Electricity Upgrade for Honiara: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line linking the Tina River Hydropower Facility to the Honiara grid via Lungga, aiming to deliver up to 15MW of renewable power and cut diesel reliance, with completion targeted for early 2028. Digital Connectivity Boost: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members—including Solomon Islands—are now connected to global undersea cable networks, opening new options for trade, business and digital services. Local Economy & Finance Push: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma outlined plans to strengthen SMEs and rural businesses, including expanding access to finance and improving Development Bank lending and credit systems. Education Reform: Prime Minister Matthew Wale confirmed nationwide fee-free education will roll out by 2027, framed as a workforce investment for long-term economic transformation. Infrastructure Progress in Provinces: Kirakira Wharf in Makira-Ulawa is about 90% complete, with remaining works on roads and protective infrastructure expected to finish by month-end. Governance & Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls for action after the Auditor General flagged serious public service attendance and integrity problems. Court Orders Repayment: A Honiara lawyer and clients were ordered to repay over $2.57m to a logging company tied to illegal tubi export proceeds. Regional Security Talks Stalled: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s missile test, with consensus blocked by Kiribati and Nauru. Diplomacy Reset: Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela said Solomon Islands is restoring ties with traditional partners like the U.S. and Australia while keeping its “friends to all, enemy to none” policy.