Solomon Islands and Australia Celebrate Five Years of Infrastructure Partnership, Delivering 515 Projects Worth SBD5 Billion

A new report, Building Together – Five Years of Infrastructure Partnership Between Solomon Islands and Australia, was officially launched during the Pacific Infrastructure Conference 2025 in Brisbane, highlighting a significant milestone in the two nations’ collaboration on infrastructure development.

The launch was officiated by Solomon Islands Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Hon. Rexon Ramofafia, and Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Andrew Schloeffel.

The report showcases 515 infrastructure projects completed across the country’s nine provinces, with a total investment of more than SBD5 billion. The majority of these projects were delivered by local firms and local workers, generating hundreds of skilled jobs and contributing to the growth of the Solomon Islands economy.

Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination, Hon. Rexon Ramofafia, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner Mr Andrew Schloeffel and Minister of Rural Development, Hon. Ricky Fuo’o, with the Building Together report.

Hon. Ramofafia praised the partnership for setting “a high standard within the Pacific,” citing its focus on quality, local procurement, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

“Good infrastructure relies on trusted partnerships, developing our private sector and aligning with our priorities, and that is the story of this report,” Hon. Ramofafia said.

Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, emphasized the importance of sustainable delivery methods that bring long-term social and economic benefits.

“The report demonstrates there is more to infrastructure than building roads, bridges, schools or ports,” Mr. Hilton said.

“While hard infrastructure is important, how we deliver the infrastructure is the real challenge – and that means building climate resilience, working with the government and private sector to design, deliver and maintain a better standard of infrastructure that serves communities and enables them to grow and prosper.”

Recent research highlighted in the report shows that every Australian aid dollar invested generates SBD2.50 in local economic benefit, demonstrating the impact of localised procurement and workforce engagement.

The event was attended by a high-level Solomon Islands ministerial delegation, including the Minister of Infrastructure Development, Minister of Rural Development, Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, and Minister of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs, alongside representatives from local and international contractors.

Minister of Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ricky Fuo’o, acknowledged Australia’s longstanding commitment to developing infrastructure in the Solomon Islands and applauded the emphasis on empowering local contractors and suppliers.

“The report features many Solomon Islands companies who are here today, and you should be congratulated for your efforts,” Minister Fuo’o said.

“We want infrastructure to be high quality, resilient and easily operated and maintained using local suppliers. The newly passed National Building Code, a 30-year effort, now offers us with uniform standards to guide better infrastructure development in the future.”

The Building Together report reflects a shared vision between Solomon Islands and Australia to not only build physical infrastructure but also foster economic resilience, job creation, and local expertise for sustainable development.

The full report can be downloaded from the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program website at www.siip.com.sb/publications