AGP Executive Report

Health Regulation Upgrade: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Health and Medical Services, with WHO support, is assessing and strengthening how medicines, vaccines and medical devices are regulated, using WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool ahead of law updates. Fisheries Tech for Climate Adaptation: A UNSW-led program is expanding ocean temperature sensing on commercial fishing vessels across the Pacific to help fishers track changing tuna behaviour and improve forecasting. Flood Early Warning Capacity: Pacific partners are training meteorology and hydrology teams on impact-based flood forecasting, with Fiji’s Ba Catchment named as a pilot area. Education & Skills: New science laboratory classrooms in Western Province are being handed over to boost hands-on learning for rural students. Mining Governance Scrutiny: Opposition and reporting highlight changes and disputes around Solomon Islands Mineral Holding (SIMHL) records and a separate controversy over a SBD$1.5m Forestry house rent linked to PM Wale’s land. Regional Security & Data: Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest in a major IUU fishing surveillance push using satellite detections and coordinated patrols. Tax Policy Consultation: The GREAT Government released a draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public feedback.

Health Regulation Upgrade: Solomon Islands, with WHO support, is reviewing and strengthening its medicines, vaccines and medical devices regulatory system using WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool, ahead of law updates to better block unsafe or fake health products. Flood Forecasting Tech: Fiji’s Ba Catchment is one of two Pacific pilot sites for operational impact-based flood forecasting, with training in Nadi focused on turning better hydrology and modelling into warnings people can act on. Science Education Boost: New science laboratory classrooms (over SBD 2.7m) have been handed over for Western Province schools, aiming to expand hands-on experiments and careers in health, engineering, IT and environmental science. Livestock Biosecurity: MALD ran animal health awareness and disease surveillance in Malaita, visiting farms, collecting samples from chickens, pigs and cattle, and training farmers on prevention and early reporting. Fisheries Monitoring: A regional IUU fishing crackdown (Operation Island Chief 2026) flagged 16 vessels of interest and involved satellite detections, patrols and boardings across millions of square kilometres. Governance & Land/Mining: Opposition continues to challenge a SBD 1.5m Forestry house rent linked to PM Wale’s land, while GREAT’s mining reforms include new mineral holding companies registered under SIMHL. Regional Tech & Diplomacy: Japan’s ruling party signals room for closer economic cooperation with Pacific islands, including discussions with Solomon Islands on economic security.

Health Regulation Upgrade: Solomon Islands is strengthening oversight for medicines, vaccines and medical devices, with MHMS and WHO running a three-day national self-assessment in Honiara using WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool to map gaps and priorities ahead of law updates. Tax Policy Consultation: The GREAT Government released its Draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028, inviting public feedback on proposed tax and legislative priorities, with a clear process for sequencing work based on impacts to revenue and the economy. Forestry Rent Controversy: Opposition is challenging a SBD$100,000-a-month Forestry rental tied to Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s registered land interest, while the Ministry says the tenancy began before he became PM. Education Tech for Rural Schools: Two new science laboratory classrooms in Western Province (over SBD2.7m) were handed over through Australia-New Zealand support, aiming to boost hands-on science learning. Climate & Disaster Tech: Regional flood early-warning training in Fiji is pushing impact-based forecasting for better, clearer alerts. Fisheries Monitoring Tech: Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest in a major IUU fishing crackdown using satellite detections, patrols and inspections.

Health Regulation Upgrade: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Health and Medical Services, with WHO support, is assessing and strengthening the national system that regulates medicines, vaccines and medical devices, using WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool to map gaps and priorities ahead of law updates. Tax Transparency Push: The GREAT Government released its draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public consultation, outlining tax policy priorities and how proposals will be prioritised and sequenced. Forestry Rental Controversy: Opposition is challenging a SBD$1.5m, SBD$100,000-a-month Forestry rental tied to Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s registered property, after Public Accounts Committee concerns about due diligence and compliance. Climate Policy Planning: Solomon Islands is drafting its first National Loss and Damage Policy and Investment Roadmap through national consultations, aiming to turn climate impacts into shared responsibilities and financing priorities. Flood Forecasting Training (Regional): Fiji hosted training for Pacific flood early warning, with Ba Catchment selected for operational impact-based flood forecasting pilots. Science Education Boost: New science laboratory classrooms were handed over for rural Western Province schools, funded through Australia-New Zealand education support. Ocean Tech for Fishers: A UNSW-led program is expanding ocean temperature sensing on fishing vessels to help Pacific fishers and fisheries managers track changing tuna behaviour. Infrastructure Progress: Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building project has reached 90% physical progress, targeting completion on 31 August 2026. IUU Fishing Crackdown (Regional): Operation Island Chief 2026 identified 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four during a FFA-coordinated surveillance effort across Pacific waters.

Health Regulation Upgrade: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Health and Medical Services, with WHO support, is reviewing the national system for regulating medicines, vaccines and medical devices, using a three-day self-assessment workshop in Honiara to map gaps and priorities as new laws are prepared. Disaster Tech & Training: Fiji is running a regional flood early warning training in Nadi, with Ba Catchment and Tongatapu selected as pilot areas for impact-based forecasting, aiming to get clearer, faster warnings to decision-makers and communities. Aviation Infrastructure: Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building project has reached 90% physical progress, with completion targeted for 31 August 2026. Science Classrooms: Two new science laboratory classrooms for Dekurana and Poitete Community High Schools in Western Province were handed over, funded through Australia-New Zealand education support. Climate Loss & Damage Policy: Consultations in Honiara are shaping Solomon Islands’ first National Loss and Damage Policy and Investment Roadmap, built to turn climate impacts into finance-ready priorities. Fisheries Enforcement: Operation Island Chief 2026 identified 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four during a two-week regional IUU fishing surveillance effort. Digital Business Support: Strongim Bisnis awarded laptops and Starlink units to five MSME accelerator participants to boost digital connectivity and market access. Mining Governance Watch: Company Haus records for Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Ltd were corrected after reports raised discrepancies in shareholder details tied to senior ministers.

Tax Reform Consultation: GREAT releases its Draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028, inviting taxpayers, businesses and community groups to review priorities and give feedback before finalisation, with work overseen by the Economic Division/IRD Work Prioritisation and Review Committee. Livestock Biosecurity in Malaita: MALD veterinary teams run animal health awareness and disease surveillance outreach in Auki, North Road and South Road, visiting farms, collecting samples from chickens, pigs and cattle, and advising farmers on husbandry and early reporting. Mining Reform Records: Reports prompt “corrections” to SIMHL shareholder details in Company Haus, after names of senior leaders appeared in the original registry filing, raising questions about transparency in mining-sector company setup. Health Product Safety: MHMS with WHO assesses Solomon Islands’ medicines, vaccines and medical devices regulation using WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool, aiming to strengthen oversight as laws are updated. Flood Forecasting Skills (Regional): Fiji’s Ba Catchment is selected for operational impact-based flood forecasting pilots, with Pacific training focused on better data, modelling and actionable warnings. Science Classrooms (Western Province): New science laboratory classrooms are handed over for Dekurana and Poitete Community High Schools, funded via Australia–New Zealand education support. Aviation Infrastructure: Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building reaches 90% physical progress, targeting completion by 31 August 2026. Coral Reef Risk (Research): NTU study warns most Indo-Pacific coral reefs could “drown” if sea level rise outpaces coral growth, threatening fisheries and tourism. Regional Fisheries Crackdown: FFA’s Operation Island Chief 2026 identifies 16 vessels of interest and apprehends four, using satellite monitoring and coordinated patrols across 27.5 million sq km. Climate Loss & Damage Policy (Solomons): MECDM leads consultations to shape the country’s first National Loss and Damage Policy and Investment Roadmap, turning climate impacts into priorities for finance and action.

Community Policing MoU: Vanuatu’s Internal Affairs Minister Andrew Solomon Napuat signed an MoU in Honiara to strengthen community policing through officer exchanges between Vanuatu and the RSIPF, with officers working alongside chiefs, churches, schools and village groups to prevent crime early. Animal Health Surveillance: MALD veterinary teams ran disease awareness and surveillance in Malaita (Auki, North Road, South Road), visiting farms, collecting samples from chickens, pigs and cattle, and advising farmers on husbandry and early reporting. Science Education Boost: Two new science laboratory classrooms in Western Province (Dekurana and Poitete CHS) were handed over under the Australia–New Zealand Education Sector Support Program, aiming to expand hands-on practical science for rural students. Health Product Safety: MHMS with WHO assessed Solomon Islands’ medicines, vaccines and medical devices regulation using WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool, feeding into updates to laws and stronger market surveillance. Fisheries Tech Enforcement: FFA’s Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, using satellite monitoring, aerial and surface patrols across 27.5 million sq km. Aviation Infrastructure: Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is 90% complete, with completion targeted for 31 August 2026. Climate Planning: Solomon Islands is shaping its first National Loss and Damage Policy and Investment Roadmap through national consultations, turning climate impacts into priorities for action and finance.

Science Education: Australia and New Zealand have handed over two new science laboratory classrooms for Dekurana and Poitete Community High Schools in Western Province, worth over SBD2.7 million, under the Education Sector Support Program to boost hands-on learning and practical skills. Health Regulation: Solomon Islands is strengthening rules for medicines, vaccines and medical devices, with MHMS and WHO running a three-day national self-assessment in Honiara using the Global Benchmarking Tool ahead of law updates. Climate Resilience: Fiji’s Ba Catchment is one of two Pacific pilot areas for operational impact-based flood forecasting, as regional training in Nadi targets better data, forecasting and timely warnings. Fisheries Monitoring: Operation Island Chief 2026 (FFA-led) identified 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four during surveillance across about 27.5 million sq km, using satellite and patrol support. Aviation Infrastructure: Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building project has reached 90% physical progress, with completion planned for 31 August 2026. Geology & Data: Curtin University New Colombo Plan scholars digitised 7,000+ rock samples and maps from Solomon Islands, creating a searchable national geological resource.

Medicine Safety Overhaul: Solomon Islands is strengthening regulation for medicines, vaccines and medical devices, using a WHO Global Benchmarking Tool self-assessment in Honiara to map strengths and gaps ahead of law updates. Climate Loss & Damage Policy: The country is drafting its first National Loss and Damage Policy and Investment Roadmap, turning climate impact consultations into priorities for finance and action. Coral Reef Risk: An NTU study warns 75% of Indo-Pacific coral reefs could “drown” as sea levels rise faster than corals can grow, threatening fisheries, tourism and coastal life. Flood Forecasting Boost: Fiji’s Ba Catchment is selected for a Pacific pilot on impact-based flood forecasting, aiming for clearer, faster warnings for communities and decision-makers. Aviation Infrastructure: Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building project has reached 90% physical progress, targeting completion by 31 August 2026. Aviation Complex Building: Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building project has reached 90% physical progress, targeting completion by 31 August 2026. IUU Fishing Crackdown: FFA’s Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, using satellite monitoring and coordinated patrols across 27.5 million sq km. Regional Unity vs Influence: Pacific foreign ministers backed a draft Regional Peace and Security Action Plan 2026–2030, stressing “regional ownership” amid growing geopolitical rivalry. Renewable Power Line: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line from Tina River to Honiara’s grid, designed to deliver up to 15MW of renewable electricity. Forestry Governance Reform: The GREAT Coalition is moving to tighten forestry laws with new oversight bodies, clearer licensing steps, and tougher penalties for illegal logging. Japan Engagement: Japan is deepening ties with Solomon Islands through development finance, disaster resilience, maritime cooperation and expanded security assistance.

Health Regulation Upgrade: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Health and Medical Services, with WHO support, is running a three-day self-assessment in Honiara using the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool to strengthen how medicines, vaccines and medical devices are authorised, licensed, inspected and monitored as the country updates its regulatory laws. Fisheries Tech & Enforcement: The FFA’s Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, using satellite monitoring, aerial and surface patrols and inspections across about 27.5 million sq km to tackle illegal fishing and protect tuna resources. Aviation Infrastructure: Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is at 90% physical completion, with final electrical, mechanical, plumbing and external works plus testing and commissioning due by 31 August. Climate Policy in Motion: Solomon Islands is drafting its first National Loss and Damage Policy and Investment Roadmap through consultations in Honiara, aiming to turn climate impacts into shared responsibilities and financing priorities. Renewable Power Build: Construction has started on a 22-km transmission line to bring up to 15MW of renewable electricity from Tina River to Honiara’s grid, reducing diesel reliance. Governance Watch: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee questioned a $1.5m MoFR house rental linked to PM Matthew Wale’s daughter, citing lack of due diligence and legal compliance.

Fisheries Surveillance: Operation Island Chief 2026 (OPIC26) flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four in a two-week, FFA-coordinated crackdown on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing across about 27.5 million sq km, using satellite monitoring, aerial and surface patrols, and vessel boardings involving Solomon Islands and other Pacific 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 and priorities into finance-ready actions. Renewable Energy & Power: Construction has started on a 22-kilometre transmission line from Tina River hydropower to Honiara’s grid to deliver up to 15MW of renewable power, while Polar Power reported repeat orders expanding solar-hybrid systems for telecom broadband sites. Digital Government: Parliament’s digital upgrade is moving ahead with a $5.6m supplementary request, as lawmakers scrutinise ICT spending and other operational needs. Geoscience for Development: Curtin New Colombo Plan scholars digitised 7,000+ rock samples and maps, creating a near-complete national geological database for future research and resource planning. Foreign Influence Watch: A regional security expert warns foreign interference can quietly erode Pacific unity by shaping decision-making rather than through obvious espionage.

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.