HONIARA, Solomon Islands – 29 July 2026 – The countdown to the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair (ANTF) begins this Thursday with the Official Launch at Heritage Park Hotel starting 6:30pm, bringing together government leaders, business executives, development partners, exhibitors, and stakeholders to celebrate innovation, enterprise, and economic opportunity.
Held under the theme, “Innovating Today for a Sustainable Greater Solomon Islands Tomorrow,” the Trade Fair remains the country’s premier platform for showcasing local products, services, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities while promoting sustainable economic growth.
Chairman of the ANTF Organising Committee, Mr. Moses Waririu, said the Trade Fair continues to be a powerful catalyst for business growth and national development.
“The Annual National Trade Fair is where Solomon Islands innovation meets opportunity. It showcases the best of our people, our businesses, and our potential as a nation.”
Mr. Waririu said this year’s theme is a call to action for businesses, entrepreneurs, and institutions to embrace innovation as a driver of long-term prosperity.
“If we are serious about building a stronger economy, we must invest in new ideas, new markets and new partnerships. Innovation must become the engine that drives our future.”
The Official Launch will feature a keynote address by the Honourable Harry Kuma, Minister for the Ministry of Commerce Industry Labour and Immigration (MCILI) as the Patron of the 2026 ANTF, alongside networking opportunities and recognition of businesses and organisations contributing to national economic development.
Mr. Waririu said the launch represents more than the start of an event—it signals a collective commitment to building a vibrant and resilient economy.
“The Trade Fair belongs to all Solomon Islanders. It is a national platform that connects producers, entrepreneurs, investors and consumers, creating opportunities that strengthen livelihoods and grow our economy.”
He called on the private sector, development partners, government agencies, and the wider public to actively support and participate in this year’s event.
“The success of the Trade Fair depends on all of us. Together, we can showcase Solomon Islands excellence, unlock new opportunities, and inspire the next generation of innovators and business leaders.”
The Organising Committee looks forward to welcoming guests to an evening that will officially launch one of the country’s most anticipated economic events and set the stage for a successful 2026 Annual National Trade Fair.
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Implementation Through Strategic Mission to Davao City, Philippines.
“Seminar on Sustainable Development Capacity Building of Special Economic Zone for Solomon Islands” is being held in Haikou, Hainan Province, China.
Regional Directors of Immigration from Pacific Islands countries attended a three-day Border Management System (BMS) Strategic Foundations workshop in Brisbane, Australia, from February 24-26, 2026.
The E-Commerce Implementation Unit proudly announces the successful completion of the Digital Content Creation Training for the Honiara Cohort. Participants gained hands-on skills in video production, photography, editing, and storytelling, culminating in an exciting Awards and Certification Ceremony. Congratulations to all participants and award winners as we continue building a digitally empowered Solomon Islands business community.
Papua New Guinea’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Immigration and Border Security, Hon. John Rosso, has congratulated the Solomon Islands Immigration Division on the successful launch of its new Border Management System (BMS). The launch, supported by PNG ICSA and the Australian Government, marks a major milestone in strengthening Pacific border security and digital transformation.
The Solomon Islands Immigration Division, in collaboration with national and regional partners, has completed a two-day e-Passport Self-Assessment Workshop to review and strengthen the country’s passport system. Supported by PNG ICSA, the workshop identified key areas for reform to align with ICAO international security standards and guide upcoming legislative and system upgrades.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) and the Young Entrepreneurs Council of Solomon Islands (YECSI) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), confirming MCILI as the Gold Sponsor for the upcoming YECSI E-Commerce Entrepreneur Award.
The partnership underscores the Government’s commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and advancing digital transformation under the National E-Commerce Strategy (2022–2027). Through this collaboration, MCILI aims to promote innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth across the Solomon Islands.
Excerpt – Second National E-Commerce Steering Committee (NESC.02) Meeting
The Second National E-Commerce Steering Committee (NESC.02) Meeting was successfully held on 21 October 2025 at Heritage Park Hotel, Honiara. Chaired by Mr. Riley Mesepitu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), the meeting brought together representatives from key government ministries, the private sector, and development partners.
The E-Commerce Implementation Unit (EIU), serving as the Secretariat, presented progress updates on the National E-Commerce Strategy (NECS) 2022–2027, including the new Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and upcoming priorities for 2026. Stakeholders such as the Central Bank of Solomon Islands and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation shared updates on digital financial solutions, telecommunications, and e-commerce-related policy initiatives.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital transformation, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring e-commerce contributes to inclusive growth across Solomon Islands.
