AGP Executive Report

Maritime Security: Operation Island Chief 2026 (OPIC26) flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four in a two-week, FFA-coordinated IUU fishing crackdown across about 27.5 million sq km, using satellite monitoring, aerial and surface patrols, and vessel boardings involving Solomon Islands and 11 FFA members. Aviation Infrastructure: Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building hit 90% physical completion, with final mechanical/electrical works, testing and commissioning underway ahead of a 31 August 2026 target. Climate Policy: Solomon Islands is drafting its first National Loss and Damage Policy and Investment Roadmap after consultations (10–13 August), aiming to turn climate impact costs into shared responsibilities and financing priorities. Digital & Connectivity for Business: Strongim Bisnis’ accelerator winners received laptops and Starlink units to boost MSME productivity and market access, alongside a new blended financing push. Renewable Power & Grid Upgrade: Construction has started on a 22-km transmission line from Tina River hydropower to Honiara’s grid, targeting up to 15MW of renewable electricity. Geohazards Preparedness: A regional meeting series on seismic networks, geohazards and tsunami warning systems opened in Honiara, highlighting Ring of Fire risks and early-warning cooperation. Blue Carbon & Fisheries Tech: China–Solomon seaweed blue carbon cooperation reported 2,951 tonnes of carbon sinks, with accounting and trading steps underway.

Climate Policy: Solomon Islands is drafting its first national Loss and Damage policy and investment roadmap after estimating climate-related losses of US$79 million a year (8.69% of GDP), with consultations held in Honiara from 10–13 August. Maritime Security: Operation Island Chief 2026 (OPIC26) identified 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, covering about 27.5 million sq km and monitoring 3,000+ fishing vessels across 11 FFA members with aerial and surface surveillance. Blue Carbon & Fisheries Tech: China and Solomon Islands advanced a seaweed blue carbon project, reporting 2,951 tonnes of carbon sinks and setting up cross-border carbon accounting and trading. Digital Connectivity for SMEs: Strongim Bisnis business accelerator winners received laptops and Starlink units to boost MSME productivity and online market access, alongside blended financing support. Energy & Grid Upgrade: Construction has started on a 22-km transmission line from Tina River to Honiara’s grid, targeting up to 15MW of renewable power to cut diesel reliance. Geohazards Preparedness: A minister opened regional seismic and tsunami warning meetings in Honiara, underscoring Ring of Fire risks and the need for monitoring and early warning systems. Cybersecurity Funding: The Ministry of Communication and Aviation sought supplementary funds for SolCERT, including an international cyber security audit and response planning.

Seaweed blue carbon: A China–Solomon Islands cross-border seaweed project has logged 2,951 tonnes of carbon sinks, with carbon-sink accounting and trading linked to Zhangzhou’s system and a first 61-tonne transaction. SME digital push: Strongim Bisnis accelerator winners received laptops and Starlink units to boost record-keeping, marketing, and online market access, alongside blended financing plans. Fisheries investment & controls: The Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant stays the government’s top fisheries priority through April 2028, paired with stronger electronic reporting, catch documentation, and traceability. Rural development talks: MRD and a PRC delegation met Temotu leaders to review projects and expand cooperation in fisheries, renewable energy, education, and technical training. Geohazards in Honiara: Regional seismic and tsunami warning meetings opened, highlighting Pacific Ring of Fire risks and the need for monitoring and early warning systems. Power for Honiara: Work has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line to bring up to 15MW of renewable power from Tina River to the national grid. Geology digitised: Curtin scholars digitised 7,000+ rock samples and maps, creating a 99% digital coverage resource for future research and planning. Cybersecurity funding: SolCERT received a $532,455 supplementary push for an international security audit and cyber-response strategy. Education planning: Government has begun groundwork for Free Education in 2027, with a taskforce and consultant support.

Geohazards & Early Warning: Minister Derrick Rawcliffe Manuari opened major regional meetings in Honiara on seismic networks, geohazards and the Pacific Tsunami Warning System, underscoring how monitoring and preparedness save lives. Renewable Power Build: Reeves Envico and CE Group have started work on a 22-kilometre transmission line from Tina River to Honiara’s grid, aiming to deliver up to 15MW of cleaner power and cut diesel reliance. Cybersecurity Funding: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Communication and Aviation is seeking $532,455 for SolCERT, including an international cyber security audit and a response strategy. Parliament Digital Upgrade: National Parliament defended a $5.6m supplementary request tied to ICT upgrades for MPs and staff. Ocean & Maritime Tech Cooperation: PM Matthew Wale met an SPC delegation to strengthen technical cooperation on ocean management, fisheries, climate, renewable energy and maritime boundaries, including plans for a final Solomon Islands–PNG boundary signing. Geology for Development: Curtin University scholars digitised 7,000+ rock samples and maps from Solomon Islands, creating a near-complete digital resource for future research and planning. Power for Broadband: Polar Power reported repeat orders for 15 more solar hybrid systems for remote telecom sites across the Solomon Islands. Earthquake Report: A 5.1-magnitude quake hit Solomon Islands, according to GFZ.

Earthquake Update: A 5.1-magnitude quake struck Solomon Islands on Friday, with the epicentre reported by GFZ at 10.31°S, 161.94°E and a depth of 62.6 km. Regional Tech Cooperation: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met an SPC delegation led by Dr. Paula Vivili to strengthen technical cooperation on ocean management, maritime boundaries, fisheries, climate change, renewable energy, agriculture and natural resources, including work toward finalising the Solomon Islands–PNG maritime boundary for signing at the Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau. Geohazards & Early Warning: Minister Derrick Manuari opened major regional meetings in Honiara on seismic monitoring, geohazards and tsunami warning systems, highlighting the Ring of Fire risks and the value of science and preparedness. Renewable Power Build: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line to bring up to 15 MW of renewable power from Tina River to Honiara’s grid, aiming to cut diesel reliance. Digital & Cyber Security: The Ministry of Communication and Aviation is seeking supplementary funding for SolCERT, including an international cyber security audit and response planning. Forestry Governance: The GREAT Coalition is moving to overhaul forestry laws with stronger oversight, clearer licensing processes, and tougher penalties for illegal logging. Science for Resources: Curtin University scholars digitised 7,000 rock samples and maps from Solomon Islands, turning decades of geology into an accessible digital resource. Community Climate Resilience: Women-led mangrove restoration in the Coral Triangle continues to protect coastlines, fisheries and villages through local, hands-on conservation.

Earthquake Watch: A 5.1-magnitude quake struck Solomon Islands, with the epicentre reported by GFZ at 10.31°S, 161.94°E and a depth of 62.6 km. Regional Tech Cooperation: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met an SPC delegation to strengthen technical cooperation on ocean management, maritime boundaries, fisheries, climate change, renewable energy, agriculture and natural resources, including work toward a Solomon Islands–PNG maritime boundary signing. Geohazards & Early Warning: Minister Derrick Manuari opened regional meetings in Honiara on seismic networks, geohazards and tsunami warning systems, highlighting Ring of Fire risks and the value of monitoring and preparedness. Renewable Power Build: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line from Tina River to Honiara’s grid, aiming to deliver up to 15 MW of renewable electricity. Digital Security Push: The Ministry of Communication and Aviation sought supplementary funding for SolCERT, including an international cyber security audit and response planning. Science for Solomon Islands: Curtin University scholars digitised 7,000 rock samples and geological maps, creating a national digital resource for research and planning. Forestry Governance Reform: The GREAT Coalition moves to overhaul forestry laws with stronger oversight, clearer licensing processes and tougher penalties for illegal logging. Community Energy & Water: Australia–Solomon Islands Community Partnerships projects in East Kwaio are delivering clean water, solar power for schools and improved education facilities. Mining Oversight: Government plans sliding-scale gold royalties and new laboratories to verify mineral exports.

Indigenous Knowledge Preservation: USP PhD candidates are documenting Pacific Indigenous languages and ocean know-how to keep ancestral wisdom alive for climate resilience and food security. Geology Digitisation: Curtin University’s New Colombo Plan scholars digitised 7,000 Solomon Islands rock samples and maps, creating a 99% digital coverage resource for future research and planning. Renewable Power Build: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line from Tina River to Honiara’s grid, aiming to deliver up to 15MW of cleaner power and cut diesel reliance. Geohazards & Early Warning: Minister Derrick Manuari opened regional seismic and tsunami warning meetings in Honiara, highlighting Ring of Fire risks and the need for monitoring and preparedness. Telecom Solar Hybrid Expansion: Polar Power says repeat orders are expanding solar-hybrid systems to 15 more Solomon Islands telecom sites, building reliable off-grid power for broadband. Forestry Reform Push: The GREAT Coalition is consulting on stronger forestry laws, including new oversight bodies and tougher penalties for illegal logging. Land Sector Overhaul: Government plans five land and coastal governance bills, targeting transparent customary land systems, dispute resolution, housing, and marine management. Education Tech & Policy: Parliament is progressing a $5.6m digital upgrade at PAC, while the government lays groundwork for Free Education in 2027.

Indigenous Knowledge Preservation: USP PhD candidates at the University of the South Pacific are documenting Indigenous languages and traditional ocean knowledge to keep Pacific wisdom alive for future communities, linking it to climate resilience and food security. Renewable Power for Honiara: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line from Tina River to Lungga, aiming to deliver up to 15MW of renewable electricity and cut reliance on imported diesel. Digital Upgrade at PAC: Solomon Islands’ National Parliament is pushing ahead with an ICT modernisation plan, with a $5.6m supplementary request covering new computers and equipment for MPs and staff. Energy for Telecom Expansion: Polar Power says repeat orders have followed successful 2024 deployments, generating $7.9m revenue across Pacific markets and adding 15 more solar-hybrid systems for Solomon Islands telecom sites. Geohazards and Early Warning: Minister Derrick Manuari opened major regional meetings in Honiara on seismic networks, geohazards, and tsunami warning systems. Forestry Law Overhaul: The GREAT Coalition is consulting on reforms to forestry legislation, including stronger oversight, clearer licensing, and tougher penalties for illegal logging. Education Policy Prep: Government has begun groundwork for Free Education in 2027, including a Free Education Taskforce and curriculum reforms. Land and Coastal Governance Bills: Five land-sector bills are set to reshape customary land governance, land dispute resolution, housing, land information systems, and coastal and marine management.

Renewables Build-Out: Reeves Envico and CE Group have started work on a 22-kilometre transmission line from the Tina River Hydropower Facility to Honiara’s Lungga Power Station, aiming to deliver up to 15MW of renewable electricity and cut diesel reliance. Energy for Connectivity: Polar Power says repeat orders since 2024 have generated about $7.9m across Pacific markets, including the Solomon Islands, where 15 more solar hybrid systems are set to expand broadband power to remote telecom sites. Digital Government Upgrade: Parliament’s PAC hearing backed a $5.6m supplementary request for an ICT upgrade, including new desktop computers and equipment to support MPs and parliamentary research. Cyber Security Funding: MCA is seeking $532,455 for SolCERT, including an international cyber security audit and a cyber-response strategy. Forestry Governance Overhaul: The GREAT Coalition is moving to strengthen forestry laws with new oversight bodies, clearer licensing steps, tougher penalties, and a rehabilitation levy. Climate & Disaster Science: Minister Manuari opened regional geohazard and tsunami warning meetings in Honiara, highlighting science and monitoring as life-saving investment. Education Reform: Government is laying groundwork for Free Education in 2027, with a taskforce and curriculum reforms nearing completion. Land & Minerals Tech: New land governance bills are planned, while mining royalties will track gold prices and two new labs will verify mineral exports.

Renewable Power Build-Out: Reeves Envico and CE Group have started work on a 22-kilometre transmission line from the Tina River Hydropower Facility to Honiara’s Lungga Power Station, aiming to deliver up to 15MW of renewable electricity and cut reliance on imported diesel. Off-Grid Telecom Power: Polar Power says repeat orders since 2024 have generated about $7.9m across Pacific markets, including the Solomon Islands, where a fresh telecom repeat order will add 15 more solar-hybrid systems for broadband expansion. Disaster Science in Honiara: Minister Derrick Manuari opened major regional geohazard and early-warning meetings, including ORSNET and the Pacific Tsunami Warning System working group, highlighting Ring of Fire risks and the value of monitoring and preparedness. Cyber Security Funding: The Ministry of Communication and Aviation is seeking $532,455 for SolCERT, including an international cyber security audit and a cyber-response strategy. Forestry Governance Overhaul: The GREAT Coalition is consulting on stronger forestry laws—new oversight bodies, clearer licensing, tougher penalties, and tighter controls on timber sales and exports. Education Reform: Government moves toward Free Education in 2027, with a taskforce and curriculum updates underway. Mining & Labs: A sliding-scale royalty system will link gold royalties to global prices, alongside plans for two new labs to verify mineral exports.

Renewable Power Build-Out: Reeves Envico and CE Group have started work on a 22-kilometre transmission line linking the Tina River Hydropower Facility to Honiara’s grid, aiming to deliver up to 15MW of cleaner power and cut reliance on imported diesel. Off-Grid Telecom Energy: Polar Power says repeat orders since 2024 have generated about $7.9m across Pacific markets, including the Solomon Islands, where a fresh telecom repeat order will add 15 more solar-hybrid systems to support broadband expansion. Disaster Science in Honiara: Minister Derrick Manuari has opened regional geohazard and early-warning meetings, including ORSNET and the Pacific Tsunami Warning System working group, highlighting Ring of Fire risks and the value of monitoring and preparedness. Digital & Cyber Security Funding: The National Parliament’s PAC hearing covered a $5.6m supplementary request for ICT upgrades, while the Ministry of Communication and Aviation sought $532,455 for SolCERT cyber-response support and related security work. Mining Oversight Upgrade: Parliament heard about a sliding-scale royalty system tied to global gold prices and plans for two new laboratories to independently verify mineral exports and grades. Education Reform Planning: Government has begun groundwork for Free Education in 2027, with a taskforce set to handle financing, governance, legislation and consultations. Land Governance Bills: Five major land and coastal reform bills were outlined, aiming for more transparent, fair and modern systems for customary land, disputes, housing, land information and marine management.

Renewable Power Build-Out: Reeves Envico and CE Group have started work on a 22-kilometre transmission line linking the Tina River Hydropower Facility to Lungga and Honiara’s national grid, targeting up to 15MW of cleaner power to cut diesel reliance. Community Energy & Water: The Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships program is delivering gravity-fed clean water, solar power for schools, and classroom upgrades across East Kwaio in Malaita. Disaster Science in Honiara: Minister Derrick Manuari opened regional geohazard and tsunami early-warning meetings, highlighting Ring of Fire risks and the need for monitoring and preparedness. Digital Governance at PAC: Parliament’s digital upgrade is getting scrutiny as the National Parliament seeks $5.6m supplementary funding for ICT tools and cyber-response capacity. Cyber & Aviation Tech Funding: MCA is also seeking $532k for SolCERT and shifting $4m to fast-track provincial airport works. Energy for Telecoms: Polar Power received orders for 15 more solar hybrid systems to expand off-grid broadband sites. Mining Oversight: Government plans new mineral labs to verify exports and a sliding-scale royalty system tied to global gold prices. Education Reform: Free Education is set for rollout in 2027, with a taskforce and curriculum updates underway. Land & Coastal Reform: Five land-sector bills aim to modernise governance, resolve disputes, improve housing, and strengthen coastal and marine management.

Solar Power for Telecom: Polar Power secured repeat orders for 15 more solar hybrid power systems to expand broadband at remote Solomon Islands telecom sites, building on successful 2024 deployments. Disaster Monitoring Boost: China’s weather agency is rolling out domestically built AI models for typhoon monitoring, with the Solomon Islands listed among developing countries using the system. Geohazards & Early Warning: Honiara hosted regional meetings on seismic networks, geohazards and the Pacific Tsunami Warning System, opened by Mines/Energy/Rural Electrification Minister Derrick Manuari. Cyber Security Funding: MCA sought about $532,455 for SolCERT, including an international digital security audit and a cyber-response strategy, while shifting $4 million to speed provincial airport works. Justice for Logging Impacts: The High Court ordered two logging firms to pay $62 million in damages to Isabel communities over unlawful logging that harmed water sources, gardens and cultural sites. Education Reform: Government groundwork is underway for free education starting in 2027, with a taskforce and curriculum reforms nearing completion. Infrastructure Progress: Kirakira Wharf in Makira-Ulawa is 90% complete, with remaining approach road and protective works expected to finish by month-end. Regional Security Talks: PIF foreign ministers are considering Solomon Islands’ proposal for a regional security treaty, with debate over how it could change decision-making. Broadband Jobs: SINBIP reports 10,000 local jobs and 170 trained technicians as it expands national broadband infrastructure.

High Court Logging Ruling: The High Court in Isabel Province has ordered two logging companies to pay $62 million in damages to three communities (Kolomola, Alualu and Tuseli) after finding unlawful logging that polluted water sources and harmed gardens, forests and customary water rights. Ocean Research in the Region: Pristine Seas’ expedition vessel Argo is surveying Samoa’s newly protected marine areas using scuba surveys, deep-sea cameras, seabird counts and environmental DNA sampling—aimed at strengthening ocean stewardship with local partners. Education Reform: Solomon Islands is laying groundwork for nationwide Free Education in 2027, with a Free Education Taskforce, specialist support and curriculum reforms nearing completion. Mining Oversight Upgrade: Government will introduce a sliding-scale gold royalty system tied to global prices, plus two new laboratories to verify mineral exports and royalty payments. Land and Coastal Governance Bills: Five land-sector bills are set to overhaul customary land governance, land dispute resolution, housing, land information systems, and coastal and marine management. Infrastructure Update: Kirakira Wharf in Makira-Ulawa has reached 90% completion, with remaining approach road and protective works expected to finish by month-end. Community Climate Protection: North Malaita communities are planting 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, supported by Australia and local conservation training.

Education Reform: Solomon Islands is laying the groundwork for nationwide Free Education in 2027, with a Free Education Taskforce, specialist consultants, and curriculum reforms nearing completion. Agriculture & Rural Services: The government says it will deploy 50 agricultural officers to all constituencies and push agriculture reforms, including a new Agriculture and Livestock Act and biosecurity updates. Mining & Lab Verification: A sliding-scale royalty system will link mining royalties to global gold prices, alongside plans for two new labs to independently verify mineral exports. Land Governance Overhaul: Five land and coastal bills aim to modernize customary land governance, resolve disputes, improve housing, and strengthen coastal and marine management. Infrastructure & Transport: Kirakira Wharf construction is at 90% and set to finish by month-end, while Honiara’s Mendana Avenue upgrade keeps reopening lanes as concreting progresses. Connectivity & Skills: SINBIP says it has created 10,000 local jobs and trained 170 technicians, building long-term technical support for broadband. Environment & Resilience: MECDM outlines environmental stewardship plans, including waste upgrades and stronger compliance enforcement, while communities in North Malaita plant 2,000 mangroves to protect the Malu’u Market coastline. Regional Security Talks: Solomon Islands’ proposal for a regional security treaty is being considered by Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers.

Education Reform: MEHRD says Solomon Islands is laying groundwork for nationwide Free Education in 2027, with a Free Education Taskforce, specialist consultants, and curriculum reforms nearing completion. Mining & Lab Capacity: Government will link mining royalties to global gold prices via a sliding scale, and build two new labs—mineral assay and geochemical—to independently verify mineral exports and royalty payments. Land & Coastal Governance: Five land-sector bills are set to overhaul customary land governance, land dispute resolution, housing, land information systems, and coastal and marine management. Transport & Engineering: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue upgrade keeps moving, with lanes reopening as concreting continues; meanwhile, Kirakira Wharf in Makira-Ulawa is at 90% completion, and Ahanga Wharf in Rennell & Bellona resumes with new piling equipment after unexpected ground conditions. Digital & Skills: SINBIP reports 10,000 local jobs and 170 trained technicians, while a Pacific-wide study in NZ explores how online gaming affects wellbeing and identity. Health & Environment: The Speech from the Throne outlines medicine supply, primary healthcare upgrades, and plans to bring the National Public Health Laboratory up to international standards, alongside environmental stewardship and new waste infrastructure. Regional Security Talk: PIF foreign ministers in Suva are considering Solomon Islands’ proposal for a regional security treaty.