MAL Strengthens Public–Private Partnerships to Drive Agricultural Growth
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) is realizing the opportunity to advancing the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as a key strategy for transforming the agriculture and livestock sector in the Solomon Islands.
In recent collaborations, MAL has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Liberty Holdings Limited, Sullivans (Solomon Islands), and the Young Entrepreneurs Council of Solomon Islands (YECSI), as well as the Anglican Church of Melanesia Board of Mission (COMBM). These collaborations aim to enhance market linkages, strengthen agri-food supply systems, empower youth-led agribusiness initiatives, and support community-based agricultural enterprises.
Additionally, MAL also signed two agreements with Organic Products Limited and the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Livestock Development Limited (SIALDL). These agreements focus on strengthening organic value chains, promoting sustainable livestock production, supporting rice development, and expanding private sector investment in agribusiness and rural livelihoods.
Honorable Franklyn Derek Wasi, the MAL Minister, emphasized the vital role of the PPP model in driving innovation, mobilizing investment, and enhancing service delivery across the sector.
“The Ministry values the contributions of the private sector, youth-led enterprises, and faith-based organizations as essential partners in fostering agricultural growth. Through these partnerships, we are building a more inclusive, resilient, and commercially viable agriculture sector that benefits our farmers and communities,” Hon. Wasi stated.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock continues to encourage similar partnership approaches across all agriculture and livestock sub-sectors, remaining dedicated to providing an enabling policy environment for private sector participation. By collaborating closely, government and business partners can unlock greater opportunities for value addition, job creation, and national food security.
MAL Permanent Secretary Dr. Viulu, along with senior staff, were present to witness the significant signing ceremony. The recipients of the MoUs and MoAs expressed their gratitude to the government for its trust and recognition, pledging their full commitment to advancing the development and growth of the agriculture sector and the nation’s economy.
All the MoUs and MoAs were vetted by the Attorney General Chambers before the signing ceremony took place yesterday (Wednesday 8 Oct).
The ministry is expected to sign several more agreements with other service providers in the coming days to advance specific agriculture industries including, livestock, cocoa, coconut, root crops, vegetables, fruit trees and crops.
One of the anticipated activities in the upcoming signing ceremony is to establish a second poultry hatchery in the country.
[END]– MAL PRESS RELEASE