AGP Executive Report

Education Reform: Solomon Islands will roll out nationwide free education in 2027, with PM Matthew Wale saying it will end the heavy school costs families carry and help build a skilled workforce for long-term economic transformation. Health & Clinics: The Speech from the Throne also promises stronger healthcare delivery, including reliable medicine supply, reopening clinics, upgrading area health centres, and bringing the National Public Health Laboratory up to international standards. Agriculture Push: The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development plans to deploy agricultural officers to all 50 constituencies, alongside new legislation and a renewed research centre to strengthen farming support and biosecurity. Infrastructure Update: Kirakira Wharf in Makira-Ulawa is at 90% completion, with remaining works focused on approach roads, protective structures, and passenger facilities. Digital Connectivity Jobs: SINBIP says it has created 10,000 local jobs and trained 170 technicians through tower rollout, training sessions, and permanent technical support. Environment on the Ground: North Malaita communities are planting 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, supported by Australia and paired with a seawall. Regional Security Talk: Solomon Islands’ proposal for a regional security treaty is being considered by Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva.

Regional Security Talks: Solomon Islands’ proposal for a regional security treaty is set for discussion by Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva, with analysts warning it could shift how decisions are made across the region. Agriculture Service Push: The government says it will deploy 50 agricultural officers to all constituencies and roll out reforms under a 2026–2030 agriculture plan, including new legislation and a revived agriculture research centre. Justice System Overhaul: Minister Clezy Rore says landmark justice bills are being finalized for Cabinet, alongside a roadmap toward an autonomous judiciary by July 2028. Coastal Protection + Climate Resilience: North Malaita communities plant 2,000+ mangroves to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, paired with a seawall investment. Health System Upgrades: The Speech from the Throne outlines stronger medicine supply, reopened clinics, upgraded health centres, and plans to bring the National Public Health Laboratory up to international standards. Food Security Research: Japan’s SATREPS researchers begin a long-term sweet potato project with MALD to strengthen seedling management and national food security. Digital Connectivity: China-aided broadband infrastructure has been handed over, boosting coverage across all provinces and major islands. AMR Fight: Solomon Islands submits its latest antimicrobial resistance assessment to WHO’s TrACCS survey, supporting an evidence-based national response. Maritime Infrastructure: Kirakira Wharf hits 90% completion, while Ahanga Wharf work resumes after specialized piling equipment is delivered.

Agriculture Reform Push: Minister Franklyn Wasi says the GREAT Coalition will fast-track the National Agriculture Development Plan 2026–2030, backed by new legislation and a re-established agriculture research centre, plus a biosecurity law review. Rural Extension Boost: MALD will post agriculture officers to all 50 constituencies so farmers get technical support closer to home. Biosecurity in Focus: Pineapple growers warn that Australia’s consideration of fresh imports from India and Indonesia could bring new pests and diseases, even if strict safeguards are proposed. Health System Upgrade: The Speech from the Throne pledges better healthcare and education, with medicine supply strengthened, more primary care, reopened clinics, upgraded area health centres, and a National Public Health Laboratory brought to international standards. Food Security Research: Japan’s SATREPS team begins a long-term sweet potato project with MALD to improve seedling management and production. Coastal Protection in Action: North Malaita communities plant 2,000+ mangroves to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, supported by Australia and local conservation groups. Digital Growth: DATEC plans to expand its retail network, including a new Honiara outlet, as part of a wider tech modernisation push. AMR Fight: Solomon Islands reaffirms its antimicrobial resistance work after submitting to WHO’s TrACCS survey.

Agriculture Service Push: The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development will deploy 50 agricultural officers to all 50 constituencies, aiming to bring extension support and technical advice closer to rural farmers under the 2026–2030 National Agriculture Development Plan. Coastal Protection in Action: North Malaita communities are planting over 2,000 mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, pairing a seawall build with local nursery training and coastal rehabilitation skills. Health System Upgrade: The Speech from the Throne outlines stronger medicine supply, renewed primary healthcare, upgraded area health centres, and plans to lift the National Referral Hospital and the National Public Health Laboratory to higher standards. AMR Response: Solomon Islands has submitted its latest antimicrobial resistance assessment to WHO’s TrACSS survey, reinforcing a multi-sector approach across health, agriculture, livestock, food and the environment. Digital Connectivity: China-aided National Broadband Infrastructure Project handover reports expanded coverage from 56% to 86% across all nine provinces and 35 major islands. Tech & Research Links: Japan’s SATREPS team begins a five-year sweet potato seedling management project with MALD to boost food security through science and long-term experts. Regional Marine Conservation: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, linking marine protected areas across Melanesia to safeguard biodiversity and migration routes.

Energy Storage Explained: A new explainer breaks down how flow batteries separate power (set by cell stack and membrane area) from energy capacity (set by electrolyte tank volume), highlighting Elestor’s hydrogen–iron design using abundant iron that can be sourced even from seawater. Coastal Climate Resilience: North Malaita communities are planting 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, with training for nurseries and coastal rehabilitation supported by Australia alongside a seawall investment. Health System Upgrade: The Speech from the Throne pledges stronger healthcare delivery—reliable medicine supply, reopening clinics, upgrading Area Health Centres, expanding specialist services, and bringing the National Public Health Laboratory up to international standards. Agriculture Research Partnership: Japan’s SATREPS team begins a five-year sweet potato seedling management project with MALD, aiming to boost production and food security through science and long-term experts. Tech & Connectivity: China-aided national broadband infrastructure has been handed over, expanding coverage from 56% to 86% across all nine provinces and 35 major islands. Public Health Results: A nationwide scabies treatment campaign using ivermectin cut rates sharply in Solomon Islands and Fiji, showing mass drug administration can control scabies at country scale. Road Works Milestone: Honiara’s Mendana Avenue upgrade continues with lanes reopening and final finishing works underway near Hot Bread Roundabout. Marine Conservation: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, aiming to link transboundary marine protected areas across Melanesia.

Honiara Infrastructure Update: Mendana Avenue’s seaside lanes between the HCC Roundabout and Hot Bread Roundabout have reopened, with the inner westbound lane now running under revised traffic arrangements while outer-lane concreting continues and the ITA Junction stays closed. Climate-Resilient Coastal Work: North Malaita communities have planted over 2,000 mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, supported by training from local conservation groups and Australia’s backing alongside a seawall project. Health Policy in Parliament: The Governor-General’s Speech to open the 12th Parliament promises stronger medicine supply, renewed primary healthcare, upgrades to area health centres, and moves to improve diagnostics and public health capacity. Food Security Research: Japan’s SATREPS team has begun a five-year sweet potato seedling management project with MALD, aiming to boost production using science and long-term experts. Digital Connectivity: China-aided national broadband infrastructure has been handed over, expanding coverage across all provinces and major islands via 3G/4G base stations. AMR Push: Solomon Islands has submitted its latest antimicrobial resistance assessment to the TrACCS survey, reinforcing a multi-sector approach to drug-resistant infections. Marine Protection Plan: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, linking transboundary marine protected areas across Melanesia. Tech Retail Expansion: DATEC says it will expand its premium retail network, with new outlets planned for Honiara and other Pacific locations. Public Health Breakthrough: A world-first scabies mass treatment program has sharply reduced cases in Solomon Islands and Fiji after nationwide ivermectin rounds.

Transport Upgrade: Both lanes along Mendana Avenue between HCC Roundabout and Hot Bread Roundabout have reopened, with the inner westbound lane now open while the outer lane stays closed for concreting of bus bays and parking; the ITA Junction remains closed and motorists are urged to use the newly reopened Hot Bread Junction. Coastal Resilience: North Malaita communities are planting 2,000+ mangrove seedlings to protect the Malu’u Market coastline, supported by Australia alongside a seawall investment. Health System Push: The Governor-General says Parliament will prioritise reliable medicine supply, stronger primary healthcare, clinic reopenings, upgrades to Area Health Centres, and a National Public Health Laboratory brought up to international standards. Food Security Research: Japan’s SATREPS team has begun a five-year sweet potato seedling management project with MALD, aiming to boost production and national food security. Digital Retail Expansion: DATEC plans new premium outlets in Mt Hagen and Honiara, as it modernises ICT access across PNG and the Pacific. AMR Action: Solomon Islands submitted its latest antimicrobial resistance assessment to WHO’s TrACCS survey, using data from health, agriculture, food and environment sectors to guide an evidence-based response. Marine Protection: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, linking transboundary marine protected areas across Melanesia. Public Health Breakthrough: A world-first scabies mass drug administration programme in Solomon Islands and Fiji cut scabies rates sharply after two nationwide ivermectin rounds.

Marine Conservation: Solomon Islands has joined a push for the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a transboundary network of marine protected areas spanning Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji, aiming to protect biodiversity while allowing sustainable, Indigenous-aligned use. Public Health: WHO says Solomon Islands has reaffirmed its fight against antimicrobial resistance after submitting data to the TrACSS self-assessment survey, covering human health, animals, agriculture, food and the environment. Disease Control: A world-first scabies mass drug administration program has sharply cut scabies and related skin infections in Solomon Islands and Fiji, using large-scale ivermectin distribution. Digital Infrastructure: China-aided national broadband infrastructure has been handed over in Tenaru, with coverage expanded across provinces and major islands via 3G/4G base stations. Telecom & Cables: DXN won a contract worth about US$1.2m to design, build and commission a cable landing station for the Adamasia Cable System-1 project, supporting Pacific connectivity and resilience. Local Tech & Roads: Honiara’s Hot Bread roundabout road upgrade is in its final stage, with asphalt paving completed and finishing works underway. Science & Safety: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service is monitoring severe weather as two New Zealand hikers remain trapped on Mt Popomanaseu after flooding and landslides blocked their route. Heritage & Research: Tulagi has opened the Nambawan Haus Museum, positioning it as a hub for education, research and sustainable tourism.

Marine Conservation: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a transboundary Indigenous-led marine protection push spanning Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, PNG and New Caledonia, aiming to protect biodiversity while allowing sustainable Indigenous values-based activities. Public Health: WHO says Solomon Islands has strengthened its fight against antimicrobial resistance after submitting data to the TrACSS survey across human health, animals, agriculture, food and the environment. Disease Control: A new Pacific study reports nationwide mass ivermectin treatment has sharply cut scabies in Solomon Islands and Fiji, showing the approach can work at country scale. Digital Infrastructure: China-aided national broadband infrastructure has been handed over to Solomon Islands, boosting coverage and connectivity across provinces and islands. Telecom Tech: DXN won a contract for submarine cable landing station work tied to the Adamasia Cable System-1, supporting Pacific security and resilience. Transport & Aviation: SIRAP2 progress continues at Henderson International Airport, with major aviation buildings and an air traffic control tower nearing completion. Local Governance: Police and the Ministry of Police say there will be no immediate eviction tied to geotechnical works for the new RSIPF Police Academy at Rove. Disaster Watch: A 5.0 quake was recorded in Solomon Islands, and meteorological conditions continue to be monitored after landslide risks. Safety Incident: Two New Zealand hikers remain trapped on Mt Popomanaseu after flooding and landslides blocked their route. Heritage & Science Tourism: Tulagi opened the Nambawan Haus Museum, adding a new hub for education, research and heritage tourism.

Broadband Upgrade Handover: China-aided national broadband infrastructure for Solomon Islands was officially handed over in Tenaru, with coverage rising from 56% to 86% via 161 3G/4G base stations across all nine provinces. Public Health Breakthrough: A world-first scabies control push using nationwide ivermectin mass treatment cut scabies rates in Solomon Islands from 23.2% to 3.9% after two rounds, with Fiji also seeing major declines. Aviation Infrastructure Progress: SIRAP2 is driving major works at Henderson International Airport, including the Aviation Complex Building and the Air Traffic Control Tower, both nearing completion. Digital Payments Update: BSP Cook Islands’ upgraded 4G EFTPoS terminals are speeding transactions, and the bank says similar upgrades will continue in Solomon Islands this year. Heritage & Museums: Tulagi opened the Nambawan Haus Museum, positioning it as a flagship heritage tourism and learning site. Road Works: Honiara’s Hot Bread roundabout road upgrade is in its final finishing stage after asphalt paving was completed. Safety Clarification: Police academy site works at Rove were geotechnical investigations only, with no immediate evictions planned. Marine Conservation Plan: Solomon Islands joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR) initiative to expand transboundary marine protected areas. Mining Incident: More than 10 people are reported missing after a Gold Ridge Mining Limited ground collapse, with the area kept out of bounds pending engineering assessment.

Health at scale: A world-first scabies control push in Solomon Islands and Fiji cut national scabies rates after two nationwide rounds of ivermectin—23.2% to 3.9% in Solomon Islands—showing mass treatment can work when delivered nationwide. Connectivity boost: China-aided national broadband infrastructure was handed over in Tenaru, with coverage rising from 56% to 86% via 161 3G/4G base stations across nine provinces and 35 islands. Aviation upgrades: SIRAP2 says Henderson International Airport construction is progressing, with the aviation complex building and air traffic control tower nearing completion. Road works: Honiara’s Hot Bread to HCC roundabout asphalt paving is finished, moving the road upgrade into final finishing and tidy-up stages. Marine protection: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a transboundary marine protected area initiative led by PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji. Culture & tech policy: Tulagi opened the Nambawan Haus Museum, while UNESCO-Aschberg support backs Solomon Islands to review its Copyright Act and update rules for digital-era protection. Local science & risk: A 5.0 quake was recorded in Solomon Islands, and Pelican 3’s maiden voyage was disrupted by a technical fault requiring a system inspection.

Health Breakthrough: A world-first national mass drug administration program using ivermectin has sharply cut scabies and related skin infections in Solomon Islands and Fiji, with rates dropping from 23.2% to 3.9% in Solomon Islands after two nationwide rounds. Digital Connectivity: China-aided National Broadband Infrastructure Project handed over in Tenaru, boosting broadband coverage from 56% to 86% across all nine provinces and 35 major islands via 3G/4G base stations. Aviation Infrastructure: SIRAP2 progress at Henderson International Airport shows major work moving ahead on the Aviation Complex Building and the Air Traffic Control Tower. Road Tech & Transport: Honiara’s Hot Bread roundabout road upgrade is in its final stage, with asphalt paving completed and finishing works underway. Marine Conservation: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), adding to a transboundary marine protected area push across Melanesia. Public Safety Update: Police academy works at Rove involve geotechnical investigations only, with no immediate evictions for affected officers. Culture & Heritage: Tulagi officially opened the Nambawan Haus Museum, a new heritage tourism and learning site. Science Curiosity: New research on Guam’s brown tree snakes suggests unexpected genetic diversity helped the invasive species thrive—relevant to biosecurity thinking across the region.

Public Health: A world-first scabies control push is paying off. Solomon Islands cut scabies from 23.2% before treatment to 3.9% after two nationwide rounds of ivermectin, while Fiji fell from 6.2% to 3.4%. More than 2.5 million doses were delivered across both countries, led by the World Scabies Program at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute with local health ministries. Digital Infrastructure: China-aided broadband infrastructure was formally handed over in Tenaru near Honiara, with coverage rising from 56% to 86% across all nine provinces and 35 major islands. Transport & Engineering: Honiara’s Hot Bread roundabout road upgrade is in its final stage, with asphalt paving completed and finishing works underway. Aviation Upgrade: Henderson International Airport projects under SIRAP2 are progressing, including the aviation complex building and air traffic control tower. Education & Skills: Solomon Islands National University secured a KOICA grant to refurbish its fisheries department complex at Ranadi, boosting practical training and research. Science & Culture: The Nambawan Haus Museum opened in Tulagi, positioning heritage as a hub for education, research and sustainable tourism. Earth & Risk: A 5.0 quake hit Solomon Islands, while Japan’s frequent earthquakes continue to highlight the value of preparedness.

Public Health Breakthrough: A world-first scabies control push is paying off in Solomon Islands and Fiji, with nationwide ivermectin mass treatment cutting scabies prevalence in Solomon Islands from 23.2% to 3.9% after two rounds, and Fiji from 6.2% to 3.4% after one round—work led by the World Scabies Program at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute with local health ministries. Digital Connectivity: China-aided national broadband infrastructure has been handed over to Solomon Islands, expanding coverage from 56% to 86% across all nine provinces and 35 major islands via 161 3G/4G base stations. Aviation Infrastructure: Henderson International Airport is seeing major progress under SIRAP2, with construction advancing on the aviation complex building and the air traffic control tower. Telecom Tech Contract: DXN has won a contract worth about US$1.2m to design, build and commission a cable landing station for the Adamasia Cable System-1 project, supporting Pacific security and resilience. Road Works: Honiara’s Hot Bread roundabout road upgrade is in its final stage, with asphalt paving completed and finishing works underway. Maritime & Heritage: The Nambawan Haus Museum has opened in Tulagi, while Pelican 3’s maiden voyage was briefly disrupted by a technical fault. Science & Environment: A new study suggests Guam’s brown tree snakes thrived partly due to unexpectedly high genetic diversity, reshaping how invasive species can adapt.

Aviation Upgrade: Solomon Islands’ SIRAP2 says Henderson International Airport is nearing completion of two key works—an Aviation Complex Building and a new Air Traffic Control Tower—backed by the World Bank, with contractors and supervisors reporting strong progress. Public Health: A world-first scabies control study reports major, sustained drops in scabies and related skin infections in Solomon Islands and Fiji after national mass drug administration using ivermectin. Road Works: Honiara’s Hot Bread roundabout road upgrade is in its final stage, with asphalt paving finished and remaining works focused on parking, bus bays, walkways, lighting, signage and landscaping. Heritage & Museums: Tulagi has opened the Nambawan Haus Museum, restoring a historic British-era residence and positioning it as a flagship site for education, research and heritage tourism. Education & Skills: SINU secured KOICA funding (up to US$54,548) to refurbish its Fisheries Department complex at Ranadi, aiming to improve practical training and research. Maritime Safety: MV Pelican 3’s maiden voyage was cut short by a control and monitoring system fault; passengers were transferred to Pelican 1 and the vessel will return for inspection before resuming service. Geoscience: A 5.0-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Solomon Islands, with the GFZ reporting a shallow depth. Policy Debate: A Solomon Islands academic dismisses Shiprider Agreement sovereignty claims as legally unsound, arguing critics mix political concerns with legal principles. Trade & Innovation: Commerce Minister Harry Kuma launched the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair, urging innovation across farming, fishing, manufacturing and digital trade for sustainable growth.

Marine Protection: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a transboundary marine protected area plan led by Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji—promising bigger conservation gains, but with details on enforcement and community buy-in still thin. Public Health: A world-first scabies control program using mass ivermectin dosing has sharply reduced scabies and related skin infections in Solomon Islands and Fiji, showing coordinated national action can work even with limited health resources. Infrastructure & Transport: Honiara’s Hot Bread roundabout road upgrade is in its final stage, with asphalt paving finished and remaining works focused on safety features and landscaping. Police Academy Update: The Ministry of Police and RSIPF say recent Rove site activity was only geotechnical investigations—no immediate evictions—while relocation plans and house renovations continue. Telecom Tech: DXN won a contract worth about US$1.2m for a cable landing station supporting the Adamasia Cable System-1 project, boosting Pacific connectivity resilience. Disaster & Science: A 5.0 quake hit Solomon Islands, while a separate report highlights how “te lapa” underwater lightning remains a mystery scientists still can’t fully explain. Culture & Heritage: The Nambawan Haus Museum officially opened in Tulagi, restoring a historic residence and positioning it as a hub for education, research and sustainable tourism. Education & Skills: KOICA is funding SINU to refurbish its fisheries department complex, strengthening practical training and research for students.