Construction of the Aviation Complex Building at Henderson has reached a key milestone, as the Ministry of Communication and Aviation progresses works under the World Bank-funded Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP 2). The project has completed first-floor slab and beam concrete works, marking a significant step in the development ...

The Solomon Islands government has taken a significant step towards strengthening ocean conservation and management, formally convening the Ocean12 Technical Working Group to drive a five-year integrated initiative supported by the Bezos Earth Fund. The working group, led by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorolo...

Jeremiah Manele has outlined a pipeline of road and bridge projects for Malaita Province, as the government moves to scale up infrastructure delivery under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project. Speaking at the handover of the Su’u and Bira bridges, Manele said additional financing of about $41 million from the World Bank is being secur...

Master planning has emerged as a central tool in addressing climate vulnerability and rapid urbanisation challenges across Pacific cities, according to discussions at the Seventh Pacific Urban Forum in Papua New Guinea. Delegates at the forum highlighted how Pacific urban centres are increasingly exposed to overlapping risks, including cyclones, floodi...

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the World Bank are accelerating efforts to stabilise correspondent banking relationships (CBRs) across the Pacific, as a multi-year regional project begins to deliver early results amid persistent global financial pressures. The initiative—formally approved in August 2024 and operational since April 2025—marks ...

Westpac is making a significant investment in strengthening leadership capability across its Pacific businesses with the rollout of its best-in-class LEAD program in Papua New Guinea and Fiji this year, delivering training to 120 employees across the two markets. LEAD is Westpac Group’s flagship leadership development program focused on building future...

Step into one of the Pacific’s fastest-growing trade corridors between New Zealand and Fiji from June 15–18, as this business mission offers a unique opportunity to get ahead of the curve—build relationships, unlock opportunities, and grow your presence. With a shared goal of NZ$2 billion in trade by 2030, the initiative positions participants at the fore...

The Government for National Unity and Transformation is reporting renewed momentum in the tourism sector, with four new hotels and accommodation facilities opening in the first quarter of 2026, signalling increased investor confidence and sectoral growth. The new developments include Zaru Hotel in Gizo, Western Province; Double Island Resort and Raider...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is advancing a series of initiatives aimed at transforming the agriculture sector and supporting economic growth in the Solomon Islands. Permanent Secretary Samson Viulu said during a quarterly ministerial update this week that the ministry is implementing key projects and reforms to strengthen agri...

Sandvik has received five AutoMine® orders from Byrnecut, the world’s largest underground mining contractor. The orders, all of which include AutoMine® Multi-Lite systems, were booked in Q1 2026 for the Gwalia, Ulysses, Youanmi and Gossan Valley mine sites in Australia, as well as the Navachab mine in Namibia. With these latest orders, the majority of Byr...

Fiji’s kava industry has transformed into the country’s top agricultural export over the past 15 years, with export earnings exceeding FJD53 million and supporting more than 14,500 farming households. The shift from subsistence production to a commercialised export sector has been driven by rising demand in key markets including Australia, New Zealand ...

The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification is accelerating a wide-ranging reform agenda to modernise mining laws and improve fiscal, environmental and social oversight as the sector expands. Permanent Secretary Chris Vehe said the reforms aim to position mining as a key economic pillar, while addressing longstanding regulatory gaps. “Th...

The Seabed Minerals Authority has formally appointed members of its Seabed Minerals Advisory Committee, in a move aimed at strengthening community representation in the development of the sector. Prime Minister Mark Brown, who also holds the seabed minerals portfolio, said the committee will play a key role in ensuring that policy discussions reflect c...

Lion One Metals has reported a series of operational and technical developments at its Tuvatu gold mine in Fiji, signalling a transition toward improved processing capability and longer-term operational stability as the project moves through its ramp-up phase. The Canadian-listed company, which owns and operates the Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project on Viti...

Lion One Metals has received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for a non-brokered private placement with Arete Capital, in a move aimed at strengthening liquidity and accelerating operational improvements at its Tuvatu gold project in Fiji. The company announced that the financing, expected to close on 27 March 2026, will raise gross p...

ABG President and Minister for Mining Ishmael Toroama outlined key legislative reforms to strengthen governance of the mining sector during his address to Parliament. The reforms form part of the ABG’s broader efforts to ensure that resource development in Bougainville is undertaken in a safe, responsible and internationally compliant manner, while sup...