AGP Executive Report

Bauxite Probe Deepens: The Attorney General’s update on 33 Rennell Island bauxite shipments says key export records from 2019–2021 are missing or incomplete, no Central Bank payment trail has been found, and even refinery certificates/assay reports can’t be located—raising fresh questions over unpaid royalties and oversight. Political Storm Over Forestry Rent: Opposition leaders are challenging a SBD$100,000-a-month Forestry rental tied to a property registered to Prime Minister Matthew Wale, arguing public money and transparency are at stake. Tax Policy Consultation: The GREAT Government has released a draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public feedback, outlining priorities and a process for choosing what reforms move forward. Malaria Push: Health officials launched a national roadmap targeting zero malaria deaths by 2030 and elimination by 2038, with a focus on high-burden provinces. PNG–Solomons Investment Corridor: PM Wale and PNG PM Marape used a Honiara business forum to call for stronger cross-border trade, investment and jobs. PALM Jobs Milestone: More than 13,000 Solomon Islanders are now working in Australia under the PALM scheme. Sports—OFC Final: Central Coast FC face Auckland City FC in the OFC Men’s Champions League final in Fiji, chasing a landmark title for Solomon Islands clubs.

OFC Champions League Final: Central Coast FC make history again, reaching the OFC Men’s Champions League final in Ba after a 3-2 extra-time semi-final win over Galaxy FC, with Rafa Lea’i scoring a hat-trick; they face defending champions Auckland City FC on Saturday. Regional Unity & Geopolitics: Prime Minister Matthew Wale urges Pacific leaders to stay united and speak “one voice” ahead of the Palau PIF meeting, warning of growing geopolitical pressure. China Influence & Local Alignment: A report says China “very likely” ran a targeted Pacific campaign to align local development plans with Beijing’s five-year strategy, using embassy outreach and media promotion. Malaria Push: Solomon Islands launches a new malaria elimination roadmap aiming for zero malaria deaths by 2030 and elimination by 2038. Mining Governance Row: Opposition rejects government and AG explanations over Solomon Islands Mineral Holdings Company registration, while the government says it was an “honest administrative mistake” and will correct details. Health & Community: RSIPF arrests two suspects in Honiara during a raid targeting illegal kwaso brewing; Central Makira also thanks PRC for farming tools for cocoa and coconut farmers.

PNG–Solomon Investment Push: PM Matthew Wale and PNG PM James Marape opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, urging a “structured, bankable” Melanesian growth corridor that turns political ties into real investment, jobs and downstream processing. Mining Governance Row: The Opposition rejected the Government and AG’s explanation over the registration of Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Ltd (SIMHL), while the Government says it was an “honest administrative mistake” and has corrected Company Haus entries. Tax Reform Consultation: The GREAT Government released its Draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public feedback, aiming for a more transparent tax policy process. Malaria Drive: Health Ministry and WHO-backed roadmap targets zero malaria deaths by 2030 and elimination by 2038, with 2025 cases far higher than 2014. World Bank Fiscal Pressure: The World Bank urged fast-tracking VAT and Mineral Resources reforms and warned mining is overtaking logging as exports, but mining creates fewer jobs. Peacebuilding Funding: Government launched a US$3m peacebuilding fund programme (2026–2028) to support cohesion, inclusive governance and decentralisation. Community News: New classrooms delivered in West Kwara’ae (Malaita) and livestock disease surveillance outreach completed in Malaita. Sports: Central Coast FC reached the OFC Men’s Champions League final after a dramatic extra-time win over Galaxy FC.

Mining & Governance: The Government says an “honest administrative mistake” led to incorrect Solomon Islands Mineral Holdings (SIMHL) shareholder details in Company Haus, after names of senior leaders appeared—now corrected, with officials saying the PM should not have been listed and governance rules will be clarified in regulations. PNG–Solomons Investment Push: PM Matthew Wale and PNG PM James Marape opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, urging a “structured, bankable” growth corridor and new business-to-business partnerships, with emphasis on indigenous firms, women-led enterprises and jobs. Fiscal Reform Pressure: The World Bank urges Solomon Islands to fast-track the VAT Bill and Mineral Resources Bill, review tax exemptions, and strengthen public financial management to broaden jobs beyond mining. Public Appointments Scrutiny: Transparency Solomon Islands calls on the GREAT Coalition to disclose the number, roles and costs of 58 political appointees, warning the political payroll could strain finances. Health: Solomon Islands launched a Malaria Elimination Roadmap 2026–2040 aiming to eliminate malaria by 2038, citing a sharp rise in confirmed cases in 2025. Peacebuilding Funding: Government launched a US$3m peacebuilding fund programme (2026–2028) to support peace, social cohesion, inclusive governance and decentralisation across all provinces. Sports & Community: Athletics development gets a boost via World Athletics Kids’ training; in football, Central Coast FC reach the OFC Champions League final after a dramatic extra-time win over Galaxy FC.

PNG–SI Investment Push: PM James Marape and PM Matthew Wale opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Business Investment Forum in Honiara, urging a “structured, bankable” growth corridor that turns Melanesian ties into real investment, jobs, and downstream processing. Local Economy & Jobs: The World Bank says Solomon Islands’ recovery is narrow and growth is projected to slow to 2.8% in 2026, warning that benefits are concentrated in mining and donor-funded infrastructure unless productive sectors like agriculture and fisheries get more support. Public Finance Shake-up: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis resigned to become Permanent Secretary of Finance and Treasury, with safeguards in place as he hands over; Opposition also praised Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo’s fiscal realism. Peacebuilding Funding: Government launched a US$3m peacebuilding fund programme (April 2026–April 2028) to strengthen peace, cohesion, inclusive governance and decentralisation across all nine provinces. Cyclone Maila Shelter Planning: Officials began planning shelter recovery for Maila-affected communities, with costs and housing options still being assessed. Governance Watch: Transparency Solomon Islands demanded answers on GREAT’s 58 political appointments and their costs as fiscal pressure grows. Health Regulation: With WHO support, Solomon Islands is strengthening regulation for medicines, vaccines and medical devices. Sports: Rewa’s OFC Champions League run ended with a 3-1 semi-final loss to Auckland City; Central Coast FC set to face Galaxy FC for the other final spot.

World Bank Outlook: Solomon Islands growth is projected to slow to 2.8% in 2026 as Cyclone Maila impacts, logging declines, weak private investment bites, and services lag behind mining and donor-funded infrastructure. Public Finance Watch: The World Bank warns public debt has quadrupled in under a decade and could breach 35% of GDP by 2029, with cash reserves falling and the wage bill swelling. Water Security Push: A new PacFresH2O programme aims to strengthen freshwater security and WASH services in Guadalcanal, Makira and Central Islands, targeting drought, flooding and saltwater intrusion. Health Regulation Upgrade: The Ministry of Health, with WHO support, is assessing and strengthening Solomon Islands’ rules for medicines, vaccines and medical devices ahead of law updates. UN Support: UN Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener reaffirmed support for Solomon Islands’ development priorities and urged better alignment among partners to avoid fragmented projects. Mining Governance & Women’s Role: Workshops highlight women as “eyes and ears” in mining communities and call for stronger transparency and accountability in extractive industries. Economic Transformation & Skills: PM Matthew Wale met Japan’s Nippon Foundation on plans for a TAFE School of Trade to build a manufacturing and processing workforce. Regional Security: Australia backed Pacific-led maritime surveillance under Operation Island Chief, flagging vessels of interest in Solomon Islands waters. Border Facility: Australia and Solomon Islands opened the Western Border Outpost in the Shortlands, boosting coordinated border and maritime security. Business & Investment: A PNG–Solomon Islands investment conference begins tomorrow, with both prime ministers set to push trade and investment into concrete deals. Sports: Central Coast FC and Galaxy FC set for OFC Champions League semis in Fiji, with a Solomon Islands side chasing a first final appearance.

Pacific Jobs & Growth: The World Bank says Solomon Islands’ recovery is still narrow and job-poor, urging better public finance, more investment in agriculture and fisheries, and growth beyond mining. Health Regulation: MHMS with WHO is strengthening rules for medicines, vaccines and medical devices after a national assessment to improve safety, quality and effectiveness. Mining Governance: Women are being urged to strengthen transparency and accountability in mining communities, with UNDP and partners pushing better participation and information sharing. SINPF Board Scrutiny: Opposition backs new SINPF chair Dr Philip Tagini and deputy Ronald Dive, but says any remaining board picks must add stronger financial and commercial expertise beyond legal backgrounds. Tina Hydro Warning: PM Wale says the Tina Hydro project is a major financial risk and should be a lesson, while government weighs options including grant support. Trade & Skills Push: Nippon Foundation will support a TAFE School of Trade in Solomon Islands to build a skilled workforce for a manufacturing and processing economy. Regional Security: Australia-backed Operation Island Chief supported Pacific-led maritime surveillance, while a new Western Border Outpost in Lofung/Shortlands was opened to boost border management and coordination. PNG–Solomons Investment: PMs Wale and Marape will keynote the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands investment conference aimed at turning ties into real business deals. Football: OFC Champions League semi-finals set in Ba, with Central Coast FC (Solomons) facing Galaxy FC and Auckland City taking on Rewa.

Development Partnerships Summit: PM Matthew Wale urged development partners to align support with Solomon Islands’ priorities and deliver measurable results, pointing to SBD$8.8b contributed by partners between 2016-2021 and stressing reforms under the GREAT Coalition. Flood Early Warning: Fiji’s Ba Catchment was selected for a Pacific pilot on impact-based flood forecasting, as regional training in Nadi boosts flood monitoring, forecasting and clearer public warnings. Western Border Security: Australia officially opened the Western Border Outpost in the Shortland Islands, bringing RSIPF, customs, immigration and biosecurity into one facility to strengthen maritime security. Parliament & Power Projects: Parliament passed 2025 and 2026 supplementary bills without amendments; Tina River Hydro remains on track for commissioning in Feb 2028, with the TBM named “Rotima.” Health System Push: WHO reaffirmed support to strengthen primary health care, digital health and disease control. Land Digital System: MLHS is exploring an Integrated Land Information System to improve government land records and land revenue collection. Regional Fisheries Crackdown: Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four in an FFA-led IUU surveillance effort. Football: Solomon Kings FC is set for the OFC Pro League season, with the league’s next phase approved for 2027.

Border Security Boost: Australia’s Deputy PM Richard Marles and SI Deputy PM Francis Sade officially opened the Western Border Outpost in the Shortland Islands, bringing RSIPF, Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity under one roof to strengthen border and maritime security. Land & Revenue Digital Push: The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey is exploring an Integrated Land Information System to create a single record of government land, improve transparency, and better track land rent and other charges. Aviation Upgrade: Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is at 90% progress, with completion targeted for 31 August. Hydropower Progress: The Tina River Hydropower project’s TBM has been named “Rotima” as construction reaches 35%, aiming to supply a major share of Honiara’s electricity from 2028. Climate Policy in Motion: Solomon Islands is drafting its first National Loss and Damage Policy and Investment Roadmap after consultations, with the UN backing continued support for development priorities. Regional Fisheries Crackdown: Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four during a two-week IUU fishing surveillance effort across 11 FFA members. Economic Focus: PM Matthew Wale urged development partners to align support with national priorities and deliver measurable results, while the government earmarked $345.4m for economic transformation and job creation. Weather Alert: Heavy Rain Warning No. 8 remains current for Temotu Province, with risks of landslides and flash flooding.

Border Security: Australia’s Deputy PM Richard Marles joined Solomon Islands ministers to officially open the Western Border Outpost in the Shortland Islands, bringing RSIPF, Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity under one roof to strengthen border and maritime security. Economic Push: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says $345.4m (45% of the budget) is earmarked for economic transformation, jobs, tourism and fisheries, including rural cocoa support and infrastructure funding. Climate Loss & Damage: Solomon Islands is drafting its first national policy and investment roadmap to tackle climate-related loss and damage, after estimating annual climate impacts at about US$79m. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and led to four apprehensions during a two-week regional surveillance effort. Weather Watch: Heavy Rain Warning No. 8 remains current for Temotu, with risks of landslides and flash flooding. Regional Unity Test: Forum foreign ministers in Suva backed a broad Palau summit package, but consensus is being tested over how to respond to China’s recent missile test. Sports: Central Coast FC booked an OFC Champions League semi-final spot after beating AS Tiga Sport 2-0. Business Support: MCILI and Strongim Bisnis handed laptops and Starlink units to five MSME accelerator participants to boost digital growth.

Fisheries Investment: The Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant stays the government’s top fisheries priority through April 2028, with Minister Polycarp Paea stressing safeguards for customary rights, community participation, stronger monitoring, and improved electronic reporting and traceability. China-Temotu Ties: A joint MRD and PRC embassy delegation met Temotu Province leaders to review current projects and map new cooperation in infrastructure, rural livelihoods, fisheries, renewable energy, education and technical training. Police Capability Boost: RSIPF received a newly upgraded Tactical Training Centre from the Australian Federal Police, a $5.5m investment aimed at professionalising officers and improving operational readiness. Mining Law Overhaul: Parliament heard the Mineral Resources Bill 2025, which would repeal the old mining act and introduce statutory Community Development Agreements, stronger landowner rights, and environmental safeguards. Health Focus: The Ministry of Health is coaching frontline workers on diabetic foot wound assessment and care to prevent amputations. Disaster Response: Bad weather continues to hamper cyclone relief in Western Province, delaying NGO travel and supply deliveries. Security/Travel: RSIPF will run controlled WWII bomb-blast operations in Western and Choiseul from 15–31 August, with communities warned to stay away. Football: SIFF backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA withdrew its Forward Enterprise proposal, while OFC confirmed the next OFC Pro League season will feature the original eight clubs.

Security Diplomacy: Australia’s Deputy PM Richard Marles will travel to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands this week, meeting PNG’s new defence minister to advance the Pukpuk Treaty and joining Solomon Islands leaders to open the Western Border Outpost in the Shortlands. Border & Police Capability: Australia also hands over upgraded RSIPF Tactical Training Centre worth SBD5.5m, boosting operational safety and response training, while new NIAD vessels strengthen RSIPF maritime operations. Mining Law Reform: The Government introduced a Mineral Resources Bill to modernise mining rules, put landowners and communities at the centre through statutory Community Development Agreements, and tighten environmental safeguards. Economy & Budget: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo told Parliament real GDP growth is revised to 3.5% for 2026 as mining, agriculture, tourism and fisheries pick up while logging declines; he also said debt stays within safety limits and Cabinet approved work on a new National Bank with a rural component. Health & Education: Health workers are being coached to prevent diabetic foot complications, and concerns were raised in Malaita about teachers arriving late to schools. Sports: OFC confirmed all eight original clubs for the 2027 OFC Pro League, including Solomon Kings, and SIFF set S-League Round 8 fixtures at Lawson Tama Stadium. Opposition Watch: Opposition leader Matthew Wale cautioned the government on “zero risk” preparedness for possible delta variant repatriation flights. Local Development: Small Malaita received SBD100,000 from China’s embassy for boats and an engine to improve sea access to services. Geology & Science: New Colombo Plan scholars digitised 7,000 rock samples and maps to unlock Solomon Islands’ geological data for future research and planning. Environment & Culture: A nature photography exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, and USP researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional knowledge.

COVID Preparedness Debate: Opposition leader Matthew Wale warns the government to take a “zero risk” approach as it prepares for more repatriation flights that could bring the delta variant, saying early tests can miss infections and urging regular risk analysis for other fast-spreading variants. Mining Law Reform: Minister Derrick Manuari introduces the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 to replace the old mining act, putting landowners and communities at the centre through a statutory Community Development Agreement framework, stronger access and compensation rules, and tighter environmental safeguards. Police Capability Boost: RSIPF receives a $5.5m upgraded Tactical Training Centre from Australia’s AFP, aimed at improving officer readiness and operational safety. Economy Update: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says real GDP growth for 2026 is revised up to 3.5%, driven by domestic demand and sectors like mining, agriculture, tourism and fisheries, while logging continues to decline. Regional Cooperation: PM Wale meets an SPC delegation to strengthen technical cooperation, including ocean management and fisheries, with hopes for finalising the Solomon Islands–PNG maritime boundary for signing in Palau. Infrastructure & Trade: Honiara International Port upgrade moves into the next phase for Berth 1, including marine piling support structures for a 30-metre extension. Sports: OFC confirms teams for the next OFC Pro League season, with Solomon Kings among the eight returning clubs. Other: A 5.1-magnitude quake was reported in Solomon Islands; and Australia backs workforce training and community support for sustainable timber on Kolombangara.

Timber & Jobs: Australia is partnering with Kolombangara Forest Products to train workers and upgrade a children’s early learning centre in Western Province, supporting the country’s only internationally certified sustainable forestry plantation. Earthquake Alert: A 5.1-magnitude quake struck Solomon Islands, according to GFZ. Police Maritime Boost: RSIPF received an upgraded Tactical Training Centre worth SBD5.5m from the AFP, and also took delivery of two Naiad vessels to strengthen coastal and inter-island policing. Mining Law Shift: A new Mineral Resources Bill 2025 is set to modernise mining rules, put landowners and communities at the centre through statutory Community Development Agreements, and tighten environmental safeguards. Economy Update: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says real GDP growth is revised up to 3.5% this year as mining, agriculture, tourism and fisheries pick up while logging declines. Energy Planning: PM Wale says Solomon Islands is planning a regional fuel hub at Aruligo to improve fuel security for the Pacific. Sports & Community: OFC confirms Solomon Kings among OFC Pro League teams, while SIFF schedules S-League Round 8 double-headers at Lawson Tama Stadium. Regional Diplomacy: PM Wale met an SPC delegation on ocean management, fisheries, climate and renewable energy, and g7+ leaders praised Solomon Islands’ role in the bloc.

U.S.-Pacific Push: President Joe Biden met Pacific leaders at a second White House summit, recognising Cook Islands and Niue and promising US$40 million for secure, resilient infrastructure, including undersea cable internet upgrades. Police & Security Upgrades: RSIPF received a SBD 5.5m upgraded Tactical Training Centre from Australia’s AFP, and also took delivery of two Naiad vessels to boost maritime policing and anti-drug enforcement. Mining Law Overhaul: Parliament heard the Mineral Resources Bill 2025, aiming to modernise mining rules, strengthen environmental safeguards, and make Community Development Agreements a statutory requirement so landowners and communities benefit. Economy & Budget Watch: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo told Parliament real GDP growth is revised to 3.5% as mining, agriculture, tourism and fisheries pick up while logging declines; he also flagged manageable debt (debt-to-GDP 27.2%) and plans for a new National Bank with a rural component. Regional Politics Test: Pacific unity faces a strain ahead of Palau’s PIF leaders meeting after ministers failed to agree on a joint response to China’s missile test. Football & Community Life: OFC welcomed FIFA’s withdrawal of its Forward Enterprise plan; locally, SIFF set S-League Round 8 fixtures at Lawson Tama, while Small Malaita received a SBD100,000 China grant for boats and an engine to improve rural sea transport.

Public Finance Update: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo told Parliament Solomon Islands’ real GDP growth is now revised to 3.5%, with mining, agriculture, tourism and fisheries backing the rise as logging declines, while government revenue reached about $4.1b and spending about $5.1b in 2025. Debt and Discipline: Lilo said debt is expected to rise slightly to about $4.4b by end-2026, but remains within the government’s 35% debt-to-GDP safety threshold, with reserves reported at $6.62b. Banking Push: Cabinet has approved work on a new National Bank with a Rural Bank component in partnership with the World Bank, aiming to bring formal banking back to communities left out after past credit union failures. Tax Reform: The government is moving to tighten tax collection, curb exemptions and abuse, and prepare a broad-based consumption tax plan including VAT. Security at Sea: Australia handed over two NIAD vessels to strengthen RSIPF maritime policing, and it will also hand over the Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost in August to boost western border coordination. Education Concerns: Teachers’ lateness in West Are’are, Malaita has raised worries about students missing lessons, while Tabaka Technical Institute opened a third dormitory to expand TVET training. Freshwater Focus: Solomon Islands launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater and build climate resilience with partners including GIZ, SPC and Live & Learn. Geopolitics & Governance: Opposition questioned PM Wale’s disclosed corporate links to the Attorney-General, and regional football leaders backed FIFA’s withdrawal of its Forward Enterprise plan, calling for transparency and good governance.