Solomon Islands strengthens MCC cooperation, targeting tourism growth and Compact Program qualification.
Friday 27 February 2026 – Solomon Islands has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) during a bilateral meeting held on the margins of the Pacific Agenda Summit in Honolulu.
Minister of Finance and Treasury, Rexson Ramofafia, was accompanied by Minister for National Planning and Aid Coordination, Trevor Manemahaga, in meeting with MCC Acting Chief of Staff, Dan Petrie, and Acting Vice President for the Department of Policy and Evaluation, Martha Bowen.
Minister Ramofafia thanked MCC for the opportunity to meet and expressed appreciation for Solomon Islands’ separate engagement with MCC Board Chairman and United States Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, in Honolulu.
Minister Ramofafia reiterated Solomon Islands’ aim to successfully complete its MCC Threshold Program by August this year, underscoring Government’s commitment to meeting program requirements and maintaining strong performance on the MCC scorecard.
He noted that Solomon Islands continues to perform well and remains optimistic about its prospects of qualifying for a Compact Program. The Minister emphasised that, should Solomon Islands qualify, the Government stands ready to work closely with MCC to develop a Compact that delivers tangible and lasting benefits for the country.
Discussions highlighted the importance of hard infrastructure support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the tourism sector. Specific reference was made to locally owned tourism operators such as Agnes Lodge in Western Province and Nafinua in Makira, as examples of businesses that could benefit from strengthened infrastructure and targeted development support.
Minister Ramofafia stated that Solomon Islands is now in a stronger position and prepared to maximise the opportunities presented through its partnership with MCC.
Minister Manemahaga reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ positive MCC scorecard performance and assured MCC representatives that his Ministry will continue to provide accurate and timely data to sustain and improve the country’s standing.
He emphasised that MCC’s support is particularly important to Solomon Islands’ tourism sector, which aligns closely with the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT)’s development priorities. Tourism, he said, is a sector that generates broad-based benefits, with positive spin-offs for rural communities and the wider population.
Minister Manemahaga stressed the importance of achieving key development milestones as Solomon Islands approaches its 50th Independence Anniversary in 2028, calling for projects that are impactful, sustainable, and capable of delivering real improvements in livelihoods.
He emphasised the need for closer collaboration between MCC and Solomon Islands to achieve shared objectives and ensure development outcomes that benefit the rural majority.
During the meeting, Planning Minister, Manemahaga formally handed over the Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan (SINIP) to MCC to provide a clear understanding of the Government’s infrastructure priorities and long-term development plans.
Both parties described the discussions as constructive and forward-looking, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation as Solomon Islands progresses toward its national development goals.
SOURCE: PMO Press Release
