AGP Executive Report

Green Finance Push (PNG): France committed EUR15m (about K75m) to expand green lending in Papua New Guinea, backing SMEs, renewables, sustainable agriculture and a Green Guarantee Facility with AFD, BPNG and GGGI. Justice Sector Cooperation (Solomon Islands & PNG): A PNG prosecution team visited Honiara to kick off a twinning programme with Solomon Islands’ prosecutors, targeting cybercrime, financial crime, corruption and family/sexual violence, plus prosecutor placements. UNDP Governance & Extractives: UNDP says it will strengthen provincial governance and rural, climate-resilient infrastructure, and support Solomon Islands to rejoin EITI, with civil society training to improve extractive transparency and monitoring. Environment & Waste in Honiara: MECDM says coastal pollution is driven by poor land waste management; officials urged daily action using the “Three Rs” and better household waste separation and council collection. Youth & Jobs Focus: The Governor-General called Solomon Islands’ youth population a national asset, urging more vocational training and decentralised economic opportunities. Resource Sector Politics: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare urged the Attorney-General to recuse over APID-related bauxite shipment investigations, citing conflict concerns. Infrastructure Update (Aviation): Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion, with access road works about 80% done. Regional Security & Peace: Pacific leaders renewed calls for global peace amid rising tensions, while a Lowy Institute report warned China’s strike capacity over Australia could grow via cyberattacks and undersea cable disruption.

Regional Security & Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders issued a renewed global appeal for peace, urging world leaders to uphold the UN Charter and resolve disputes through dialogue as tensions rise. Justice Sector Capacity: A PNG–Solomon Islands twinning program is set to strengthen prosecution services, with Honiara hosting a PNG delegation to plan hands-on training for cybercrime, financial crimes, corruption, and family/sexual violence cases. Governance & Transparency: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says future security agreements will be handled more transparently, including stronger parliamentary oversight, while noting the existing China security deal has a non-disclosure clause. Business & Jobs: SICCI is calling for a data-driven minimum wage review, warning that any increase must reflect both workers’ cost of living and businesses’ ability to absorb higher labour costs. Infrastructure & Transport: Work on the World Bank-funded Aviation Complex Building at Honiara International Airport is nearing completion, while Malaita’s TTC is building a 5km tar-sealed road section supported by the National Transport Fund. Extractives Oversight: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare urges the Attorney-General to recuse himself from APID-related matters as investigations begin into questionable bauxite shipments. Cyclone Maila Recovery: Government estimates about $150 million is needed for recovery after Tropical Cyclone Maila, covering health, education, livelihoods, and housing.

Mining Integrity Watch: Solomon Islands Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare has urged Attorney-General Gabriel Suri to recuse himself from all APID-related matters as investigations begin into questionable bauxite shipments, after Suri previously acted for APID in a case involving alleged unpaid royalties. Governance & Transparency: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says future international security deals will be handled more transparently, with stronger parliamentary oversight, while noting the China security agreement’s non-disclosure clause limits what can be released publicly. Aviation Upgrade: Work on the World Bank-funded Honiara International Airport Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion, with the external façade installed and access road works about 80% done. Extractives Transparency Training: UNDP and the British High Commission ran a Training of Trainers for civil society on EITI implementation, monitoring and reporting to strengthen accountability in the oil, gas and mining sector. Roads for Rural Trade: In Malaita, TTC has started a 5km tar-sealed road from Kwaibala to Oibola, supported by the National Transport Fund and aimed at creating local jobs and better market access. Rural Transport Boost: North Guadalcanal received 13 trucks for its economic zones under a PRC-supported rural development programme, with co-funding from MRD and the Constituency Development Fund. Resource Sector Oversight: PM Wale says the government welcomes credible logging and mining investment but will act against companies that deliberately break the law. Digital Finance Push: M-SELEN’s 3rd anniversary rewards promotion runs June 11 to Oct 2, encouraging more daily use of digital payments. Minimum Wage Debate: SICCI calls for a data-driven minimum wage review, warning that any increase must reflect both worker cost-of-living needs and business capacity. Cyclone Maila Recovery Funding: Government estimates about $150 million is needed for recovery after Tropical Cyclone Maila, covering health, education, livelihoods and housing. Sports & Business Community: Football fever hit Honiara with a World Cup fan parade, while Malaita’s Kwaibaita Football League opened with 22 teams—highlighting youth sport as a local development and sponsorship opportunity.

Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion under SIRAP2, with the external façade system finished, access road about 80% done, and internal framing plus stormwater drainage works underway. Extractives Transparency: UNDP and the British High Commission ran a Training of Trainers for Solomon Islands civil society on EITI implementation, monitoring and reporting, aiming to strengthen transparency and public dialogue around oil, gas and minerals. Roads & Jobs: In Malaita, Trades Transportation Company has started a 5km tar-sealed road from Kwaibala to Oibola, supported by the National Transport Fund and designed to improve access and create local employment. Rural Transport Boost: North Guadalcanal received 13 three-tonne trucks for its 13 Economic Zones, funded through PRC support plus MRD and Constituency Development Fund contributions to help farmers move produce to markets. Resource Sector Oversight: PM Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands welcomes legitimate logging and mining investment but will act against companies that deliberately break the law, stressing protection of natural wealth. Governance & Justice Cooperation: PNG and Solomon Islands are strengthening prosecution services through a twinning programme covering financial crime, corruption, cybercrime and family and sexual violence. Cyclone Maila Recovery Funding: Government estimates about $150 million is needed for recovery after Tropical Cyclone Maila, with priorities including health, education, livelihoods and housing. Digital Finance Push: M-SELEN marks its third anniversary with a nationwide rewards promotion encouraging daily digital transactions, with weekly prizes totalling $15,000. Sports & Youth: World Cup fan parade brought hundreds to Honiara for a peaceful start, while Malaita’s Kwaibaita Football League opened with 22 teams and seeks sponsorship to run through October.

Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion, with the external façade installed and the access road about 80% done under the World Bank-funded SIRAP2 project. Extractives Transparency: UNDP and the British High Commission ran a Training of Trainers for civil society on EITI implementation, monitoring and reporting to boost transparency in Solomon Islands’ oil, gas and mining sector. Governance & Resilience: UNDP says it will keep supporting Solomon Islands on governance, electoral strengthening and climate-resilient rural development, with a focus on provincial systems and extractive-sector transparency. Labour & Compliance: China Railway Construction Engineering Group says it has improved meals for local workers on Isabel after complaints, and also rejects allegations over overtime, allowances and NPF contributions. Road & Rural Economy: In Malaita, Trades Transportation Company has started a 5km tar-sealed road from Kwaibala to Oibola, while North Guadalcanal received 13 trucks to strengthen economic zones and market access for farmers. Sports & Youth: Honiara kicked off World Cup fever with an alcohol-free fan parade, Kwaibaita Football League opened in Malaita, and youth-focused SOLKAS is backing climate-resilient livelihoods and entrepreneurship. Business & Wages: SICCI urges a data-driven minimum wage review that balances worker cost-of-living needs with business capacity. Digital Finance: M-SELEN launches a nationwide rewards promotion to drive more daily digital transactions. Disaster Recovery: Government estimates about $150m is needed to recover from Cyclone Maila, covering health, education, livelihoods and housing.

Road & Transport: MID reminded Honiara road users about ongoing Mendana Avenue works and urged patience after a traffic-controller was slapped by an impatient pedestrian. Rural Economy: North Guadalcanal handed over 13 three-tonne trucks to 13 Economic Zones to help farmers move produce to markets, funded by PRC support plus local contributions. Youth & Livelihoods: Malaita’s SOLKAS initiative launched a Youth Climate-Resilient Livelihoods incubation, training 21 youths (nearly half women) and planning wider rollout. Digital Finance Push: M-SELEN marked its third anniversary with a nationwide rewards promotion to drive more daily mobile transactions, with weekly prizes totalling $15,000. Minimum Wage Process: SICCI called for a data-driven, balanced minimum wage review, warning businesses need affordability and compliance realities reflected. Labour Mobility: PM Matthew Wale signalled plans to phase out PALM and RSE schemes to focus on local jobs and youth opportunities. Resource Sector Oversight: Wale warned illegal loggers and miners will face strong action, while legitimate investors remain welcome. Regional Security & Governance: Wale promised greater transparency and parliamentary scrutiny for future security agreements, while noting China’s deal has a non-disclosure clause. Sports Funding: The 2023 Pacific Games GOC launched a funding programme for National Sports Federations to strengthen governance and delivery capacity.

Australia social media ban spillover: Despite millions of account deactivations, parents say Australia’s under-16s social media ban is being bypassed, with only a 37% drop in account holding and heavy enforcement falling on families. Sports funding for Solomon Islands: The 2023 Pacific Games GOC launched a SBD50,000 programme to strengthen National Sports Federations ahead of and beyond the Honiara Games. Labour mobility shift: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale signalled plans to phase out PALM and RSE labour mobility schemes to focus on local jobs and youth opportunities. Justice sector capacity-building: PNG and Solomon Islands agreed to strengthen prosecution services, including training in financial crime, corruption, cybercrime and violence cases. Rural transport boost: North Guadalcanal received 13 trucks for its 13 Economic Zones under PRC and local funding support, aiming to improve market access for farmers. Roadworks in Malaita: TTC started 5km tar-sealed works from Kwaibala to Oibola, funded through Australia’s National Transport Fund. Resource sector crackdown: Wale warned illegal loggers and miners will face strong action, while legitimate investors are welcomed. Minimum wage push: SICCI urged a data-driven minimum wage review that balances worker welfare with business affordability and compliance. Digital finance promotion: M-SELEN launched a nationwide rewards campaign to drive more daily mobile transactions and weekly prize draws. EU development focus: The EU reaffirmed commitment to Solomon Islands and discussed future investment-driven cooperation, including the proposed Bina Harbour project. Honiara road safety reminder: MID asked road users to be patient and respect traffic controllers during Mendana Avenue roadworks.

Labour & jobs: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says his government will phase out the PALM and RSE labour mobility schemes, arguing the country must create local jobs and business opportunities instead of sending workers abroad. Security & governance: Wale also signals greater transparency for future international security agreements, including stronger parliamentary oversight, while noting the China security deal’s non-disclosure clause limits what can be publicly shared. Minimum wage push: SICCI backs the upcoming minimum wage review but wants a data-driven approach, warning that any increase must reflect both workers’ cost of living and businesses’ ability to pay. Digital finance: M-SELEN launches a nationwide “Celebrate with M-SELEN” rewards promotion to drive more daily digital transactions, with weekly prizes totalling $15,000. Water infrastructure: Solomon Water reports progress on three new Honiara concrete reservoirs (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving into testing and commissioning after major structures are completed. Regional justice cooperation: Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands agree to strengthen prosecution services, including training in financial crime, corruption, cybercrime and violence cases. Energy & resilience: A Pacific fuel crisis review highlights how imported oil shocks hit reserves, prices and tourism, urging faster renewable energy delivery.

Security & Governance: Solomon Islands PM Mathew Wale says future international security agreements will be more transparent, with stronger parliamentary oversight—though the existing China security deal can’t be publicly shared due to a non-disclosure clause. Australia Ties & Funding: Australia has pledged SBD200 million in direct budget support for Cyclone Maila recovery and to cushion energy-price pressures, while Wale also signals a “reset” with Canberra and talks on a new comprehensive treaty. Minimum Wage Push: SICCI backs the minimum wage review but urges a data-driven approach, warning that any increase must reflect both workers’ cost of living and businesses’ ability to pay, with calls for better, routine economic data. Business & Finance: M-SELEN marks its 3rd anniversary with a nationwide digital rewards promotion running June 11–Oct 2, offering weekly prizes for eligible daily transactions. Trade & Investment Law: Western Province Premier Billy Veo calls for reforms to the Special Economic Zones Act, saying it sidelines provinces and customary landowners from key decisions. Energy & Cost Pressures: A Pacific fuel crisis highlights how renewable targets lag delivery, leaving economies exposed to imported fuel shocks. EU Development Outlook: The EU says its Solomon Islands projects won’t slow despite the new government, pointing to renewable energy, water, and the potential Bina Harbour tuna processing plant for jobs and growth. Honiara Infrastructure: MID warns road users about ongoing Mendana Avenue roadworks and asks for patience and respect toward traffic controllers.

Road Safety & Works: Honiara road users are being urged to stay patient and follow signs on Mendana Avenue as ongoing roadworks continue, after a traffic controller was slapped by a frustrated pedestrian on June 5. New PM–Australia Reset: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale says he is rebuilding trust with Australia and is pushing a new comprehensive treaty framework covering economic and security cooperation. Australian Funding Pressure: Australia has announced SBD200 million in direct budget support for recovery from Cyclone Maila and to cushion energy-price impacts, but the Opposition says it must be spent wisely and transparently. Police Deployments: Australia will also set aside AUD46 million for police deployments in Solomon Islands in next week’s budget. Anti-Corruption Drive: Wale warns officials suspected of corruption or misuse of funds will be removed, with a hard line on resource-sector wrongdoing. Minimum Wage Workshop: An ILO-backed three-day workshop begins in Honiara to strengthen how minimum wages are set and reviewed for both workers and employers. Finance & Inclusion: A US consultant is in Malaita for TrigaCash consultation sessions to improve how the initiative reaches targeted communities. Tourism Youth Support: Kaloka Youth Association in Isabel receives a vehicle via a Ministry of Culture and Tourism and YECSI grant partnership. EU Development Push: The EU says its projects—renewable energy, water and sanitation—are supporting climate resilience, and it remains confident Solomon Islands’ new government won’t slow EU-funded work. Water Infrastructure: Solomon Water reports progress on three new concrete reservoirs in Honiara, moving into testing and commissioning stages.

Road Safety & City Works: Honiara road users are being urged to stay patient and respect traffic controllers during ongoing Mendana Avenue roadworks after an incident where a pedestrian slapped a controller. New Leadership & Governance: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says officials suspected of corruption or misuse of funds will be removed, as he resets ties with Australia and prepares for further policy moves. Australia Support & Accountability: Australia announced SBD 200 million in direct budget support for cyclone recovery and energy-price pressures, with the Opposition calling for transparent, needs-based spending. EU Investment Focus: The EU says its Solomon Islands projects will continue under the new government, with emphasis on infrastructure, good governance, renewable energy and the proposed Bina Harbour tuna processing plant. Minimum Wage System: An ILO-backed workshop in Honiara is training government and employers on minimum wage setting and review, aiming for a fairer, data-led process. Finance & Payments Review: A US consultant is in Malaita for TrigaCash consultation to improve how people learn about and access the initiative ahead of a second phase. Water Infrastructure: Solomon Water reports progress on three new Honiara reservoirs, moving into testing and commissioning. Trade & Food Safety: Pacific fisheries officials train on EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels exporting tuna.

Road Safety & Works: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue roadworks continue, with MID urging drivers and pedestrians to obey traffic controllers after an incident where a pedestrian slapped a controller, reminding the public that crews follow approved safety plans. Anti-Corruption & Governance: New PM Matthew Wale says officials suspected of corruption or misuse of public funds will be removed, warning logging companies against “raping and pillaging” resources, while also flagging pressure on education costs. Australia Support & Accountability: Solomon Islands’ Opposition backs Australia’s SBD 200m direct budget support for cyclone recovery and energy-price relief, but demands transparent, needs-based spending with no exploitation of disaster funds. Minimum Wage System: An ILO-backed three-day workshop begins in Honiara to strengthen how minimum wages are set and reviewed, aiming for fair, data-led policymaking after the last review in 2019. Water Infrastructure: Solomon Water reports progress on three new Honiara concrete reservoirs (Tasahe, Titinge, Panatina), moving from completed structures into testing, commissioning and interconnections. EU Investment Focus: The EU says its Solomon Islands projects won’t slow despite the new government, highlighting climate-resilient water and renewable work, plus growing interest in the Bina Harbour tuna processing plant. Regional Cybercrime Law: Pacific legal officials in Fiji are finalising a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses, including Solomon Islands participation. Trade & Food Safety: Pacific fisheries authorities train on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, with compliance tied to colder freezing standards. Education Resources: Under the Free Education Policy, new learner and teacher materials are being showcased in Auckland, with hundreds of thousands of books to reach schools in Years 1–8.

Anti-Corruption Push: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he has already terminated some officials and will remove more if there’s “a shadow of doubt” over corruption or misuse of public funds, with a hard line on resource-sector wrongdoing. Minimum Wage Process: The ILO and Solomon Islands’ labour ministry have started a three-day workshop to strengthen how minimum wages are set and reviewed, noting the last review was in 2019. Water Infrastructure: Solomon Water is progressing on three new Honiara concrete reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge and Panatina, moving from completed structures into testing, commissioning and final preparations. Education Materials Rollout: Education Minister Stephen Kumi showcased new learner and teacher resources for Years 1–8 under the Free Education Policy, supported by New Zealand and Australia. EU Investment & Fisheries Jobs: The EU reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands and signalled confidence in the Bina Harbour tuna processing plant for Malaita’s jobs and local economic gains. EU Seafood Rules: Pacific fisheries authorities in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels. Regional Cybercrime Law: Fiji hosted Pacific legal officers finalising a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws and responses. Fuel & Cost Pressure: Australia pledged AUD$46m for police deployments in Solomon Islands, while rising fuel costs and economic strain remain a recurring theme across the region.

SINU Sports & Youth Pathways: Solomon Islands National University launched the SINU Soccer League 2026, with leaders saying it can help spot future national football talent while boosting student wellbeing and campus unity. Copra Farmers & Trade Fees: CEMA reiterated its “farmers first” push for copra exporters, defending a $3.05 management fee introduced in March 2026 and saying it supports producers and targets unfair exporter profits. EU Investment Focus: The EU reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands and signalled a shift toward more investment-driven cooperation after talks with ministers and a visit to the proposed Bina Harbour tuna processing site. Australia “Reset” Talks: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale used his Canberra visit to signal a reset with Australia, including a new comprehensive treaty framework, while noting Cabinet will review the 2022 China security pact. Coral Triangle LNG Cover Under Scrutiny: An Insure Our Future coalition says most major insurers have not ruled out LNG support in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity concerns. EU Seafood Rules Hit Exporters: Pacific fisheries authorities in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety requirements that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels. Cybercrime Law Push: Fiji and regional legal officers advanced a Pacific-wide cybercrime legislation handbook to strengthen digital defenses and legal responses. Honiara Waste Cleanup: A week-long coastal clean-up campaign in Honiara linked shoreline pollution to poor inland waste management, calling for community and business action. Labour Mobility Check-In: Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Rick Hou visited workers in Australia under the labour mobility scheme, stressing fair conditions and remittances.

Pacific Ocean Governance Warning: Former Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Dame Meg Taylor says rising geopolitical rivalry and foreign funding dependence could weaken Pacific-led decision-making, urging stronger economic independence and support for Pacific-owned ocean institutions. Tokelau Fisheries Shock: Tokelau faces a major budget hit after being expelled from the Parties to the Nauru Agreement Vessel Day Scheme, potentially cutting up to two-thirds of government revenue. EU Push for Solomon Growth: EU officials say climate-resilience and infrastructure work in Solomon Islands are designed to deliver wider environmental and economic benefits, while backing the proposed Bina Harbour tuna processing plant as a potential jobs and local-economy game-changer—success depends on implementation and commercial partners. EU Seafood Compliance: Pacific fisheries authorities in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels, tightening freezing temperature requirements. Trade and Labour Mobility: Pacific trade officials met to shape the region’s trade agenda, including implementing labour mobility principles and strengthening trade policy coordination. Honiara Environment & Youth: A Honiara coastal clean-up links shoreline pollution to inland waste management, while a new youth social and entrepreneurship plus child protection phase targets safer, more resilient communities. Australia–Solomons Reset: Australia and Solomon Islands agreed to elevate ties via a strategic treaty focused on security, economic cooperation and development, as PM Wale continues engagement with partners.

EU Development Push: The EU says its renewable energy, water and sanitation projects are building climate resilience in Solomon Islands, with climate considerations integrated even where programmes aren’t labelled “climate” (Bina Harbour Tuna Plant: EU officials also say the proposed Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant could reshape Malaita’s economy and jobs, but success will hinge on implementation, management and commercial partners). EU Seafood Rules: Pacific fisheries authorities in Suva are training to meet new EU freezer-vessel food-safety requirements that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, after concerns tuna isn’t consistently frozen to required temperatures. Pacific Trade Agenda: Senior Pacific trade officials met to push implementation of regional trade priorities, including labour mobility principles and steps to strengthen trade policy coordination. Labour Mobility: Solomon Islands’ Foreign Minister Rick Hou visited Golden Cockerel workers in Australia, stressing the scheme’s role in jobs, skills and remittances. Energy Costs & Risk: A regional business brief flags fuel-price pressure across Pacific states, with Samoa moving to an “amber alert” and warnings of inflation impacts. Environment & Youth: Honiara’s coastline clean-up campaign links coastal pollution to inland waste management, while a new youth and child protection initiative targets entrepreneurship and safer communities.