AGP Executive Report

Loss and Damage at COP: Solomon Islands says COP27 must deliver a real decision on establishing a Loss and Damage funding arrangement, calling it a “red line” issue as negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh remain unclear. Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders head to the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting with a tougher agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime, and economic pressure, while Taiwan’s return after being barred in 2025 sparks renewed China objections. U.S.-Taiwan stance: The U.S. backs Taiwan’s continued participation in PIF, framing it as a long-time development partner for prosperity and economic development. SME finance boost: Government and CBSI have reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, with $18m committed to help MSMEs access loans by reducing risk for banks. Mining law pressure: Guadalcanal’s Gold Ridge landowners warn they need more time over proposed Mineral Resources Bill amendments, including major changes to state participation and mining licences. Agriculture and jobs: SIART support is helping Gold Ridge women expand poultry production, while World Bank-backed farming projects and biosecurity planning also move forward. Media freedom concerns: Transparency Solomon Islands and OCCRP condemn police questioning and searches tied to an Inland Revenue audit linked to alleged tax discrepancies.

Pacific diplomacy and business risk: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese is set to join Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau, with a flurry of defence, policing and regional deals that could reshape trade and security planning across the region. Forum agenda pressure: Leaders are heading into a longer, tougher summit agenda covering energy security, economic pressures, transnational crime and regional integration. Maritime climate rules: Governments are back in London for IMO Net-Zero Framework talks, with shipping firms and states divided over carbon pricing and implementation details. SME finance boost: Solomon Islands has officially reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS) with $18m committed, aiming to help MSMEs access loans despite collateral barriers. Women’s agribusiness push: SIART support is helping Gold Ridge women farmers expand broiler production, with improved housing and sales expected within weeks. Local infrastructure handover: China-funded RSDP delivered 400 solar street lights to East Honiara communities, targeting safer streets and better daily life. Mining law uncertainty: Guadalcanal landowners are warning they need more time to consult on major proposed Mineral Resources Bill changes, including potential state participation. Press freedom alarm: Transparency Solomon Islands and international media groups condemn RSIPF questioning and office searches tied to an Inland Revenue audit linked to alleged tax discrepancies. Pacific Games audit fallout: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare accepts political responsibility for 2023 Pacific Games audit failures, while civil groups demand public answers on unlawful spending and procurement.

SME Finance Boost: Solomon Islands has officially reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS), with Government and CBSI saying the $18m-backed relaunch is meant to help MSMEs access loans by sharing lending risk with banks—especially for rural, women and youth businesses. Women’s Poultry Push: SIART support is helping Gold Ridge women farmers in Guadalcanal expand broiler production, with improved housing now able to hold up to 500 birds and the first batch of 300 chicks delivered for sales in about six weeks. Mining Law Tensions: Guadalcanal landowners at Gold Ridge are warning they need more time to consult on proposed changes to the Mineral Resources Bill, including concerns over state participation and how mining licences and royalties could be affected. Press Freedom Under Fire: Transparency Solomon Islands and OCCRP have condemned RSIPF questioning and a raid on an investigative journalist’s office, linked to an Inland Revenue audit alleging major tax discrepancies involving SITCO. Pacific Games Accountability: TSI is calling for public answers over Auditor General findings on 2023 Pacific Games spending, while opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says he accepts political responsibility and urges follow-up investigations. Biosecurity Planning: MAL and Biosecurity Solomon Islands will hold a validation workshop next week for the Biosecurity (SI) Strategy 2026–2036, focusing on financing, partnerships, workforce and risk reduction. Climate Voices Ahead of COP31: World Vision says child delegates will take climate concerns to Government in Honiara on Sept 2, including input on the draft National Policy for Loss and Damage. Energy for Honiara: China’s RSDP has handed over 400 solar-powered street lights to East Honiara communities, aimed at improving safety and daily life. Regional Politics Watch: Pacific leaders are heading to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum with a longer agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime and economic pressures, while Taiwan’s return to the forum is also in focus.

Pacific Games Accountability: Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare says he welcomes the special audit into 2023 Pacific Games spending and accepts political responsibility for failures in financial management, procurement and record-keeping, while urging government not to politicise or bury referrals for further investigation. Public Finance Scrutiny: Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is demanding public answers on the Auditor General’s findings, including $118.29m spent on two Games facilities without an approved budget and calls for the NHA to release valuation details for the $34m Sports Legacy House. SME Finance Boost: The government has reopened the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS) after its 2025 suspension, with CBSI warning youth- and women-owned businesses still face barriers to credit and urging banks to resume submissions. Mining Consultation: Gold Ridge landowners petition PM Matthew Wale for more time to consult on Mineral Resources Bill 2025 amendments, seeking clarity on how landowner rights and a proposed sovereign wealth fund would work. Energy & Infrastructure: China and Solomon Islands signed the second phase of a mini solar power project, extending clean energy to 25 constituencies, while Australia-backed works include a new Western Border Outpost and a Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre worth over SBD830m in grants. Media & Police: OCCRP condemns Solomon Islands police for questioning and searching an investigative journalist’s office in an effort to identify a whistleblower linked to a reported $10b tobacco tax discrepancy. Climate Risk for Health: A new assessment warns extreme heat will increasingly threaten vaccine storage across Solomon Islands’ decentralised health facilities. Agriculture Support: World Bank officials visited Guadalcanal ABPOs under the SIART project, highlighting cocoa processing and poultry support for rural livelihoods.

SME Finance Restart: The Solomon Islands Government has officially reopened the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS), aiming to boost access to affordable credit for micro, small and medium businesses after a 2025 suspension, with CBSI stressing the scheme helps firms overcome collateral barriers. Pacific Games Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands is demanding public answers over Auditor General findings tied to the 2023 Pacific Games, including $118.29m spent on facilities without an approved budget and alleged procurement and record-keeping failures, as the High Court ruled parts of the spending and procurement waiver unlawful. Renewables for Rural Communities: China and Solomon Islands have signed the second phase of a mini solar power programme, extending clean energy to the remaining 25 constituencies, while East Honiara received 400 solar streetlights worth $1.5m to improve safety. Agriculture Support: World Bank officials visited Guadalcanal agribusiness producer organisations under the SIART project, highlighting cocoa and poultry initiatives and rural livelihood impacts. Climate & Health Risks: A new assessment warns extreme heat will increasingly threaten vaccine storage and health facilities reliant on cooling. Land & Mining Consultation: PM Matthew Wale welcomed Gold Ridge landowners’ petition seeking more consultation time on Mineral Resources Bill amendments, including questions around a proposed sovereign wealth fund. Forest Carbon Policy: The RISE forest carbon policy project launched to strengthen safeguards and community leadership in Solomon Islands’ emerging carbon market.

Pacific Diplomacy: Taiwan is set to return to Pacific Islands Forum events after being shut out in 2025, with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung travelling to Palau for the Taiwan/Republic of China–Forum Countries Dialogue and the Pacific Prosperity Exhibit. Regional Resilience: Pacific nations met in Honiara to strengthen geohazard and tsunami readiness, pushing for better seismic data sharing and investment in monitoring. Energy & Skills: China and Solomon Islands signed the second phase of a mini solar project to extend clean power to the remaining 25 constituencies, while 40 students received Chinese scholarships for 2026. Finance & Payments: CBSI launched Instant Funds Transfer between participating banks (SBD5,000 limit) and reported a July operating deficit after a big jump in spending. Mining Accountability: Opposition renewed calls to investigate missing records and alleged unpaid royalties tied to 33 bauxite shipments from Rennell & Bellona. Legal & Governance: The High Court ruled NHA breached public finance rules in 2023 Pacific Games spending, and the Pacific Games Council says it will seek legal advice on next steps. Weather Alert: A strong wind warning is in effect for Temotu, Makira, Malaita and Rennell & Bellona.

SIMHL & Sovereign Wealth Fund: The Parliamentary Independent Group backs Finance Minister’s moves to regularise Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Limited, but says SIMHL should be established by an Act of Parliament, and supports a constitutional amendment to create a Sovereign Wealth Fund—ideally as the foundation for SIMHL governance. Water & ESG Capacity: Solomon Water, with ADB support, completed an ESMS knowledge-sharing workshop with Fiji’s Water Authority, producing a gap analysis and a path to a single Solomon Water-owned environmental and social management system. Energy & Rural Access: China and Solomon Islands signed the second phase of a mini solar project to extend clean power to the remaining 25 constituencies, building on the first phase’s 25 installations. Agriculture & Finance: World Bank support continues through SIART visits to agribusiness producer organisations in Guadalcanal, while Solomon Islands urged stronger, more accessible climate and land-restoration financing at UNCCD COP17. Public Finance & Accountability: The High Court ruled the 2023 Pacific Games spending breached public finance rules, and the Pacific Games Council will seek legal advice on next steps. Payments & Banking: CBSI launched Instant Funds Transfer between participating banks (SBD5,000 limit) to speed up transactions for households and small businesses. Tourism Leadership: Tourism Solomons appointed Andrew Nihopara as CEO after a five-year vacancy. Fiscal Snapshot: CBSI reported a July 2026 provisional operating deficit of SBD1m after a surge in expenditure.

Pacific Games legal fallout: Solomon Islands’ High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority unlawfully breached the Public Financial Management Act while spending public money for the 2023 Pacific Games, including an unlawful “Blanket Waiver” that let priority contracts bypass competitive tendering; the Pacific Games Council says it will seek legal advice on next steps. Public finance pressure: The Auditor-General’s special audit flagged serious procurement and financial control failures, with referrals expected for further investigation and possible prosecution. Rural energy push: China is expanding a mini solar programme in Solomon Islands, moving from 25 small systems across nine provinces to cover the remaining 25 constituencies. Payments upgrade: The Central Bank launched an Instant Funds Transfer service between participating banks, with an initial SBD5,000 transaction limit. Fiscal snapshot: CBSI reported a July provisional operating deficit of SBD1 million after a sharp jump in expenditure. Tourism leadership: Tourism Solomons appointed Andrew Nihopara as CEO after a five-year vacancy. Mining records probe: A bauxite investigation found missing or incomplete government records and no payment trail for 33 shipments linked to unpaid royalties. Climate and agriculture risk: A national assessment warns extreme weather is increasingly threatening Solomon Islands farming, markets, and transport links.

Public Finance & Appointments: Solomon Islands recorded a July 2026 provisional operating deficit of SBD$1m after a June surplus, as spending jumped 80% to SBD$486m, while revenue rose 13% to SBD$485m; meanwhile three new Permanent Secretaries were sworn in—David Teika Dennis (Finance & Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security & Correctional Services) and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture & Tourism)—as government pushes its 2027 planning and delivery agenda. Banking & Payments: CBSI launched Instant Funds Transfer (IFT) via SOLATS, enabling faster transfers between participating banks, with an initial SBD$5,000 transaction limit. Pacific Games Fallout: A special audit into the 2023 Pacific Games found serious procurement and record-keeping failures by the National Hosting Authority, including weak controls, bypassed competition, and misuse of customs duty exemptions; the High Court has already ruled the spending unlawful, and police investigation is underway. Tourism Leadership: Tourism Solomons ended a five-year CEO vacancy by appointing Andrew Nihopara, aiming to boost international visitor markets. Mining & Compliance: A bauxite probe into 33 shipments from Rennell Island uncovered missing or incomplete records and no payment trail for royalties in 2019–2020, raising questions over documentation and verification. Jobs & Skills: Under PALM, Solomon Islands has surpassed 13,000 workers deployed to Australia, while Gold Ridge Mining welcomed SINU apprentices for six-month practical training. Climate & Food Security: Solomon Islands is facing rising climate risks to agriculture, and the government is calling at UNCCD COP17 for more accessible, predictable financing for land restoration and drought resilience. Regional Cooperation: PM Wale visited the FFA surveillance centre, highlighting how regional monitoring supports fisheries enforcement and compliance.

Pacific Games fallout: Solomon Islands’ Auditor-General says procurement and spending for the 2023 Pacific Games were “serious” and unlawful, citing weak controls, bypassed competition, poor due diligence, conflict-of-interest gaps, misuse of customs duty exemptions, and missing records; the High Court ruling found the National Hosting Authority lacked legal authority to spend Special Fund money, and the audit is now being referred to police for investigation. Labour mobility milestone: Solomon Islands has passed 13,000 PALM deployments to Australia, with the Labour Mobility Unit saying demand from approved Australian employers drives numbers. Health planning push: MHMS completed its 2027 Annual Operational Planning and Budget Workshop, putting primary health care at the centre and tightening links between national programmes and provincial priorities. Education and training: SINTA warns teachers not to treat mid-year breaks as extended holidays; Gold Ridge Mining welcomed 15 SINU apprentices for six months of practical training. Mining oversight concerns: Attorney General updates on 33 bauxite shipments from Rennell Island point to missing/incomplete permits, no payment trail with the Central Bank, and absent assay/refinery records. Tax reform consultation: Government released a draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public feedback. Regional diplomacy: PM Matthew Wale says Pacific leaders must stay united ahead of the Palau summit, but agreement on responses to China’s missile test won’t be easy.

Pacific Games fallout: Solomon Islands Police will investigate 2023 Pacific Games audit findings after the Auditor General flagged “serious” waste and illegal procurement by the National Hosting Authority, including weak controls, bypassed competition, poor due diligence, conflict-of-interest gaps, misuse of customs duty exemptions, and missing records—while a High Court ruling said the NHA lacked legal authority to spend special funds. Health budgeting: The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) completed its 2027 Annual Operational Planning and Budget Workshop, putting primary health care at the centre and tightening links between national programmes and provincial priorities. Labour mobility milestone: Solomon Islands has passed 13,000 PALM deployments to Australia, with the Labour Mobility Unit citing stronger recruitment and preparation, while noting deployments depend on Australian employer demand. Malaria push: The government launched a National Roadmap for Malaria Elimination 2026–2040, targeting elimination by 2038 and WHO certification by 2040. Governance and procurement scrutiny: Separate reporting highlights political controversy over a $1.5m Forestry house rent tied to PM Wale’s land, and an AG update on 33 Rennell Island bauxite shipments with missing permits, no payment trail, and incomplete customs and assay records. Regional diplomacy: PM Matthew Wale says Pacific leaders must stay united ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum summit, with tough security positions expected to be debated.

Malaria Push: Solomon Islands launched its National Roadmap for Malaria Elimination 2026–2040, aiming for zero malaria deaths by 2030 and WHO certification by 2040, with targets to cut confirmed cases by 45% and focus most burden in Malaita, Guadalcanal, Honiara, Western and Central. Pacific Health Context: A wider Pacific health piece warns of a “global syndemic” where climate change, undernutrition and obesity feed into rising non-communicable diseases—urging Pacific health leaders to tackle the links. Pacific Games Fallout: The Auditor-General’s special audit and a High Court ruling have put the National Hosting Authority’s 2023 Pacific Games spending under a harsh spotlight, citing unlawful spending, poor procurement controls, missing budgets, bypassed competition and weak record-keeping. Governance & Business Risk: The Opposition escalated scrutiny over a $1.5m Forestry house rent tied to PM Wale’s land, while another political dispute continues around mineral holdings registration and process concerns. Tax Reform Consultation: The GREAT Government released a draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public input, outlining priorities and a process for sequencing reforms. Trade & Jobs: Solomon Islands and PNG are pushing a stronger economic “growth corridor” through a business investment forum in Honiara, while Australia’s PALM scheme hit a milestone with over 13,000 Solomon Islanders working in Australia. Regional Security & Fisheries: Australia supported Pacific-led fisheries surveillance under Operation Island Chief, and a separate report highlights China’s growing influence efforts across the Pacific.

Pacific Games Accountability: The High Court has ruled the National Hosting Authority (NHA) acted unlawfully in how it spent public money for the 2023 Pacific Games, including a “Blanket Waiver” that let contracts bypass competitive tendering; the decision follows an Auditor-General special audit finding poor budget control, weak procurement compliance, missing legal authority to spend from the special fund, and serious record-keeping gaps. Procurement & Records Fallout: The same audit sampled 16 Pacific Games procurement activities worth about SBD$222.4m and flagged missing budgets for most samples, weak cost control, bypassed competition, and failures in due diligence and conflict-of-interest safeguards. Mineral Governance Under Fire: Opposition is challenging Prime Minister Matthew Wale and the government over the Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Limited (SIMHL) registration process, while the Attorney General’s update on the Rennell Island bauxite probe points to years of missing or incomplete export records (2019–2021), no Central Bank payment trail, and no refinery certificates or assay reports. Tax Reform Consultation: The GREAT Government released a draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public feedback, outlining priorities and a process for sequencing tax policy and legislation. Health Push: Solomon Islands launched its National Roadmap for Malaria Elimination 2026–2040, targeting zero malaria deaths by 2030 and WHO certification by 2040, alongside a push for better data use at constituency and ward levels. Education & Skills: Malaita commended GREAT for continued education support as MEHRD signed new education cooperation agreements, while SINU urged young Solomon Islanders to build the nation through education, practical skills and innovation. Regional Business Links: Japan’s ruling party policy chief said Japan sees room for closer economic cooperation with Pacific islands, including discussions with Solomon Islands on economic security. Agriculture Support: Central Makira received PRC farming tools for cocoa and coconut farmers, part of ongoing rural livelihood support.

Pacific Games fallout: A special audit into the 2023 Pacific Games says the National Hosting Authority had poor budget control, weak procurement and missing records, and the High Court has now ruled NHA spending unlawful and without legal authority—raising fresh questions on value for money and compliance with the Public Financial Management Act. Mineral governance row: The Attorney General’s update on 33 Rennell Island bauxite shipments points to missing or incomplete permits (2019–2021), no Central Bank payment trail, and no refinery certificates or assay reports—while Opposition also challenges the registration and “corrected” details of Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Ltd in Company Haus. Tax reform consultation: The GREAT Government released its draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public feedback, outlining priorities and a process to sequence tax and legislative work. Health push: Solomon Islands launched a malaria elimination roadmap targeting zero malaria deaths by 2030 and WHO certification by 2040, alongside calls for sustained financing and action. Jobs & trade links: PNG and Solomon Islands opened an investment conference in Honiara focused on turning Melanesian ties into bankable economic partnerships and cross-border business deals. Labour mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme has surpassed 13,000 Solomon Islanders working in Australia, with demand driving deployments. Community & business support: U.S. Army medical staff ran a hearing-focused MEDCAP in Honiara, and China-backed tool donations went to cocoa and coconut farmers in Central Makira.

Pacific Games fallout: A special audit into the 2023 Pacific Games has flagged “serious” failures by the National Hosting Authority, including weak procurement controls, missing approved budgets for most sampled spending, bypassed competition, poor due diligence, and misuse of customs duty exemptions—covering 16 procurement samples worth SBD$222.4m. High Court ruling: The High Court has now declared NHA’s Pacific Games spending unlawful, saying the authority lacked legal authority to incur expenditure from the special fund and bypassed required legal checks. Minerals governance row: The Attorney General’s update on 33 Rennell Island bauxite shipments says key records for 2019–2021 are missing or incomplete, there’s no Central Bank payment trail for the shipments, refinery certificates/assays can’t be found, and customs documentation is incomplete—raising fresh questions over royalties and oversight. Political appointments pressure: Transparency Solomon Islands says the GREAT Government’s political appointment scale (58 appointees) and limited disclosure are “deeply concerning,” warning of rising costs amid fiscal strain. Tax reform consultation: Government has released a draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public feedback, outlining priorities for integrity, revenue, and legislative work. Health push: Solomon Islands launched its Malaria Elimination Roadmap 2026–2040, targeting zero malaria deaths by 2030 and WHO certification by 2040, with 2025 case numbers far above 2014. Trade & jobs focus: PNG and Solomon Islands are pushing a “growth corridor” approach through a new investment conference, aiming to turn Melanesian ties into bankable partnerships and more cross-border business.

PNG–Solomons Investment Push: PM Matthew Wale and PNG PM James Marape opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Business Investment Forum in Honiara, urging a “structured, bankable” economic partnership that turns Melanesian ties into investment, trade, jobs and downstream processing. Tax Reform Consultation: The GREAT Government released its draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public feedback, outlining priorities and a process to sequence tax and legislative work. Malaria Drive: Health officials launched the National Roadmap for Malaria Elimination 2026–2040, targeting zero malaria deaths by 2030 and WHO certification by 2040, with a 45% case reduction target. Rennell Bauxite Records: The Attorney-General’s update on 33 bauxite shipments says key permits, payment records and assay/refinery certificates are missing or incomplete, raising fresh questions on royalties and oversight. SIMHL Registry Controversy: Government says SIMHL company registration details were an “honest administrative mistake” and will be corrected, after public outcry over ministerial shareholding entries. PALM Jobs Milestone: Over 13,000 Solomon Islanders are now working in Australia under the PALM scheme, reflecting growing employer demand and recruitment preparation. Education & Skills: SINU urged young Solomon Islanders to build the nation through education, practical skills and innovation.