping diplomatic and security engagement on track. Trade Fair Boost: The 2026 Annual National Trade Fair opens Sept 9–16, aiming to spotlight local enterprise, innovation and literacy.

Pacific diplomacy and politics: Pacific Islands Forum leaders wrapped up in Palau with big absences and a lot of geopolitical heat, while Solomon Islands’ PM Matthew Wale’s no-confidence motion was withdrawn after he returned home from the summit. Australia–Solomons treaty controversy: Solomon Islands’ Opposition says leaked messages suggest Australian financial support and treaty talks may have been tied to influencing domestic politics, including constituency funding and free education support—an issue now driving demands for answers. Biosecurity push: Solomon Islands launched a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 to protect agriculture, food security, trade and rural livelihoods, with UNDP support. Education and fiscal pressure: Opposition questioned whether the government is ready to fund nationwide free education from 2027, while PM Wale said mineral bill amendments were delayed, risking about $1 billion in revenue this year. Trade and travel reforms: Honiara hosts the National Trade Fair (Sept 9–16) and the government rolled out an electronic visa system to speed up applications and strengthen border security. US support for infrastructure and governance: The US announced airport firefighting vehicles for Honiara International Airport and will assess Parliament rehabilitation costs; it also signed to restore the Peace Corps programme. Japan funding for elections: Japan provided about US$3m to UNDP for electoral and democratic governance support in Solomon Islands. Local business resilience: The Malu’u Market seawall in North Malaita is complete, moving the project into its next construction phase.

Australia–Solomons Treaty Talks: Australia has reportedly reached an in-principle agreement on a new treaty with Solomon Islands, with leaked details pointing to about US$980m in additional funding as Canberra races to lock in deals amid rising China competition. Political Interference Claims: Solomon Islands Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says leaked messages suggest Australia may be meddling in domestic politics, including constituency funding tied to the government’s survival during a no-confidence crisis. No-Confidence Motion Withdrawn: The no-confidence motion against PM Matthew Wale was withdrawn after East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga filed the withdrawal, easing immediate political pressure. US–Solomons Cooperation: The US and Solomon Islands signed to renew the Peace Corps programme, and the US also announced four airport rescue and firefighting vehicles plus a plan to assess Parliament building rehabilitation costs. Honiara Airport Safety & Governance: Japan provided US$3m via UNDP to strengthen Solomon Islands electoral institutions and preparations for future elections. Local Economy Boost: Honiara hosts the 2026 National Trade Fair (Sept 9–16) to spotlight local enterprise, innovation and culture. Infrastructure Milestone: The Malu’u seawall for the Malu’u Market project is complete, with construction moving into the next phase to support vendors in North Malaita. Skills & Accounting: ISIA will hold its 3rd annual congress in Honiara on Sept 17–18, urging employers to back accountants’ professional development. Border Reform: A new electronic visa system has been launched to speed up applications and strengthen immigration security. Debt Pressure Warning: A regional analysis warns Pacific debt risks are structural, not just “debt-trap” stories, as growth slows and climate and fuel costs bite.

Mobile Costs Watch: A new Broadband Genie study ranks the UK 46th globally for average mobile broadband data cost at about $0.27 per 1GB, while noting limits in how prices are compared. Regional Climate Push: Pacific leaders at a Palau summit urged COP31 to deliver climate finance for renewables and resilience as fossil-fuel import costs bite. Australia–Solomons Deal: Leaked messaging says Australia is preparing a major new treaty package for Solomon Islands, with promises of over $980m in additional funding. Free Education Funding Debate: Opposition MP Manasseh Sogavare questioned whether the government is ready for nationwide free education in 2027, warning it needs proper costing, classrooms and a new budget appropriation. Minerals Revenue Hit: PM Matthew Wale told Parliament mineral bill amendments were delayed, risking about $1b in forgone revenue this year. Border & Trade Security: Government ordered immediate closure of non-ISPS-compliant sufferance wharves and import operations, tightening customs controls. Immigration Reform: A new electronic visa system went live under the Solomon Islands Border Management System to speed up applications and strengthen security. Honiara Business Calendar: Honiara will host the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair (Sept 9–16) at SINU’s FOPA Village, aiming to spotlight local enterprise and innovation. Public Safety: Police confirmed a real pistol was used in a Honiara shop threat incident involving an Australian national, with investigations continuing. US Partnership: Solomon Islands and the US signed to renew the Peace Corps programme, with volunteers set to return after more than 20 years.

COP31 Push: Pacific leaders at the PIF summit in Palau urged COP31 to deliver climate finance and support for renewables and ocean action, as islands face costly fuel imports and worsening impacts. Australia–Solomons Treaty Leak: A leaked message says Australia is preparing a major new treaty with Solomon Islands, with additional funding of more than $980m flagged as negotiations move toward signing. Minerals Revenue Hit: PM Matthew Wale told Parliament the government may forgo about $1b this year after delaying mineral bill amendments pending further stakeholder consultation. Free Education Plan: Wale reaffirmed free education from ECE to SINU and TAFE/TVET, with an estimated extra $1.1b needed and concerns over costing assumptions. Political Stability: A no-confidence motion against PM Wale was withdrawn after East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga pulled it, easing immediate pressure on the government. Trade Security Crackdown: Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia ordered immediate closure of non-ISPS-compliant sufferance wharves and tightened customs controls to protect revenue and border security. US Peace Corps Returns: Solomon Islands and the US signed to renew the Peace Corps programme, with volunteers set to support schools and health services. Health & Community: A Yashoda Medicity visit explored healthcare cooperation, while the Sri Sathya Sai Children’s Heart Hospital plans to expand cardiac services beyond children. Weather Alert: SIMS issued a strong wind warning for Temotu, Makira and Rennell/Bellona, advising sea travellers to take precautions.

Pacific Diplomacy: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale met visiting US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Honiara, with talks focused on economic development and security, including the planned return of the US Peace Corps after more than two decades. Parliament & Governance: A no-confidence motion against PM Wale was withdrawn after East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga pulled the motion, sparing the government from Monday’s debate. Maritime Trade & Revenue: The Government ordered the immediate closure of all non-ISPS-compliant sufferance wharves nationwide, directing Customs to shut facilities lacking Solomon Islands Maritime Authority accreditation and to require full duties and taxes before any cargo release. Business Confidence: The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry met RSIPF ahead of the political situation, urging calm operations and prioritising protection of critical infrastructure and essential services. Skills & Jobs: ISIA will hold its 3rd annual Congress in Honiara on Sept 17–18 to strengthen the accounting and finance workforce, while SIART continues provincial training for farmers and extension officers in Malaita. Fisheries Inclusion: MFMR launched its GEDSI strategy 2026–2030 to broaden participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities across the fisheries sector.

Maritime Security & Trade: The Solomon Islands Government has ordered the immediate closure of all sufferance wharves that are not compliant with the ISPS Code, effective 4 September, with Customs told to shut non-accredited facilities and only resume operations once full compliance is verified; for approved ISPS-compliant wharves, duties and taxes must be paid before cargo release. US-Solomons Talks: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met visiting US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Honiara, discussing economic development priorities and the planned return of the US Peace Corps after more than two decades. Politics Watch: A no-confidence motion against PM Wale was withdrawn ahead of Monday’s debate, after Opposition MP Manasseh Maelanga filed and then withdrew the motion. Business & Skills: The Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) will hold its 3rd annual congress on 17–18 September, focusing on building a modern accounting and finance workforce. Local Economy & Capacity: SIART continued provincial training in Malaita on financial literacy and feed formulation for young agriculture extension officers and farmer groups. Public Safety: RSIPF arrested an Australian national after a threatening incident involving an alleged firearm at a shop in east Honiara, with police using less-lethal force to control the suspect. Regional Finance Leadership: CBSI Governor appointed Vice Chair of the Pacific Islands Regional Initiative (PIRI), highlighting work on financial inclusion and digital finance.

Political Tension in Honiara: A no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Matthew Wale is set for Monday, Sept 7, with East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga moving the motion in Parliament. Business Continuity: Ahead of the vote, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has engaged the RSIPF to keep businesses and the public informed, and urged protection of critical infrastructure and uninterrupted essential services. Finance Leadership Shake-up: Opposition says Wale’s removal of Gordon Darcy Lilo as Finance Minister is a serious leadership error, arguing it risks further uncertainty for budgets, investor confidence and development partner engagement. Security Incident: RSIPF detained an Australian national after a threatening incident involving an alleged firearm at a shop near the SDA-Vura main road in east Honiara; police used less-lethal force after the suspect refused orders. Agriculture Skills for Growth: SIART continued training in Malaita, building financial literacy and feed formulation skills for young agriculture extension officers to pass on to farmers through ABPOs. Regional Finance Push: CBSI Governor appointed Vice Chair of the Pacific Islands Regional Initiative (PIRI), highlighting work on financial inclusion, digital finance and MSME support. Fisheries Inclusion: MFMR launched its GEDSI Strategy 2026–2030 to expand gender equality, disability and social inclusion across the fisheries sector.

Pacific Food & Fisheries: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and SPC are rolling out the “Tuna Bites” campaign for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with country culinary competitions (including Solomon Islands) to spotlight tuna’s role in protein, livelihoods and food security. Political Risk in Honiara: A no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Matthew Wale is set for Monday, Sept 7, with Parliament also set to consider a finance-related resolution to keep public services funded at last year’s level. Finance Leadership Shake-up: Opposition says Wale’s removal of Gordon Darcy Lilo as Finance Minister is a serious leadership error, arguing it undermines economic stability and investor confidence ahead of the motion. Business Preparedness: The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry has engaged RSIPF to keep businesses informed and urges protection of critical infrastructure and uninterrupted essential services during the political period. Agriculture & Jobs Skills: SIART continues training in Malaita, building farmers’ business skills through financial literacy and feed formulation for agribusiness producer organizations. Fisheries Inclusion: MFMR has launched a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion strategy (2026–2030) to expand participation across fisheries value chains. Security Incident: RSIPF detained an Australian national after a threatening incident involving an alleged firearm at a shop in east Honiara, using less-lethal force after the suspect refused orders.