Solomons’ economy strengthened in 2nd half of 2025 due to solid mineral exports, active key sectors: Central Bank

BY NED GAGAHE

Economic activity strengthened in the second half of 2025, exceeding earlier expectations, according to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI).

Speaking during the announcement of the Bank’s accommodative monetary policy stance for the next six months alongside the introduction of a new 1.5 percent policy rate, CBSI Governor Dr Luke Forau said stronger growth was driven by solid mineral exports and improved performance across key sectors.

Dr Forau said agriculture, fishing, communications, wholesale and retail trade, and tourism all recorded better-than-expected outcomes, while labour market conditions remained broadly supportive.

“Against this backdrop, CBSI has revised up its growth outlook to 3.6 percent for 2025 and 3.8 percent for 2026, underpinned by mining expansion and broad-based growth in services, more than offsetting the decline in logging,” he said.

CBSI said that global growth is projected to remain steady in 2026, with inflation in many economies easing towards central bank targets. International food and fuel prices are expected to remain subdued amid ample supply, supporting lower imported inflation.

On the external front, the country’s foreign reserves are projected to remain adequate at around 12 months of import cover in 2026. This will be supported by robust export earnings and continued donor inflows.

Fiscal policy is expected to shift towards consolidation this year as Government works to manage the fiscal deficit and rebuild cash buffers.

Monetary aggregates are projected to grow moderately, while credit growth is expected to remain modest, mainly driven by personal lending.

Headline inflation eased sharply to 1.6 percent in December 2025, down from 3.7 percent in June. The decline reflects lower domestic price pressures and subdued imported inflation.

Core inflation also moderated to 0.9 percent over the same period, indicating contained underlying demand.

Looking ahead, headline inflation is expected to rise temporarily in the first quarter of 2026 due to heavy rainfall affecting local food prices. However, it is projected to ease to around 3.5 percent by June and 3.4 percent by December 2026. Core inflation is forecasted to remain low at about one percent this year.

CBSI cautions that risks to the outlook remain, including heightened geopolitical tensions that could lift global oil prices, more extreme weather events that may disrupt food supply, and ongoing domestic market inefficiencies.

The Bank says it will continue to closely monitor both domestic and global developments and stands ready to adjust its policy stance if inflationary pressures intensify or significant macroeconomic shocks arise.

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Solomon Islands set for historic double hosting and tough OFC U-16 draws

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Solomon Islands is preparing for a landmark year in youth football after official draws confirmed challenging group assignments for both the national men’s and women’s under-16 teams ahead of the 2026 OFC championships.

According to the Oceania Football Confederation, the draws were finalized on 18 February at the OFC Home of Football – Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland, confirming match pathways and host arrangements for the region’s premier youth competitions.

The biggest spotlight will fall on Solomon Islands as hosts of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship from 6–19 September, a milestone moment for the growth of women’s football in the country.

Drawn in Group A, the hosts will face defending champions New Zealand, Fiji and the yet-to-be-decided qualifying winner.

Solomon Islands will open their campaign against New Zealand on Sunday 6 September at Lawson Tama Stadium (3pm), before meeting the qualifying winner on Wednesday 9 September (12pm) and Fiji on Saturday 12 September (3pm), with all host-nation fixtures scheduled for Lawson Tama.

“Hosts Solomon Islands have been drawn alongside defending champions New Zealand, Fiji and the qualifying winner in Group A,” OFC said.

The qualifying tournament, to be played in Papua New Guinea from 18–24 April, will feature American Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands in a round-robin format, with the winner advancing to Honiara.

The 2026 event will be the eighth edition of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, which OFC describes as providing a vital pathway for emerging female footballers across Oceania to gain international experience.

Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands U-16 men’s side faces a difficult Group B assignment at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Papua New Guinea from July 12-25.

They will meet defending champions New Zealand, Tahiti and the qualifying winner, while Group A contains hosts Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Fiji and Samoa.

Solomon Islands will begin their campaign against New Zealand on Monday 13 July, followed by Tahiti on Thursday 16 July, before closing group play against the qualifier on Sunday 19 July.

“Defending champions New Zealand headline Solomon Islands’ pool, with Tahiti and the qualifying winner completing Group B”, OFC said.

A top-two finish would secure a semi-final berth on 22 July, with the tournament final scheduled for 25 July.

The men’s championship represents the 23rd edition of Oceania’s premier youth competition, dating back to 1983 when it was contested at under-17 level.

Together, the two tournaments signal a defining chapter for youth football in Solomon Islands — with the girls competing before home supporters and the boys testing themselves against the region’s strongest nations overseas.

“These championships remain central to talent development in Oceania, offering young players a clear pathway toward higher-level international football”, OFC said.

For Solomon Islands, attention now turns to preparation, squad selection and building momentum as the nation prepares to host a major women’s tournament while chasing regional success on both fronts in 2026.

Photo: OFC Media

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BY ALICE CAMPBELL

British High Commissioner, HE Paul Turner, addressed a National Stakeholder Workshop on Energy Reform this week, highlighting the need for a new Independent Energy Regulator in Solomon Islands.  

In a keynote speech, Turner welcomes the Government’s vision for a more accessible and affordable electricity sector, saying the establishment of a new Regulator will enable more Independent Power Providers (IPPs) to provide electricity in Solomons. 

Turner underlined that solar was a source of power that should be utilised more, and the new Regulator would encourage more solar IPPs. 

He said that the current grid system which was 90 percent diesel generated was untenable both economically and environmentally. 

Solomons must look beyond diesel for cleaner, cheaper power on and off grid.

The UK has deployed British experts to help the Ministry of Mines and Energy with the drafting of new legislation for an Independent Regulator.

The workshop on Wednesday canvassed views on the new legislative framework with participants from across Government and other public agencies, including Solomon Power. 

Members of the donor-diplomatic community were also present, including the World Bank and ADB who are working with the UK. 

The Ministry of Energy and Mines welcomes UK’s contribution and stressed the need to keep up the momentum on reforms in the energy sector.  

Turner said the process is taking time but progress is also being made.

Photo: Supplied

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BY ALICE CAMPBELL

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Communication and Aviation, Frederick Kologeto, met with the visiting Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, in Honiara yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office.

A statement from the Government Communication Unit (GCU) said the two leaders discussed areas of mutual interest, including telecommunication, aviation infrastructure, renewable energy and others,

At the meeting, Mr Kologeto praised the longstanding cordial relations between the two countries, highlighting Solomon Islands’ appreciation of Australia’s ongoing support in many areas.

Australia’s Deputy PM reaffirms Australia’s commitment to support Solomon Islands, saying Australia is pleased and stands ready to assist.

Photo: GCU

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Japanese Ambassador His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi yesterday handed over an ambulance vehicle to the Fouabu Rural Health Clinic in West Kwaraae, Malaita Province. 

The handover marks a milestone achievement for the people of Fouabu and will help solve their long-standing need of almost 10 years. 

During the handover ceremony at Kiluufi Hospital yesterday, Mr Keiichi said he was very happy that the ceremony was graced and witnessed by many people.

He said the project was funded by Japan’s Grassroots and Human Security project, which cost thirty-one thousand three hundred and forty-six US dollars, approximately around SDB$250,000.

“I am honoured to attend today’s ceremony for handing over the ambulance for Fouabu Rural Health Clinic. I understand that this project was signed on October 18, 2024, between the Embassy of Japan and the Fouabu Rural Health Clinic while my Ambassador Miva was serving as Ambassador.

“One of the priorities of the grassroots and human security scheme is to help meet human needs. We recognise that health is the foundation of human security. Without access to medical care, a community cannot thrive,” he said. 

He also thanked the people who spent their efforts to complete the project.

“I would like to salute and commend the effort each one of these dedicated people made, who paved the way from the start to the completion of this project,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Fouabu Chief, David Uma, acknowledges the government of Japan for seeing their needs and supporting them.

He said this is a huge achievement for them, as their needs will now be solved.

The Japanese team also visited the construction site of the new hospital building yesterday.

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has launched a recruitment drive for 50 temporary election officials to support the upcoming by-elections in West Baegu and Koviloko Wards.

Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Highwood Anisi said while the recruitment for senior election officials has concluded, the opportunities for temporary polling and counting officials remain open, a statement from SIEC yesterday said.

The deadline for application is March 4.

With two weeks remaining until the closing date, the SIEC is encouraging interested individuals residing within the West Baegu and Koviloko Wards to seize this opportunity.

Prospective applicants can find comprehensive recruitment information, including detailed application forms and specific requirements on the SIEC official’s website and its Facebook page.

In line with its commitment to inclusive elections the SIEC strongly encourages women and youth to apply.

This diverse representation aims to promote equal opportunity and ensure that the electoral processes are delivered by a broad cross-section of the community, SIEC said.

SIEC highlights the importance of a well-supported team to ensure a smooth and fair conduct of the upcoming by-election, the statement said.

Photo: SIEC

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has officially announced the opening of nomination for candidates contesting the upcoming by-elections in the West Baegu and Koviloko wards.

The SIEC statement said the nomination commenced on Wednesday, February 18 and will be concluded at 4pm on March 4.

This 14-day nomination window follows the publication of the Election Date Gazette notice, which confirms the date for both by-elections on April 15, 2026.

Jasper Highwood Anisi, Chief Electoral Officer, emphasised the strict criteria individuals must meet to contest these by-elections.

Prospective candidates must:

-Be at least 21 years of age

-Be a register voter in the province where they are contesting.

-Be nominating by three registered voters from their respective ward.

-Pay a non-refundable nomination fee of $2,500

Anisi said that prospective candidates are encouraged to visit designated nomination centres in person to submit their nominations before 4pm on March 4.

The specific nomination centres have been confirmed:

• for West Baegu nomination will be at Malaita Provincial Chamber Conference room 2 in Auki Malaita Province.
• For Koviloko Ward nominations will be accepted at the DFL Centre Building in Buala Isabel Province.

Candidates are reminded of the crucial requirements to bring their nominators who must be registered voters in the ward being contested to the nomination Centre to successfully completed process, Anisi said.

Following the close of nomination a ballot paper draw will be conducted to determine the candidates’ positions on the ballot.

He said any candidate wishing to withdraw their nomination must notify the returning Officer for their respective ward ln writing within 48 hours from the close of nominations.

Photo: SIEC

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