AGP Executive Report

National ID rollout: The Home Affairs Minister says every Solomon Islander will receive a national ID card under a new Civil Registration Bill covering births, deaths and other vital events, aiming to improve services, elections, security and financial inclusion. Honiara liveability push: MP Manasseh Maelanga calls for urgent reforms to fix Honiara’s sanitation, waste, roads, drainage, traffic and municipal services, linking the problems to public health and safety. Public pay rise debate: MP Rollen Seleso questions the government’s planned public service pay rise, arguing tax cuts or other options may be more fiscally sustainable. Remittances made easier: M-SELEN partners with Rocket Remit to let Solomon Islanders in Australia, New Zealand and the UK send money directly to M-SELEN wallets. Education investment: PM Matthew Wale says fee-free education will roll out nationwide by 2027. Agriculture expansion: Government targets 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut plantations and plans to deploy agricultural officers to all 50 constituencies. Biosecurity warning: Pineapple growers raise concerns over proposed imports of decrowned pineapples from India and Indonesia. US maritime sovereignty row: Opposition and legal experts continue to scrutinise the US Shiprider Agreement, focusing on parliamentary oversight and sovereignty. Broadband loan handover: China’s concessional loan project for Solomon Islands national broadband infrastructure is formally handed over, with officials citing reduced digital divide. Tourism/business update: Mendana Hotel is set to close for major renovation starting 1 September. Rescue story: Two Kiwi climbers rescued after eight days in a ravine on Mount Popomanaseu say they were safe and are recovering in Honiara.

Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers meet as geopolitical competition sharpens, with China’s recent missile and live-fire drills keeping regional security on the agenda. Bilateral Security: Solomon Islands and PNG reaffirm cooperation after PM Manasseh Sogavare met James Marape, including policing deployments and work on revised border arrangements. Shiprider Agreement Row: Opposition and legal voices clash over the US Shiprider deal, with concerns focused on parliamentary oversight and sovereignty, while the government says local officers retain authority under Solomon Islands law. Anti-Corruption & Economic Reset: PM Matthew Wale tells Parliament his government will keep zero tolerance on corruption, tackle “elite capture,” and push reforms across forestry, mining, land and taxation, alongside plans for free education from 2027. Health & Economy Plans: The Governor-General’s Throne Speech flags medicine supply, clinic reopenings, hospital upgrades, malaria elimination by 2038, and a moderate 2026 recovery driven by mining, fisheries, agriculture and major projects. Telecom Infrastructure: DXN wins about AU$1.2m to build a modular cable landing station for the Adamasia Cable System, aiming for delivery by April 2027. Mining Governance: Deputy PM Francis Sade promises sweeping mining reforms after the Gold Ridge tragedy, including state-owned enterprise models and a gold trading scheme via the Central Bank. Coastal Resilience: North Malaita communities plant 2,000 mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, supported by Australia alongside a seawall project. Tourism & Roads: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel announces a 16-month renovation closure; Mendana Avenue upgrade milestones continue with lanes reopening.

Parliament & Governance: Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s absence at Guadalcanal’s Second Appointed Day sparked disappointment, while Deputy PM Francis Sade reiterated momentum on constitutional reform toward federalism but refused to set a statehood date. Mining & Accountability: Sade also pledged sweeping mining reforms after the Gold Ridge tragedy, saying mineral wealth must stay in-country and benefit communities. Economic Reset & Public Finance: The Speech from the Throne outlined a push for fiscal discipline, VAT and income tax reforms, a planned Sovereign Wealth Fund, and steps to revive the National Bank—alongside a broader “end elite capture” message from Wale. Health & Services: Government promised better healthcare access, medicine supply, clinic reopenings, upgrades to area health centres, and malaria elimination by 2038. Shiprider Deal Debate: Opposition and legal voices are focusing on parliamentary oversight and sovereignty concerns around the US Shiprider agreement, with Dr Transform Aqorau arguing the legal question is largely settled and the real issue is national interest. Coastal Resilience & Local Jobs: North Malaita communities planted 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, backed by Australia and paired with a seawall. Infrastructure & Business: Mendana Avenue upgrade hit a milestone with lanes reopening; Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel announced a 16-month renovation from Sept 2026. Trade & Livelihoods: Copra drying is creating market links for Western Province farmers, while Datec plans to expand its retail network including Honiara. Regional Finance: Three provinces still await 2022/23 audit opinions as the national trend points upward, and FFA says the US Tuna Treaty delivered US$50.42m in 2026 funds. People & Safety: Two New Zealand hikers were rescued after being stranded on Mt Popomanaseu due to bad weather and landslides, with consular support from partners.

Maritime sovereignty debate: Solomon Islands’ Opposition is pushing PM Matthew Wale’s government to release full details of the US “shiprider” agreement, warning it could give foreign forces too much authority in Solomon waters, while legal experts argue the coastal state keeps enforcement power. Port and investment signals: Wale says the US is in advanced talks to fund a key port at Bina Harbour (wharf, power, fuel storage and roads), a move analysts link to Washington resetting ties as China influence grows. Government economic reset: The Throne Speech points to a moderate 2026 recovery, with VAT and income tax reforms, a planned sovereign wealth fund, and moves to revive the National Bank of Solomon Islands. Mining and justice: Deputy PM Francis Sade says reforms will ensure mineral wealth benefits Solomon Islanders, responding to Gold Ridge concerns after a deadly pit collapse. Infrastructure milestone: Mendana Avenue’s seaside lanes between HCC and Hot Bread roundabouts have reopened in stages as concreting continues. Business and jobs: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close 1 Sep 2026–31 Dec 2027 for renovations; Datec plans new premium retail outlets including Honiara; and a new Australia-DBSI blended finance partnership targets cheaper SME funding for Indigenous businesses. Trade push: PTI Australia’s Pacific Showcase at Fine Food Australia (31 Aug–3 Sep) will feature Solomon’s SolTuna among other Pacific exporters. Fisheries funding: FFA says the US Tuna Treaty delivered US$50.42m in 2026 funds to Pacific members. Health and education: The Throne Speech also pledges medicine supply improvements, clinic reopenings, and upgrades to hospitals and public health systems. Tourism and community: Australia supports mangrove planting around the Malu’u Market seawall project in North Malaita, while Tourism Solomons promotes new WWII history tours for US visitors. Media warning: A report says Pacific outlets are losing major Facebook reach, raising concerns for public-interest journalism.

US–Solomons Maritime Deal: A new shiprider agreement has triggered a political fight in Honiara, with opposition figures warning it could overreach on sovereignty and calling for the full text to be released and debated in Parliament. US Port Funding: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the US is in advanced talks to finance a major port at Bina Harbour in Malaita, including wharf, power, fuel storage and roads—an economic boost tied to tuna processing and jobs. SME Finance Push: Australia and the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) are partnering to help 10 SMEs access cheaper financing, aiming to cut upfront costs and expand support for Indigenous businesses. Retail Expansion (DATEC): DATEC plans to modernise its retail network across PNG and the Pacific, with new premium outlets earmarked for Mt Hagen, Port Moresby and Honiara after a Lae showroom launch. Fisheries Money Flow: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says the US Tuna Treaty delivered a US$50.42m second distribution for 2026, supporting enforcement and fisheries management across member states. Climate-Resilient Markets: North Malaita communities are planting 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, backed by Australia alongside a seawall. Rescue Update (Hikers): Solomon Islands authorities are coordinating response actions after two New Zealand hikers were stranded on Mt Popomanaseu due to torrential rain, flooding and landslides, with NZ and Australia providing consular and rescue support. Tourism Trade Link: Pacific Trade Invest Australia is bringing Solomon Islands exporters (including SolTuna) to Fine Food Australia 2026 to connect local food and beverage producers with buyers.

Rescue Effort: Solomon Islands authorities say they’re working on “response actions” to rescue two New Zealand climbers, Keanu Isaksson (25) and Luca Zylstra-Law (19), stranded for about five days on Mt Popomanaseu (2,335m) on Guadalcanal after bad weather blocked their descent. Tourism & Trade: Tourism Solomons is promoting new WWII history tour options for US visitors ahead of the 84th Battle of Guadalcanal commemoration, while the Solomon Islands–PNG Investment Conference is set for 19–20 August in Honiara to push cross-border deals. Governance & Finance: Deputy PM Francis Sade says the government is tackling a provincial audit backlog, backing Guadalcanal’s push for annual audits. Mining Policy: DPM Sade reiterates the “First Bite, Better Bite” principle, including plans for state-owned mining and a gold trading/buying framework via the Central Bank. Maritime Sovereignty Debate: SINU VC Dr Transform Aqorau argues Shiprider agreements keep enforcement authority with the coastal state, as Solomon Islands and the US sign the pact. Infrastructure & Business Support: MID has opened the tender for the climate-resilient replacement of the Fiu River Bridge in Malaita, and the government also launched a $3.45m package of boats and motors to boost seaweed farmers’ productivity.

Mining Policy: Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade backed the “First Bite, Better Bite” principle, saying the GREAT Coalition wants more value from minerals to stay in Solomon Islands, including plans for state-owned mining and mineral holdings entities plus a gold trading/buying framework via the Central Bank, while also urging serious action on Gold Ridge fatalities and fair landowner compensation. Maritime Sovereignty Debate: Fisheries legal expert Dr Transform Aqorau said U.S. Shiprider Agreements do not surrender sovereignty because enforcement authority stays with Solomon Islands officers on coastal-state law, using partner vessels only for transport and support. Security & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale reaffirmed an “independent foreign policy” of “friends to all, enemies to none” after signing the finalized U.S. Shiprider framework aboard the Coast Guard cutter Harriet Lane, amid opposition criticism and calls to table the deal in parliament. Trade & Business: Minister Harry Kuma launched the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair (Sept 7–14) to connect producers, entrepreneurs and investors under a push for market access, trade facilitation and digital trade. Infrastructure & Connectivity: The government opened a tender for the climate-resilient replacement of the Fiu River Bridge under SIRAP2, and China handed over a national broadband project upgrade to boost coverage across all provinces. Immigration Support: China donated six vehicles worth over SBD 1.5m to strengthen Solomon Islands immigration operations. Rural Livelihoods: Seaweed farmers in 50 communities received 18-foot boats and motors to improve farm access and productivity, while cocoa farmers credited CEMA’s Farmers First support for expanding production. Public Safety: Two New Zealand hikers remain stranded on Mt Popomanaseu after extreme weather and landslides blocked descent routes, with families urging urgent rescue coordination.

Ship Rider Agreement Debate: Solomon Islands signed a U.S. Shiprider Agreement aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane, sparking opposition claims of “selling sovereignty,” while U.S. officials say Solomon Islands officers retain enforcement powers and sovereignty. Maritime & Business Policy: The GREAT Coalition’s productive sector team is working with SIMA on a 90-day maritime work plan, including plans for a Solomon Islands International Shipping Registry to boost revenue and the blue economy. Infrastructure Tender: A tender has opened for the climate-resilient replacement of the Fiu River Bridge in Malaita under SIRAP2, with bids closing 18 September. Digital Connectivity: China-aided national broadband infrastructure was handed over, expanding coverage across provinces and islands. Trade & Growth: The 2026 Annual National Trade Fair was launched for 7–14 September, with a push for innovation and wider market access. Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods: CEMA’s Farmers First support is credited with cocoa farm expansion, while government handed out boats and motors to seaweed farmers to improve transport and productivity. Water & Community Support: Australia’s Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships opened a second 2026 round, including projects improving water access and coastal protection. Public Sector Pay Reform: Independent Group leader Peter Shanel Agovaka backs an independent commission for wages and remuneration, arguing for broader public sector reform beyond political pay-rise talk. Visa-Free Travel: Solomon Islands and Hong Kong agreed reciprocal visa-free travel from 26 August, aiming to boost tourism and business links. Media Watch: A report warns Facebook algorithm changes are hitting Pacific news reach sharply, raising concerns for public-interest journalism.

Shiprider Agreement Debate: Solomon Islands signed a U.S. Shiprider maritime security deal in Honiara, sparking opposition claims of “selling sovereignty,” while U.S. officials say Solomon Islands officers retain enforcement powers and sovereignty. Maritime Governance Push: A maritime law expert (Prof. Transform Aqorau) argues the pact strengthens Pacific sovereignty through Solomon Islands-led enforcement, and the government frames it as a boost against illegal fishing and sea-borne crime. Security Balancing: The agreement lands as Solomon Islands also faces scrutiny over its existing China security ties, with analysts pointing to the country’s “friend to all, enemy to none” policy. Tender for Fiu Bridge: The government opened tenders for a new climate-resilient Fiu River Bridge under SIRAP2, replacing an ageing crossing to improve access for schools, health services and markets. Digital Connectivity Handover: China-aided national broadband infrastructure was handed over, expanding coverage across provinces and islands. Trade & Jobs: The 2026 Annual National Trade Fair was launched, alongside renewed consultations to modernise business and labour rules. Rural Livelihoods: Seaweed farmers received 50 boats and engines, while cocoa support through CEMA’s Farmers First continues to expand production. Visa Ease: Solomon Islands and Hong Kong agreed reciprocal visa-free travel from 26 August, expected to lift tourism and business links. Governance Watch: Transparency Solomon Islands urged partners’ support to translate into stronger accountability and responsible public resource management.

Security & Sovereignty: Solomon Islands signed a finalized U.S. shiprider agreement in Honiara, allowing Solomon Islands law enforcement officers to board U.S. Coast Guard vessels while keeping enforcement powers with Honiara; U.S. officials say it strengthens sovereignty and targets illegal fishing and transnational crime, while opposition figures continue to question the deal’s implications. Infrastructure & Connectivity: A China-aided national broadband project was officially handed over to Solomon Islands, boosting coverage from 56% to 86% across nine provinces and 35 islands. Transport & Climate Resilience: The government opened tenders for a new climate-resilient Fiu River Bridge in Malaita under SIRAP2, replacing an ageing steel truss bridge with a longer, safer two-lane crossing. Business & Jobs: The GREAT Coalition’s ministries began consultations to align policy, laws and infrastructure for delivery, while commerce and labour rule overhauls move forward with plans to modernise immigration systems and review business and labour regulations. Trade & Agriculture: The 2026 Annual National Trade Fair opens in September under a sustainability theme, and MALD handed over SBD 1.34m in grants to indigenous agribusinesses; cocoa farmers also credit CEMA support for growth, though transport remains a key bottleneck. Maritime Economy: SIMA and the Productive Sector Team are developing a 90-day work plan, including steps toward a Solomon Islands International Shipping Registry to grow the blue economy. People-to-people Links: Solomon Islands and Hong Kong agreed reciprocal visa-free travel from 26 August, expected to lift tourism and business travel. Environment & Governance: SWAP2 progress was reviewed across Pacific states, and Transparency Solomon Islands urged partners’ funding to translate into stronger transparency and accountability.

Maritime Security & Sovereignty: Solomon Islands signed a finalized U.S. shiprider agreement in Honiara, letting Solomon Islands law enforcement officers embark on U.S. Coast Guard vessels while keeping enforcement powers with Honiara; U.S. officials say it strengthens sovereignty and targets illegal fishing and transnational crime, while opposition figures and maritime law experts debate the implications. U.S.–China Balancing: The security pact comes as Solomon Islands continues to manage ties with both Washington and Beijing, including renewed messaging around neutrality and cooperation. Digital Economy: China-aided national broadband infrastructure was handed over, with officials saying coverage and connectivity across all provinces and major islands have expanded. Business & Jobs Push: Government ministries began consultations to align policy, laws and infrastructure with the GREAT Coalition agenda, including reforms to immigration, foreign investment, company and business regulation, and labour rules to create a more investor-friendly environment. Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods: CEMA support continues to boost cocoa farmers’ output, while MALD grants backed indigenous agribusiness value-adding and market access; seaweed farmers received boats and motors to improve transport and productivity. Trade & Investment Pipeline: The 2026 Annual National Trade Fair was launched, and the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships program opened for a second round, with funding flowing to local businesses. Environment & Governance: A protected area declaration was celebrated for the Lukulobere Tribe’s forest, and SWAP2 progress highlighted regional action against waste and pollution. Regional Finance & Capacity: Japan signed a loan deal with Solomon Islands for fiscal stability and resilience as reforms continue.

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.

Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships (Round 2): The second round of 2026 applications is now open, with Australia having funded 342 projects since 2019 worth over SBD 74.5m to local hardware and transport businesses, including new water tanks and sanitation upgrades in Malaita and other provinces. Seaweed support: The government handed over 50 boats and 15-horsepower motors worth $3.45m to 50 seaweed farming communities to boost transport, farm management and household incomes. Trade and jobs push: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma launched the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair (Sept 7–14), linking it to market access, export diversification and digital trade under the GREAT agenda. Business and labour law overhaul: Fundamental sector ministries began consultations to align policy, legislation and infrastructure with the GREAT Coalition agenda, including immigration modernisation and possible changes to foreign investment, company regulation and labour/wage rules. Maritime security row: The US says the new Shiprider Agreement protects Solomon Islands sovereignty, while the Independent Group calls for it to be tabled in Parliament after signing and questions the process. Visa-free travel: Solomon Islands and Hong Kong agreed a reciprocal visa-free arrangement from Aug 26 for up to 30 days, expected to lift tourism and business links. Agribusiness grants: MALD handed over SBD 1.34m to four indigenous agribusinesses for processing, marketing standards and post-harvest support. Infrastructure progress: Henderson airport works under SIRAP2 are advancing, including the aviation complex building and air traffic control tower. Environment and land: The Lukulobere Tribe celebrated official protected status for 563 hectares, after years of resisting unwanted logging.

Shiprider Agreement: The U.S. says Solomon Islands’ newly signed Shiprider deal is meant to strengthen sovereignty, with Solomon Islands officers keeping law enforcement powers while boarding U.S. Coast Guard vessels to tackle illegal fishing and other sea-borne crime. Parliament Oversight Push: The Independent Group is urging Prime Minister Matthew Wale to table the agreement in Parliament for debate and scrutiny, after concerns it was signed without enough consultation and due process. US Port Funding Race: Wale says the U.S. is in advanced talks to finance Bina Harbour, a deep-water port project that could boost shipping and tuna processing—amid ongoing regional influence competition with China. Gold Ridge Mine Disaster: A landslide at the Gold Ridge open-pit mine on Guadalcanal killed at least one man, with police saying recovery continues and officials are looking at whether mining practices and regulation need strengthening. Agribusiness Grants: MALD handed over SBD 1.34m to four indigenous agribusinesses to expand processing, marketing standards, and farmer-to-market links. Honiara Roads: The Hot Bread roundabout road upgrade is in its final stage, with asphalt paving completed and finishing works underway. Women in Leadership: 18 senior women executives are completing WELSI’s leadership training in Honiara, aimed at building pathways to CEO and board roles. Protected Forest Status: The Lukulobere Tribe in Choiseul celebrated official protected area status for 563 hectares of rainforest after earlier logging threats and a court challenge. Visa-Free Travel: Solomon Islands and Hong Kong agreed to reciprocal visa-free travel from 26 August, expected to support tourism and business links.

Maritime Security: The U.S. says Solomon Islands’ newly signed Shiprider Agreement is meant to strengthen sovereignty, with Solomon Islands officers keeping law enforcement authority while boarding U.S. Coast Guard vessels to tackle illegal fishing and sea-borne crime. Parliament Oversight: Solomon Islands’ Independent Group is calling on Prime Minister Matthew Wale to “walk the talk” by tabling the Shiprider deal in Parliament for debate and scrutiny, arguing it was signed without proper consultation and oversight. Port Financing Race: PM Wale says the U.S. is in advanced talks to finance a key Solomon Islands port, with Bina Harbour flagged as a likely first project—an effort seen as part of wider competition with China. Governance & Business Rules: The Great Coalition government has started consultations to align ministry priorities with its policy agenda, including reforms to immigration systems, foreign investment and company regulation, and labour and wage rules to create a more investor-friendly environment. Road Works: Honiara’s Hot Bread roundabout road upgrade is entering its final stage, with asphalt paving completed and remaining finishing works underway. Mining Safety & Illegal Mining: A landslide at the Gold Ridge gold mine on Guadalcanal has killed at least one person and left others feared dead, while MPs and authorities are urging urgent action against illegal mining around the site. Agribusiness Grants: MALD has handed out SBD 1.34 million in grants to support indigenous agribusinesses, backing value-adding processing and farmer-to-market links. Tourism & Travel: Solomon Islands and Hong Kong will introduce reciprocal visa-free travel from August 26, expected to boost tourism and business ties. Environment & Community: The Lukulobere Tribe has celebrated official protected area status for 563 hectares of rainforest, after years of fighting logging threats.

Maritime Security Deal: Solomon Islands and the United States signed the Shiprider Agreement in Honiara, with the US saying it strengthens cooperation against illegal fishing and transnational crime while insisting Solomon Islands officers retain law enforcement authority; the signing drew controversy after media were excluded and opposition leaders warned it could undermine sovereignty. Mining Disaster: At Gold Ridge on Guadalcanal, police recovered the first body after a major landslide at open-pit mine Pit 1, while officials say it’s too early to confirm how many remain buried; reports point to informal miners entering restricted areas, and leaders are calling for tougher action against illegal mining. Mining Sector Reform: Prime Minister Matthew Wale outlined a sweeping regulatory overhaul for the mineral sector, including seven amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill and plans for a sovereign wealth fund to turn mining revenues into long-term income for services like health and education. Local Agribusiness Grants: MALD handed over SBD 1.34 million in grants under the GREAT agriculture policy to four indigenous enterprises to boost processing, marketing standards, and post-harvest support. Women in Leadership: WELSI’s Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program (co-developed with SICCI, SIWIBA and ISIA) is underway in Honiara, aiming to build networks and skills for women to move into CEO and board roles. Regional Finance & Payments: Central Bank of Solomon Islands and Pacific partners met under the Pacific De-Risking Group to improve correspondent banking links and progress work on a Pacific payments mechanism. Business Growth: Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm in Isabel signed a partnership to expand seaweed production, including storage, equipment, and a new boat, targeting more jobs and income for local communities.