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PM Manele welcomes Huawei’s role in boosting Solomon Islands’ digital growth and national broadband project.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has welcomed ongoing cooperation with Huawei Technologies and acknowledged the company’s contribution to Solomon Islands’ efforts to improve connectivity and advance digital development.
This week, the Prime Minister met with senior Huawei officials, including Denny Deng, President of Huawei Asia Pacific Region Carrier Business Group; Angelo Zhang, CEO of Huawei’s Papua New Guinea subsidiary; and Nick Liu, PNG Subsidiary Account Director. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the implementation of the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project and to discuss prospects for continued collaboration in the digital sector.
Huawei confirmed that 38 telecommunications tower sites are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, as part of a broader project scheduled for full completion by the end of 2026. These towers are being strategically placed across the country to improve mobile and internet access, particularly in rural areas, thereby facilitating broader access to communications, education, and essential public services.
Manele reaffirmed the government’s appreciation for the partnership and recognised the national benefits the infrastructure rollout is delivering. The improved connectivity aligns with the government’s development priorities under the GNUT Policy Agenda and is intended to promote equitable access to digital services across the country.
Discussions also addressed the broader digital transformation landscape, including the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in areas such as meteorological services, and the strategic importance of establishing a national data centre to ensure data sovereignty. The government acknowledged the potential of AI technologies while highlighting the need for a balanced approach involving capacity building, risk assessment, and inclusive access to digital knowledge.
The expanded broadband network is also expected to support full utilisation of the country’s undersea fibre optic cable, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of digital services in sectors such as education, healthcare, and government operations. This infrastructure is considered key to unlocking the full potential of Solomon Islands’ digital economy.
Huawei reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ digital goals and extended an invitation for the Prime Minister to visit its headquarters in China. In response, Manele stated, “Irrespective whoever is Prime Minister, what matters most is that this partnership continues. Under my leadership, we have seen progress that directly benefits our people—and that momentum must be maintained.”
The Government of Solomon Islands reiterated its commitment to fostering strong, transparent partnerships that support national development, inclusive connectivity, and long-term resilience in the digital era.
SOURCE: OPMC Press Secretariat
