AGP Executive Report

MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Fiji): Fiji’s Kulas chase their first win tonight against Vanuatu in Suva after a 4-0 opening loss to Papua New Guinea, while the Bula Boys were held 3-3 by Solomon Islands and now face Vanuatu as they look to turn early momentum into points. Sports (Solomon Islands): Fiji’s Roy Krishna and Maikah Dau scored as the Bula Boys led 3-1 before a late Solomon Islands fightback forced the draw; 20-year-old Ba defender Isimeli Gavidi earned his first senior cap. Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI): CBSI has warned EFTPOS merchants to stop unauthorised card surcharges, saying merchant fees should be absorbed by businesses and customers must see clear, consistent pricing. Renewable energy (Tulagi): ADB-backed Tulagi Solar Power Plant has been commissioned, with officials saying more reliable electricity could cut costs and support tourism and services. World Bank (CAUSE II): World Bank teams visited Honiara communities to track progress on CAUSE II sub-projects including stream cleaning, disability footpaths and bridges. Finance & inclusion: CBSI will run a national demand-side survey (Sept–Oct 2026) to update access, usage and satisfaction of financial services, including interest in climate-related products. Professional development (ISIA): Accountants in Honiara are being urged to move beyond compliance into advising and leadership for national transformation. Weather safety: SIMS issued a strong wind warning for Solomon waters, urging sea travellers and communities to take precautions.

CBSI Card Surcharge Crackdown: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands has warned EFTPOS merchants to stop adding card payment surcharges, saying the fees are unauthorised and should be absorbed as business costs, not passed to customers. Renewables for Central Province: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW Tulagi solar hybrid plant, backed by ADB, aiming to cut diesel reliance and improve power reliability for tourism, schools and clinics. World Bank Checks CAUSE II Work: World Bank teams visited Honiara communities to review progress under CAUSE II, including footpaths, a footbridge and a disability centre project, with more site visits planned in Western Province. Maritime Sector Planning: SIMA advanced Phase Two of its Ocean Accounts Initiative, focusing on building a Maritime Connectivity and Accessibility Account to better link shipping services to markets and essential services. Financial Inclusion Survey: CBSI will run a nationwide Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sept–Oct 2026) to measure access, usage, quality and readiness for climate-related financial products. Accountants Urged to Lead: ISIA’s congress in Honiara challenged accountants to move beyond compliance and become advisers driving national transformation. Health System Safety Focus: A Honiara clinic story highlights how routine checks can catch non-communicable diseases early, tying into World Patient Safety Day’s NCD theme. Sports—MSG Cup Opens: Solomon Islands men kick off their MSG Prime Minister’s Cup campaign against Fiji in Suva, while Fiji’s Bula Boys drew 3-3 with Solomon Islands in the earlier match.

Medical Tech Certification: Qure.ai says its Aira AI clinical decision support system has received EU Class IIb CE certification, designed to digitise frontline primary care by turning consultations and paper records into a digital care trail with guideline-based recommendations. Central Bank Enforcement: CBSI has warned EFTPOS merchants to stop card payment surcharges, saying the practice is unauthorised and unfair, and urges transparent pricing that treats payment costs as business expenses. Renewable Power for Growth: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW Tulagi solar hybrid plant, with Central Islands Premier Kenneth Sagupari linking more reliable electricity to lower operating costs and better prospects for tourism, schools and clinics. Community Infrastructure Progress: World Bank teams visited Honiara communities under the CAUSE II project, checking works including stream cleaning, disability centre footpaths, footbridges and grass valley footpaths, with more site visits planned in Western Province. Finance Sector Planning: CBSI and Tebbutt Research will run a National Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sept–Oct 2026) covering about 992 adults to track access, usage, satisfaction and readiness for climate-related financial products. Jobs Push: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration says it is targeting 25,000 jobs through formal and informal pathways, unveiled at the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair. Telecom Update: Bmobile clarified it has not shut down, saying it is restructuring and modernising its network while making difficult workforce changes. Weather Alert: SIMS issued a strong wind warning for Solomon waters, advising sea travellers and communities to take precautions.

Card Payments Watch: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has warned EFTPOS merchants to stop adding card surcharges, saying the fees are unauthorised and should be absorbed as business costs, not passed to customers. Renewables for Growth: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW Tulagi solar hybrid plant, backed by ADB and the Strategic Climate Fund, aiming to cut diesel reliance and improve power reliability for tourism, schools and clinics. World Bank in Honiara: World Bank teams visited four CAUSE II sub-project sites in Honiara, including footpaths, a footbridge and a disability centre access project, with more visits planned in Western Province. Maritime Data Work: SIMA advanced Phase Two of its Ocean Accounts Initiative through an internal workshop, focusing on building a Maritime Connectivity and Accessibility Account. Financial Inclusion Survey: CBSI will run a second National Financial Services Demand Side Survey (about 992 adults) to track access, usage, satisfaction and readiness for climate-related financial products. Private Sector Push: SICCI called for bold reforms to lift growth and jobs, including faster electricity market changes to support cheaper renewable power. Jobs Target: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration outlined a plan to create 25,000 jobs, split between formal work and informal/self-employment. Telecom Update: Bmobile says it has not shut down, but is restructuring and modernising its network while adjusting its workforce. Disaster Recovery Scrutiny: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls for answers on Cyclone Maila recovery funds, asking what was received, spent and when help will reach communities. Weather Alert: SIMS issued a strong wind warning for Solomon waters, urging sea travellers and communities to take precautions. Business Skills: Accountants were urged to go beyond qualifications and lead national transformation as ISIA’s congress opened in Honiara.

Card Payments Watch: CBSI has told EFTPOS merchants to stop unauthorised card surcharges, saying fees should be absorbed by businesses and prices must be clear and consistent across cash and card. Financial Inclusion Push: CBSI will run its second National Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sept–Oct 2026) covering about 992 adults to track access, usage, quality, satisfaction and appetite for climate-related financial products. Jobs & Business Climate: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration says a plan targets 25,000 jobs (10,000 formal, 15,000 informal/self-employment) as SICCI calls for bold reforms, including faster Electricity Act changes to cut power costs and open competition. Energy Upgrade: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW solar hybrid plant in Tulagi to reduce diesel reliance, supported by ADB, government and the Strategic Climate Fund. Disaster Recovery Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands again asks where Cyclone Maila recovery funds are going, demanding public updates on what was received, spent and remaining. Public Works: Honiara’s central bus bay and roadside parking works are nearing completion, with streetlights set to start installing soon. Weather Alert: SIMS issued a strong wind warning for Solomon waters, urging sea travellers and communities to take precautions.

Climate & Policy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale opened the 5th Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara, urging Pacific leaders to “turn climate knowledge into Pacific action” and pushing climate finance as justice, not charity. Weather & Safety: Pacific Ministers at the 4th Meteorology meeting renewed support for Weather Ready Pacific, with Solomon Islands flagged for radar and upgrades to early warning systems. Energy & Infrastructure: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW solar hybrid plant in Tulagi, part of a wider push to cut diesel use; meanwhile, Honiara’s central bus bay and bus terminals are set to reopen as roadside works near completion. Finance & Inclusion: CBSI will run its second National Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sep–Oct) to map access, usage, satisfaction and readiness for climate-related financial products. Private Sector & Jobs: SICCI called for bold reforms to lift growth and create jobs, including fast-tracking Electricity Act changes to boost competition and renewables. Telecom Update: Bmobile says it has not shut down, but is restructuring and modernising its network. Skills & Governance: ISIA’s annual congress opened in Honiara, focusing on leadership, ethics and the role of accountants in public trust. Agriculture: West Marovo cocoa farmers completed IPDM and post-harvest training with ADRA.

Private Sector Push: SICCI CEO James Dolarii urged bold reforms to lift Solomon Islands growth from 3–4% to 7–8%, flagging high electricity costs and calling for fast-tracked Electricity Act changes to open the market and expand affordable renewables. Energy & Infrastructure: Solomon Power commissioned a 250kW solar hybrid plant in Tulagi to cut diesel reliance, while MID works are nearing completion on Honiara’s central bus bay and roadside parking, with streetlights next. Finance & Inclusion: CBSI will run a second National Financial Services Demand Side Survey (Sept–Oct) to map access, usage, satisfaction and readiness for climate-related financial products. Climate Leadership: PM Matthew Wale opened the Fifth Pacific Climate Change Conference, calling for climate finance as “justice, not charity,” and stressing legislation, budgeting and enforcement to deliver village-level resilience. Weather Safety: SIMS issued Strong Wind Warning 205 for Solomon Islands waters, warning small craft to take extra precautions. Maritime Economy: PacTow began steps to re-flag its Honiara-based tug Pacific Salvor as a Solomon Islands vessel, strengthening local emergency towage and salvage capacity. Skills for Farmers: ADRA/SEAS completed cocoa IPDM and post-harvest training for 22 West Marovo farmers, covering nursery, grafting, pruning and field practices.

Climate Policy Push: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale opened the Fifth Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara, urging the region to turn climate knowledge into practical action and calling climate finance “justice, not charity,” with funding that is adequate, predictable, accessible and grant-based. US–Pacific Pivot: US officials say Washington will deepen economic and security engagement in the Pacific with “trade over aid,” backing Taiwan’s continued role in the Pacific Islands Forum while warning of China’s “malign activities” including coercion and illegal fishing. China–Huawei Probe: A new investigation says ICBC’s London branch transferred $1.3b to Huawei days after US criminal charges were filed, despite internal compliance concerns—raising fresh questions for regional business and finance links. Transport & Infrastructure: Honiara’s main market and magistrate bus terminals are set to return to original sites as road works near completion, while the Henderson Aviation Complex Building has reached major construction completion with remaining power and IT items. Maritime Safety & Jobs: SIMS issued a strong wind warning for Solomon Islands waters; meanwhile, the GREAT Coalition targets 25,000 new jobs in four years, with reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and cutting high energy costs.

Visa & Labour Mobility: Australia cut specialist skills visa application fees for citizens of 13 Pacific nations plus Timor-Leste from 1 July 2026, including Solomon Islands, via its ImmiAccount system. Climate Policy & Finance: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale used the Fifth Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara to push climate finance as “justice, not charity,” calling for predictable, accessible funding and stronger domestic systems to reach provinces. Regional Security & China: The U.S. welcomed Wale’s foreign policy shift and said it will deepen economic and security ties, while accusing China of “malign activities” in the Pacific. Business Growth Agenda: SICCI urged bolder reforms to lift private sector growth, while the GREAT Coalition set a target of 25,000 new jobs in four years, with energy costs and business red tape flagged as key barriers. Transport & Infrastructure: MID said Honiara’s main market and magistrate bus terminals are set to return to original locations as road works near completion, with remaining utility relocations affecting dates. Maritime & Safety: Solomon Islands called for stronger marine weather and ocean services to reduce sea deaths, as a strong wind warning (up to 25 knots) remains in force for Solomon waters. Aviation & Shipping: Solomon Airlines revised international schedules due to A320 repair delays, and Pacific Towing began re-flagging its Honiara-based tug to a Solomon Islands vessel. Agriculture: ADRA completed cocoa IPDM and post-harvest training for West Marovo farmers, supporting better nursery, pruning and grafting practices.

Business Growth Push: SICCI CEO James Dolarii urged Solomon Islands to move beyond “conventional” development to lift growth from 3–4% to 7–8%, flagging high electricity costs and calling for fast-tracked Electricity Act reforms to open the market and expand affordable renewables. Jobs Agenda: The GREAT Coalition set a target of 25,000 new jobs in four years, linking growth to absorbing a rapidly growing youth population and promising reforms to improve the investment climate. Aviation & Infrastructure: Solomon Airlines revised its international schedule as A320 repairs lag, shifting to a single-aircraft operation for parts of 2026–27; meanwhile, the Henderson Aviation Complex Building reached major completion, pending transformer and IT hardware. Climate Finance & Action: PM Matthew Wale opened the 5th Pacific climate conference in Honiara, calling for climate finance as justice (preferably grant-based) and urging “Pacific knowledge into Pacific action,” with a push for stronger early warning and finance-ready projects. Disaster Readiness: Solomon Islands received an Excess Rainfall insurance payout after early-August heavy rains, and China delivered 100 tents and solar lights to support preparedness and response. Governance & Community Economy: Opposition backed Premier Billy Veo’s call to fast-track Cyclone Maila recovery; Bina community signed its village constitution to strengthen local governance for the Bina Harbour project. Trade & Skills: MFMR completed a workshop to develop a community fisheries guide and test an app to support village-led fisheries management. Weather Alerts: SIMS issued strong wind warnings for Solomon waters, urging extra care for small boats and sea travellers.

Private Sector Push: SICCI CEO James Dolarii urged bold reforms to lift Solomon Islands growth from 3–4% to 7–8%, pointing to high electricity costs and calling for fast-tracked Electricity Act changes to open competition and expand affordable renewables. Business & Jobs Agenda: The GREAT Coalition set a target of 25,000 new jobs in four years, with plans to improve the investment climate by streamlining processes and cutting bureaucratic roadblocks. Aviation & Infrastructure: Solomon Airlines cut and revised international flights while A320 repairs lag, and the Aviation Complex Building at Henderson reached major completion, with key remaining steps including power and IT integration. Climate Action & Resilience: PM Matthew Wale opened the 5th Pacific climate conference in Honiara, urging “Pacific knowledge into Pacific action,” while the government received a rapid payout from its excess rainfall insurance after August heavy rains. Weather Warnings: SIMS issued strong wind warnings for Solomon waters, urging sea travellers and small-boat operators to take precautions. Health Workforce Link: Solomon Islands and the Philippines explored a nursing education partnership through PhilPac twinning between SINU and a Philippine nursing college. Governance Scrutiny: A sentencing is set for Moffat Konofilia over the 2021 Honiara riots, as renewed claims swirl around wider political connections.

Jobs & Business Climate: The GREAT Coalition says it will create 25,000 new jobs in four years, with reforms aimed at lifting Solomon Islands’ Ease of Doing Business ranking by cutting red tape and tackling high energy costs. Development Finance Focus: ADB President Masato Kanda told regional leaders that project success should be judged by tangible results on the ground, citing Solomon Islands education outcomes. China Ties & Security: Solomon Islands reaffirmed police cooperation with China, while China also boosted disaster readiness with tents and solar lights for emergency response. U.S. Pacific Push: U.S. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau announced new economic, security and disaster-recovery initiatives, including Peace Corps returning to Solomon Islands and support for airport rescue vehicles. Climate Risk Support: Government received a rapid climate insurance payout after heavy rainfall triggered its Excess Rainfall policy, backed by Global Shield and WFP. Mining Law Debate: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee rejected claims that more consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 would cost $1b, warning rushed changes could fracture trust and destabilise communities. Weather & Safety: SIMS issued strong wind warnings for Solomon waters, urging sea travellers and communities to take precautions. Road & Public Assets: MID raised concern over repeated damage to road signs along the Henderson–Alligator corridor and urged the public to protect infrastructure. Community Economy: Shortlands Constituency handed over 57 boats and outboard engines to applicants, supporting local transport and livelihoods. Fisheries Management Tools: MFMR completed a workshop to test a community fisheries guide and app to strengthen village-led fisheries governance.

Jobs & Investment Climate: The GREAT Coalition says it wants 25,000 new jobs in four years, urging faster reforms to improve the ease of doing business and cut red tape, with attention on energy costs and support for small and Indigenous entrepreneurs. Government Leasing Scrutiny: MMERE defended its SBD$208,000-a-month lease for new offices at Lengakiki, saying works delayed full occupation and responding to Opposition questions over timing and payments. Mining Law Consultation: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee rejects claims that more consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 would cost $1b, warning that rushing could damage trust and stability for landowners and provinces. Weather & Safety: SIMS issued strong wind warning 202 for Solomon waters, advising sea travellers and communities to take precautions as gusts could reach 33 knots. Climate Finance Boost: Solomon Islands received a rapid payout after its Excess Rainfall insurance triggered in August, helping fund urgent response in Malaita and Makira-Ulawa. China Police Cooperation: Solomon Islands reaffirmed security cooperation with China through police capacity-building talks in Beijing. US Pacific Push: The US announced new Pacific initiatives after Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau’s visit, including disaster recovery support and a deal to bring Peace Corps back to Solomon Islands. Community Fisheries Tools: MFMR completed a workshop to test a community fisheries guide and app, aimed at strengthening village-led fisheries management. Local Transport Support: Shortlands Islands handed over 57 boats and outboard engines to applicants, boosting local mobility and livelihoods.

Strong Wind Warning: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service issued Strong Wind Warning No. 200 for all waters, with southeasterly winds 15–25 knots (gusts up to 33) and seas 2.5–3.5m, urging small-boat operators and coastal communities to take precautions. Community Fisheries Support: MFMR completed a workshop in Honiara to develop a village-led community fisheries guide and test an app to track committee decisions and progress, with plans to refine tools with communities. Transport Boost for Shortlands: Shortland Islands Constituency handed over 57 boats and 57 outboard engines to successful applicants, following village sub-committee screening and CDC review. Road Sign Damage Concerns: MID and LMCP raised alarm over repeated damage to road signs along the Henderson–Alligator corridor, asking road users to protect public infrastructure. Mineral Resources Bill Pushback: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee rejected claims that extra consultation would cost $1b, saying rushing could fracture trust and destabilise communities, and urged withdrawal for wider consultation. IMF Warning on Finances: IMF flagged weak public financial management as a drag on growth, projecting slower 2026 growth and higher inflation, and urged fiscal discipline and realistic, fully funded budgets. Development Partnership Talks: Solomon Islands seeks deeper ties with Canada focused on education, labour mobility, affordable energy and connectivity, discussed during the Pacific Islands Forum in Koror. UXO Survivor Call: At a Palau dialogue, Solomon Islands UXO survivor Maeverlyn Pitonoe urged that progress be measured by survivors’ ability to rebuild—not just bombs cleared.

UXO and wartime risk: A new documentary highlights how WWII bombs and other unexploded ordnance still kill and injure Solomon Islanders, with calls for better support for survivors and affected communities. Local transport boost: Shortlands Islands Constituency handed over 57 boats and 57 outboard motor engines to successful applicants, with village sub-committees and the CDC running the selection process. Weather and safety: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service issued a strong wind warning for all waters, with rough seas and gusts that could endanger small craft. Fisheries governance tools: MFMR completed a workshop to test a community fisheries guide and app, aiming to strengthen village-led fisheries management and decision tracking. Waste and livelihoods: At Honiara’s trade fair, artisans showcased “from rubbish to something beautiful” recycling ideas, turning discarded materials into handicrafts for income. Regional climate warnings: Pacific meteorological leaders opened PCM-8 in Tonga, pushing stronger early-warning systems and investment in weather, climate, water and ocean services. Crime and security: Australia announced a major plan to target cocaine traffickers using the “Pacific drugs highway,” citing narco-sub incidents linked to the region. Public finance pressure: The IMF warned weak financial management could threaten growth, urging fiscal discipline and realistic, fully funded budgets. Mineral bill consultation: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee rejected claims that more consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 would cost $1b, arguing rushed changes could damage trust and stability. Road infrastructure protection: MID urged the public to stop vandalising road signs and other LMCP assets after incidents along the Henderson–Alligator corridor. Health cooperation: A Solomon Islands MHMS delegation advanced health and medical cooperation with India, including recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia and implementation of health MOUs.

US–Pacific Engagement: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau continued a Pacific tour after the PIF meeting, visiting Solomon Islands and signing an agreement for Peace Corps to return, while also backing cultural preservation at Bloody Ridge. Development Partnership: Solomon Islands is seeking stronger ties with Canada, with priorities including education, labour mobility, affordable energy and connectivity. Infrastructure & Public Assets: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development raised alarms over repeated damage to road signs along the Henderson–Alligator corridor, urging communities to protect LMCP assets. Mining Law Consultation: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee rejected claims that longer consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 would cost $1b, arguing rushed changes could fracture trust and destabilise communities. Health Cooperation: A MHMS delegation advanced Solomon Islands–India health talks on MOUs covering medical cooperation and recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia. Climate & Risk: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service warned El Niño is strengthening and could bring hotter, drier conditions affecting water, agriculture and livelihoods. Business Sector: SICCI launched the 9th Business Excellence Awards, expanding categories to 21 (22 with the PM’s Award) and pushing wider provincial SME participation. Regional Weather Planning: PMC-8 opened in Tonga, with Solomon Islands calling for equipment, sustainable financing, technology and partnerships to strengthen climate services. Local Transport Boost: China-funded RSDP delivered a $1.5m maritime transport package to West Makira with boats and outboard engines for remote communities.