Broadband & Digital Economy: China-aided National Broadband Infrastructure Project was formally handed over to Solomon Islands in Tenaru, with officials saying coverage rose from 56% to 86% and connectivity now reaches all nine provinces and 35 major islands. Maritime Growth Plan: The Productive Sector Team and SIMA are drafting a 90-Day Work Plan under the GREAT Coalition, including steps toward a Solomon Islands International Shipping Registry to boost revenue, jobs and governance for the blue economy. Seaweed Livelihood Support: Government handed over 50 boats and outboard motors to seaweed farmers, aiming to improve transport to farms, boost productivity and raise household incomes. Trade & Business Push: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma launched the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair (Sept 7–14), urging innovation across farming, fishing, manufacturing and digital trade. Public Sector Pay Reform Debate: Independent Group leader Peter Shanel Agovaka backed an independent commission for wages and remuneration, while calling for broader, fairer reforms beyond MPs’ pay. Security & Oversight Tension: The Shiprider Agreement with the U.S. is being defended as sovereignty-protecting, but opposition MPs are urging it be tabled in Parliament for scrutiny; Government says the document will be publicly available. Visa Ease for Trade Links: Solomon Islands and Hong Kong agreed reciprocal visa-free travel from Aug 26, expected to support tourism, business and investment. Infrastructure Progress: Henderson airport works under SIRAP2 are advancing, with major aviation complex and air traffic control tower construction reported as progressing. Agriculture Value-Add Funding: MALD granted over SBD 1.34m to indigenous agribusinesses for processing, marketing standards and post-harvest support, including a cocoa processing factory and downstream kava/taro initiatives. Governance & Reform Funding: Japan signed a loan deal with Solomon Islands to back fiscal stability and governance reforms, aligning with the government’s reform agenda. Media & Platform Risk: A report warns Facebook algorithm changes are hitting Pacific news reach sharply, raising concerns for public-interest journalism across the region.