January saw a mix of expansion, disruption and policy debate across the Solomon Islands economy. Developments in aviation, hospitality, fisheries and natural resources highlighted both the opportunities opening up for investment and the ongoing structural challenges facing business, particularly around infrastructure, community relations and resilience. The following briefs capture key commercial and policy-relevant stories shaping the business environment during the month.
Design for tuna processing plant now complete, funding challenges remain
Plans to establish a modern tuna processing facility at Bina Harbour have reached a key milestone with the completion of design work and presentation to government technical advisors. However securing financing remains the major hurdle to realising this strategic project that could transform the local fisheries sector. The design outlines infrastructure needs including berths for efficient cargo handling, offices, utilities and storage facilities. Dialogue is underway with potential development partners and major tuna operators, along with discussions under a memorandum of understanding with Kiribati and Tuvalu to supply tuna under a broader regional initiative. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade funded the business case, but concessional loans and grants will be necessary to cover high construction costs and make the project financially viable. If funded, the plant could add value locally by processing fish before export, creating jobs and strengthening the Solomons’ position in the Pacific tuna economy.
National carrier to launch new regional routes including Papua New Guinea
Solomons Airlines announced plans to introduce new flight services in 2026, expanding connectivity across the Pacific. Notably, the airline will introduce a weekly Honiara-Port Moresby service designed to serve demand from investors and tourists, and boost linkages with Papua New Guinea. It will also recommence weekly flights to Port Vila in Vanuatu with connections to Auckland, New Zealand, reflecting growing demand from travelling workers and broader market interest. The expanded schedule is intended to bolster tourism, encourage business travel and unlock further commercial linkages across Melanesia. This growth in air services highlights Solomon Islands’ efforts to enhance regional connectivity and support its strategy to drive economic activity through improved transport infrastructure.
Local landowner unrest over Gold Ridge Mining sparks business and social concerns
Business operations at Gold Ridge Mining Limited faced disruption in January after machinery belonging to the company was torched amid ongoing tensions with local landowners. Guadalcanal Province officials appealed for calm, expressing concern about the impact of such incidents on investor confidence and employment. While security forces remained involved, the company indicated it would continue operations and engage with local stakeholders to address grievances. The incident underscores persistent tensions around resource projects in the Solomons and the need for stronger community engagement to sustain long-term investment and economic development in the extractive sector.
Malaita Province communities opposes $300m logging industry expansion
Forestry and logging remain significant contributors to the Solomon Islands economy, generating close to US$300 million in revenue from log exports last year. Despite this economic benefit, communities in the East Kwaio region of Malaita Province strongly oppose expanded logging, arguing that sustainable alternatives offer greater long-term rewards. This grassroots resistance highlights the complex balance between economic opportunities from natural resource sectors and community expectations for environmental stewardship and equitable benefit sharing.
New multi-million dollar hotel opens near Henderson Airport
A new multi-million dollar hotel development adjacent to Honiara International Airport opened in early January, signalling confidence in growing tourism and business travel demand. The 200-room Xiaos Henderson Hotel includes retail spaces on the ground floor and benefitted from government support including incentives and exemptions aimed at reducing start-up costs under the national policy to attract quality developments in priority sectors such as tourism. The project is expected to generate jobs and strengthen hospitality capacity in the capital.
Chamber of Commerce survey tracks earthquake impact on local businesses
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) conducted an impact survey in January to assess how businesses are responding to recent natural disasters, particularly a major earthquake that affected Honiara and surrounding areas. The findings are intended to inform policy dialogues and business support services as firms adapt recovery strategies. Early results point to challenges in supply chains, infrastructure repair costs and the need for targeted support to ensure resilience and continuity for local enterprises.
