MCILI & YESCI MoU signing

MCILI Signs MoU with YECSI as Gold Sponsor for the E-Commerce Entrepreneur Award

Honiara, Solomon Islands – 30^th Oct 2025

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Young Entrepreneurs Council of Solomon Islands (YECSI), confirming MCILI as the Gold Sponsor for the upcoming YECSI E-Commerce Entrepreneur Award.

The signing marks a significant milestone in the Government’s continued support towards promoting youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital business transformation under the National E-Commerce Strategy (NECS) 2022–2027. Through this partnership, MCILI reaffirms its commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs who are leveraging digital platforms to build sustainable businesses and contribute to the national economy.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Permanent Secretary of MCILI, Mr. Riley Mesepitu, highlighted that the partnership aligns with MCILI’s vision to foster a digitally-enabled and inclusive private sector.

“The E-Commerce Entrepreneur Award recognizes the innovation, creativity, and resilience of our young people in driving digital change. MCILI is proud to partner with YECSI to honour and encourage youth who are shaping the future of commerce in the Solomon Islands,” Riley said.

YECSI Chairperson Mr. Limal expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s ongoing support, noting that the Gold Sponsorship demonstrates the Government’s confidence in young entrepreneurs as key drivers of national development.

“This collaboration with MCILI strengthens our mission to support, connect, and celebrate young entrepreneurs who are breaking new ground in the digital economy,” Limal said.

The YECSI E-Commerce Entrepreneur Award will be featured as part of the upcoming YECSI Entrepreneur Awards Night, recognizing outstanding youth-led businesses across various categories, including innovation, resilience, and digital transformation.

This partnership is one of several collaborative initiatives being rolled out under the NECS framework, coordinated by MCILI’s E-Commerce Implementation Unit (EIU), aimed at strengthening public-private cooperation in advancing digital trade and entrepreneurship across the Solomon Islands.