New ICT Assistant Program Driving Digital Transformation across all Provinces
The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), through its flagship Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP) and with support from the World Bank’s Integrated Economic and Community Resilience (IEDCR) Project, has launched a nationwide initiative to embed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Assistants across all nine provinces.
This landmark effort will bolster provincial digital capacity, improve access to Government ICT services, and improve governance through modern digital tools.
ICT Assistants are already deployed in eight provinces, with recruitment underway for Rennell and Bellona Province. The initiative is being rolled out with technical support from the SIG ICT Services.
According to Dr. Derek Futaiasi, Permanent Secretary (PS) for MPGIS, this deployment comes at the right time, as provinces now rely heavily on technology. Operating under the supervision of an ICT Specialist in Honiara, ICT Assistants are upgrading digital infrastructure, implementing online government platforms, improving communication networks, and delivering technical support directly to provincial personnel.
: Permanent Secretary for MPGIS, Dr. Derek Futaiasi during a zoom meeting in the MPGIS Conference room with World Bank Team
The PS added that the combination of ICT Assistants and improved connectivity is not just a technological upgrade it is a game-changer for the Solomon Islands, making provincial governments more accessible, accountable, and ready for tomorrow.
Core duties include troubleshooting ICT equipment, improving data management processes, and enabling local officials to utilize digital technologies for effective planning, reporting, and service delivery.
This initiative aligns with the Solomon Islands ICT Services Digital – Data, People, Technology, and Cyber Strategy 2026–2030, which articulates a national framework for digital transformation emphasizing resilient infrastructure, enhanced public services, and robust data stewardship. Provincial Secretaries have welcomed the rollout, noting that ICT Assistants are helping resolve technical issues faster and improving digital skills among staff.
In the past, inadequate ICT services in provincial offices could hamper operations leading to customer service delays, and a reliance on manual processes that were prone to mistakes and resulted in monetary losses and weaknesses in digital security.
Investments in ICT resources has reduced operational expenses, reduced manual errors, and boosted efficiency across the board.
Mr. Geoffrey Pakipota using the ICT services in the province
Geoffrey Pakipota, Provincial Secretary for Choiseul Province, reported substantial improvements in ICT, including internet connectivity and printer functions, following the deployment of an ICT Assistant.
He remarked, “With his arrival in Choiseul, these issues have been swiftly addressed, greatly improving communication.”
The journey towards digital transformation of provinces is not without challenges. It is difficult to find and retain qualified ICT Assistant in the provinces as their skillsets are sought after in Honiara. “We are determined to continue to invest in digital infrastructure and skilled human resources given the positive impact this is making for the provinces,” MPGIS Minister, Wayne Ghemu said.
The IEDCR Project, funded by the World Bank, forms an integral component of the broader PGSP, headquartered at MPGIS.
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MPGIS statement