Chemonics Australia says its acquisition of advisory firm 35 South and regional delivery specialist JID will strengthen its ability to support infrastructure, public-sector reform and development programmes across Pacific countries.
The acquisitions, announced Sept. 2, expand the organisation’s capacity to work with governments, development partners and regional institutions from programme design through to on-the-ground delivery.
For Pacific countries, the most immediate impact is expected to come from JID’s established presence in the region. The company has teams and programme experience in Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu, where it has supported social and economic infrastructure, service delivery, disaster response and resilience initiatives.
JID has worked with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other regional partners on major Pacific infrastructure investments. Its model combines advisory services, programme management and operational delivery, which Chemonics Australia says is particularly suited to remote, disaster-affected and resource-constrained settings.
JID CEO Brad Bowman said the partnership would give regional teams stronger systems and resources to support larger programmes while maintaining local knowledge at the centre of delivery.
“Our strength comes from teams embedded across the region and their ability to manage infrastructure and services in demanding environments,” Bowman said.
The acquisition of 35 South adds public-sector advisory expertise in policy, programme and service delivery, economics, and data analysis. While its work has focused on Australian government agencies, its capabilities could support Pacific governments and development partners seeking to improve planning, implementation and service outcomes.
Chemonics Australia was established in 2025 to support governments and institutions across Australia and the Indo-Pacific. The company said the acquisitions would deepen its ability to help partners manage complex reforms, deliver large investments and respond to local development priorities.
Chemonics Chair and CEO Jamey Butcher said the combined organisation would strengthen what it could offer partners across Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
The expanded organisation expects to work with partners including Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Asian Development Bank, regional institutions and Pacific governments.
The move comes as Pacific countries continue to seek investment and delivery support for infrastructure, climate resilience, essential services and economic development. Chemonics said its enlarged regional capability would help partners implement programmes that build local capacity and deliver long-term benefits for communities.
