PM launches SBD 19 billion Infrastructure Blueprint to drive Solomon Islands’ strategic transformation
By Andrianah Kole
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele formally launched the 2026 Dossier of National Infrastructure Projects in Honiara on Monday, unveiling a strategic roadmap designed to transition the Pacific nation from fragmented investments toward “strategic transformation”.
The dossier, a key component of the Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan (SINIP), consolidates over SBD 19 billion in previously unfunded projects into a single, evidence-based pipeline.
Speaking at the launch, Manele emphasized that public infrastructure is critical to economic growth and the overall well-being of the nation.
The new plan aligns with the government’s “GINA” policy pillars—economic transformation, infrastructure development, unity, and human capital development—as the country prepares for its 50th Independence Anniversary in 2028.
“Infrastructure is not simply about roads, ports, power systems or buildings,” Manele stated during the ceremony.
“Infrastructure is about opportunity. It’s about connecting our islands, empowering our people, strengthening our economy and building resilience for future generations”.
The 2026 dossier targets several critical sectors to address the challenges of the highly dispersed archipelago:
Transport: Prioritizing connectivity to reduce isolation and lower the cost of doing business.
Energy & ICT: Expanding renewable energy and telecommunications to improve service delivery.
Social Infrastructure: Focusing on water, sanitation, and the “greatest resource”—the people—through improved health and education facilities.
Productive Sector: Supporting fisheries, agriculture, and commerce to enhance climate resilience.
The Prime Minister noted that previous planning has already yielded significant results, including 22 major health projects valued at SBD 3.7 billion and 33 educational projects.
He also highlighted strong funding mobilization, with 96 percent achieved in aviation and 79 percent in energy.
The Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Trevor Manemahaga, underscored that the dossier’s success rests on a “shared commitment” between the government and its global and local partners.
He noted that the presence of heads of missions and senior officers from the Australian High Commission, the United States, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand demonstrates the collective effort required to deliver national priorities.
“We recognize that infrastructure development requires collaboration and partnership.
“The government alone cannot achieve this vision,” he said.
This collaborative framework extends beyond diplomatic ties to include state-owned enterprises like Solomon Water and Solomon Power, educational institutions such as SINU and USP, and the private sector through the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
To ensure transparency, the government utilized a “multi-criteria analysis” (MCA) tool to screen and prioritize projects.
This evidence-based approach is intended to boost donor confidence by providing a clear, prioritized plan that makes it easier for development partners to support projects with the best outcomes.
“Planning alone is not enough,” Manele cautioned, stressing that “implementation discipline, peaceful responsibility, effective oversight and strong partnerships” are essential for success.
Manele extended his appreciation to the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF) and its partners, calling the pipeline a “national compact” for inclusive prosperity.
“Let us ensure that when we look back in 2030 and beyond, we will say that 2026 was the moment we shifted from fragmented investments to strategic transformation,” he concluded.
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