National E-commerce Steering Committee Meeting.

PRESS RELEASE
22^nd October 2025

By E-commerce Implementation Unit (EIU)

The Second National E-Commerce Steering Committee (NESC.02) Meeting was successfully held on Tuesday, 21st October 2025, at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Riley Mesepitu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration (MCILI). Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination, Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Central Bank of Solomon Islands, Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, IT Society, and officials from the E-Commerce Implementation Unit within MCILI.

During the Second National E-commerce Steering Committee meeting, the E-Commerce Implementation Unit (EIU), serving as the Secretariat, presented updates on progress made in the implementation of measures of the National E-Commerce Strategy 2022–2027. Updates included the Unit’s ongoing activities that aligns to key measures of the strategy, the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, and key priorities and action plans for 2026 and beyond. Presentations were also delivered by various stakeholders on measures related to the Strategy. The Central Bank of Solomon Islands presented updates on Digital Financial solutions and other measures related to Priority Area 5: Electronic Payment Solutions, of the Strategy, while the Ministry of Communication and Aviation provided updates on telecommunication infrastructure, postal addressing initiative, and e-commerce related policy and regulations.  

The Committee recognised the need to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, private sector, and development partners to ensure progress and minimise duplication of efforts. Members also expressed their appreciation for the work undertaken by the E-Commerce Implementation Unit, under the leadership of Director, Mr. Richard Nokia, in coordinating and monitoring the Strategy despite the Unit being established two years after its launch. The Committee also acknowledged the continued support from development partners and donor programmes in advancing e-commerce development and adoption in the country.

In his statement, the Chairman said, “E-commerce offers us new opportunities to expand local businesses beyond traditional borders, create jobs, and improve service delivery for our citizens. In today’s digital era, no nation can afford to be left behind. The Steering Committee and the E-Commerce Implementation Unit are the engine room for e-commerce development in our country. Through partnership, commitment, and coordinated efforts, we can build a more connected and inclusive digital economy for Solomon Islands.”

The Committee endorsed the ongoing implementation of the Strategy and supported the development of the Action Plan for 2026. Members reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure, improving policy and regulatory frameworks, supporting MSMEs, and ensuring that e-commerce contributes to inclusive and sustainable development for all Solomon Islanders, including women, youth, and rural communities.