BY NED GAGAHE

Johnson Lobo, President of Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) says the accounting profession in the Solomon Islands must rapidly evolve to keep pace with global economic and technological changes.

Speaking at the 2025 ISIA Annual Congress at Heritage Park Hotel, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, he highlighted the powerful forces reshaping the financial landscape, including advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), geopolitical shifts, and climate change.

Lobo said these forces are not distant as we are seeing them here at home.

All the more, he added that businesses increasingly, rely on technology over manual labour, face rising financial pressures, and contend with insecurity in global supply chains.

“As seen in our own economy, and likewise, in many overseas countries, business practices and processes are changing rapidly, with the advancement of technology such as Al, increased usage of technology over manual labour to get work done, increased external financial pressures, global supply chain insecurity, etc.” Lobo said.

He stressed that these changes demand new knowledge and skills from professionals and decision-makers, both locally and internationally.

Henceforth, Lobo said accountants must learn quickly and apply innovative approaches to remain relevant and effective in this rapidly changing environment.

The two-day congress, held under the theme “Shaping the Solomon Islands Future Economic and Financial Landscape – Relevance of the Accounting Profession,” brought together 87 participants from the public and private sectors as well as regional and international experts.

Lobo emphasized that the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) is taking strategic steps to modernize the profession, positioning it as a forward-looking and internationally reflective body.

He said the goal is to ensure that accountants contribute meaningfully to the long-term sustainability of the Solomon Islands’ economy and social wellbeing.

The congress featured interactive panels, keynote speeches, and sessions that aim to equip accountants with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving economic landscape.

Photo: Australian High Commission

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Report launched on SBD5billion-worth 515 projects across every province under Australia-SI infrastructure cooperation

BY MORRIS NAFU

A report on the 515 projects delivered across Solomon Islands by Australia worth over SBD$5 billion has been launched.

Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Rexon Ramofafia and Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel co-launched the report during the Pacific Infrastructure Conference 2025 in Brisbane.

According to a statement by the Australian High Commission on Thursday. August 21, 2025, the report “Building Together – five years of infrastructure partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia” provides a snapshot of the 515 projects delivered across Solomon Islands’ nine provinces, totalling over SBD5 billion, with the majority delivered by local firms and local workers, creating local jobs.

Mr Ramofafia said the Solomon Islands-Australia infrastructure partnership sets a high standard within the Pacific, with strong local procurement and skilled jobs for local workers, quality, climate resilience, and infrastructure linked to economic impact.

“Good infrastructure relies on trusted partnerships, developing our private sector and aligning with our priorities, and that is the story of this report,” Ramofafia said.

Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Rod Hilton said the reportrecognises the value of Australia’s long-term approach, focusing on projects with social and economic impact, creating local jobs, and supporting local companies to deliver more Australian-funded projects at a high quality.

He said the report demonstrates there is more to infrastructure than building roads, bridges, schools or ports.

“While hard infrastructure is important, how we deliver the infrastructure is the real challenge – and that means building climate resilience, working with the government and private sector to design, deliver and maintain a better standard of infrastructure that serves communities and enables them to grow and prosper,” Mr Hilton said.

Recent research has shown Australia’s approach to localising procurement and local workforces means every aid dollar invested by the people of Australia results in $2.50 of local economic benefit, the statement said.

In attendance at the launch were Solomon Islands ministerial delegation, including the Minister of Infrastructure Development (MID), Minister of Rural Development, (MRD) Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, (MME&RE) and Minister of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs, (MTGPEA) together with representatives from Solomon Islands and international contractors.

MID Minister Ricky Fuo’o acknowledged Australia as a long-time supporter of infrastructure in Solomon Islands, and their commitment to localise infrastructure delivery using local contractors and suppliers.

On this note, he expressed that the report features many Solomon Islands companies who are here today hence Australia should be congratulated for its efforts.

“We want infrastructure to be high quality, resilient and easily operated and maintained using local suppliers.

“The newly passed National Building Code, a 30-year effort, now offers us with uniform standards to guide better infrastructure development in the future,” Minister Fuo’o said.

Photo: Australian High Commission (AHC)

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The launch of Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre marks a collaborative milestone between the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, (MCILI) Ministry of Agriculture  and Livestock, (MAL) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

MAL Minister, Trevor Hedley Mahaga, officially launched the Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre at IBS Hotel on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

The initiative is seen as a strategic response to the country’s pressing employment challenges particularly among youth, with urban youth unemployment currently estimated at 38%.

Mahaga said the initiative is more than a launch as it is also a symbol that Solomon Islands is not standing still.

“We are turning promises into projects, and policies into progress,” he said.

The ABI Centre aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture by targeting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially those led by young people and women.

The project has set an ambitious goal of supporting the development of at least 90 agribusinesses over the next three years, providing them with critical training, mentorship, and access to finance.

The Centre will offer services such as; business diagnostics, compliance and advisory support, climate adaptation guidance, and access to a dedicated business information hub.

It will also facilitate MSME forums, networking events, and entrepreneurship competitions, with successful business pitches receiving recognition and support through the ABI Technical Advisory Committee.

Mahaga said the centre embodies their commitment to nurturing sustainable and inclusive agricultural businesses.

He stressed that it will serve as a coordination hub for government agencies, NGOs, financial institutions and development partners working together to support agricultural innovation.

In an effort to ensure inclusivity, the ABI program will extend its reach to provinces such as Malaita, Western Province, and other provinces to ensure that rural communities are not left behind.

Mahaga expressed gratitude to all development partners and stakeholders involved, and voiced strong confidence in the program’s potential.

“Let us work together to unlock the full potential of Solomon Islands’ agriculture sector. This is the future we are building. One that is sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity,” he said.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) is advancing its commitment to Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development with ongoing provincial consultations for a new SME Bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon.

Riley Mesepitu, Permanent Secretary for MCILI spoke about this at the launch of the Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at IBS Hotel.

He confirmed that the draft legislation is currently undergoing nationwide consultations.

“This is the work of the ministry through its Commercial Division. Once the consultations are completed, we expect the SME legislation to become law, giving a formal structure to our ongoing support for the sector,” Mesepitu stated.

The proposed SME Act is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry to build a stronger, more inclusive economic foundation. Alongside the SME Bill, the Ministry is actively developing several key policies to drive long-term growth, including the National Export Policy, National Industrialization Policy, National Competition Policy, and Product Packaging and Labeling Policy.

Mesepitu said there is no national export policy in the country thus this will be a first.

“We need these policies to help our SMEs access international markets and scale up production,” he said.

One of the key highlights of the government’s recent SME efforts is the launch of the Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) Centre in Honiara.

This is a flagship initiative that aims to equip rural farmers and entrepreneurs with training, resources, and technical support to grow sustainable agribusinesses.

Mesepitu hails the ABI Centre as a “key milestone” under the national SME Policy and a symbol of growing collaboration between government ministries and international development partners.

“It is part of the SME Policy, and now we are also working on the SME Act, which is already being implemented.

“This program gives life to our theme: “Unlocking Potentials for Sustainable MSMEs, especially in the agriculture sector, which is where most of our SMEs operate,” Mesepitu said.

The ABI Centre is the result of close cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Agriculture, and partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Mesepitu highlighted the government’s focus on building an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, particularly in rural and indigenous communities. Recent initiatives include:

-Celebration of Solomon Islands’ first SME Day

-Launch of an E-Commerce Hub to support digital businesses

-Establishment of the UB Grow Business Accelerator for existing enterprises

-Hosting of the National Trade Fair and National Business Forum

Mesepitu expressed that the beauty of this program lies in collaboration.

“By partnering with others, including our farmers and micro-entrepreneurs, we are building a more inclusive and resilient economy,” he said.

The ABI Centre is seen as a strategic step towards agriculture-led growth, tapping into the economic potential of rural communities to support national development.

“Let us unlock the full potential of Solomon Islands’ agriculture sector for a brighter, sustainable, and prosperous future,” Mesepitu said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Three Solomon Islanders currently studying in Japan under the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) paid a courtesy visit to the Solomon Islands Honorary Consul in Tokyo, Mr. Kitano Takahiro.

The meeting, held in early August, marks the fellows’ first official engagement since their arrival.

The three Solomon Islanders are Benjamin Kiriau, Marlchom Row and Benjamin Pitakaka.

The visit began with warm introductions, as the fellows surprised the hosts by speaking in Japanese. The trio have only started learning the language the day before.

Their effort impressed both Mr. Kitano and Mr. Akita Takayuki, Director/Executive Officer of Kitano Construction Corp who also attended the occasion.

Each fellow shared their first impressions of Japan and outlined their study goals.

Mr. Kitano, who expressed fondness for Solomon Islands culture, praised the fellows’ enthusiasm and highlighted the shared values of peace and safety between both nations.

He encouraged the scholars to maintain close ties with the Consulate and assured them of their support throughout their academic journey in Japan.

Benjamin Kiriau expressed admiration for Japan’s natural beauty. He would like to learn how people contribute to economic development effectively supported by good infrastructure, especially those living in rural areas.

He also looks forwards to experiencing four seasons in Japan, especially winter season.

Upon arriving in Japan, Marlchom Row was struck by the country’s well-organized systems and the respectful demeanor of its people. He expressed a strong desire to learn from this experience and share his insights upon returning home.

Grateful for the opportunity, he also conveyed his enthusiasm to contribute to the national development of the Solomon Islands through the knowledge and perspectives he will gain during his stay in Japan.

Despite Japan’s high population density, Benjamin Pitakaka found Japan to offer a calm and peaceful environment—an ideal setting for academic research.

He hopes undertaking studies on national security at a Japanese university will contribute to strengthening Solomon Islands’ own security framework.

Pitakaka is also interested in learning about Japan’s policing approaches and security strategies and aims to identify practices that can be adapted in Solomon Islands.

Mr. Kitano acknowledged the uniqueness of Japanese culture and is also fond of Solomon culture.

He understands that the two cultures are different and respects both.

Mr. Kitano feels that Solomon Islands tends to be a peaceful country, and he appreciates that Japan also demonstrates a sense of safety—for example, it is common for lost wallets to be returned.　

He encourages the JDS fellows to feel free to visit the Consulate office and to maintain close communication with the Consulate in preparation for future events.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Member of Parliament for Small Malaita constituency, Rick Hou calls on the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) to reform the country’s electoral system.

Speaking during the recent parliament sitting, the one-time Prime Minister requested electoral reform – among other priority areas of reforms under the current regime.

While the MP is delighted with number of reforms the government proposed; especially on bills, he also calls for a reform for the electoral system.

Parliament recently passed the National Building Standard Bill 2025 and looks forward to the Public Service and Minerals and Resources bills, when parliament resumes on 10^th October, 2025.

“I just want to sound it out that the national general election is in two years-time and we need electoral reform.

“I’d like to propose this ahead of time so that the government can consider it in its legislative calendar,” he said.

On the same note, Hou also highlighted the significance of reviewing and amending some of the parliament’s standing orders.

He said work has already begun, and progressing on this important area, and he would like to see it continue.

“I also want to note the importance of amending some of the parliament’s standing orders.

“Progress has so far been made on the area, and the government should agree to some of the amendments to put them through in the next sitting,” he said.

The Member of Parliament for Small Malaita expressed that the very reason for this is so that parliament has an updated set of standing orders.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

“Be a mechanism from transforming Solomon Islands. You must look at yourself, that you are the beginning of transforming Solomon Islands.”

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), Alwyn Danitofea made the statement at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and Avu Avu airstrip tribal landowners on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Danitofea highlighted that government development priority policies cannot be fulfilled unless landowners are willing to work hand in hand with the government in implementing its plans.

“The Ministry of Communication and Aviation, together with the provincial government, we are here to work with you.

“These initiatives cannot be progressed if you are not willing to work in supporting us,” he expressed.

Danitofea emphasized mutual understandings between the government and land owners.

“Your views can only be understood by the government if you are willing to come and sit down together at the table.

“If you have a positive way, if you have an issue, please come to us. We are here to serving the same people. We are here to make sure that the services are delivered to our people”, he said.

The Permanent Secretary highlighted that the agreement will remain on paper until they are all willing to do what they are expected to do.

“If we are not prepared to transform, we will never be transformed. If we are not prepared to work in partnership, we will never work in partnership.

“The biggest hindrance to infrastructure development of this country and the biggest hindrance to government providing its services to the people of Solomon Islands is because of the fact that our people are not prepared to work in partnership with the central government and with the provincial government,” he said.

Danitofea said it is not just a project but is to show that they are here to work together to improve Solomon Islands.

“We are here with a transformative mindset. The infrastructure is just evidence of the new beginning that we will continue to venture into. A transformative one in the aviation space.

“Today is an example of a true partnership, true unity between the government, the central government, the provincial government, and the land owners. This partnership cannot be possible if you are not able or humble enough to come and work as partners. Transformation does happen in our minds first”, he said.

Danitofea also took the opportunity to thank everyone at the signing ceremony.

He furthered that if they cannot accept each other, they will never work in unity.

“If we never transform our minds, we will never see transformative activities,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu calls on the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) to reinstate the Provincial Urban Development programme.

The programme was initiated to support provincial governments in the development and expansion of provincial urban centres across the country.

Siapu made the call during Makira Ulawa province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day celebration held at Kirakira, Makira Ulawa province.

He said in 2011, MPGIS had developed the “Provincial Expansion Development” programme in its annual work plan.

Siapu recalled that three provinces benefited from the program by expanding the land boundaries of their provincial centers. 

He mentioned that Makira Ulawa province has bought Huro land on an outright purchase arrangement and Choiseul and Guadalcanal provinces have also bought lands to expand their town boundaries.

Unfortunately, the premier said this important program was phased out and as a result, the three provinces could not develop the lands to this day.

He echoed that the provinces especially, Makira Ulawa province requests feedback from MPGIS on this very important program.

Siapu said they have plans in place to develop Huro land and the reinstatement of the program would be a great boost to this plan. 

“I call on MPGIS to reinstate this Provincial Urban Development program to assist Provincial Governments to not only expand provincial town boundaries but build much-needed accommodations for provincial officers,” Siapu said.

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