Youth Take the Lead: CAB’IT Dominates 2025 YECSI Awards

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Eleven young entrepreneurs under the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) have been honoured at the YECSI Awards 2025, celebrating a new generation of innovators, job creators, and trailblazers reshaping the business landscape in the Solomon Islands.

Held at Aquatic Centre, the annual awards recognise young Solomon Islanders who are not only building successful businesses, but also contributing to national development, job creation, and community transformation.

CAB’IT founder Junior John Wanofafia (left) receives his award from YECSI Chairman Limahl Totogi at the 2025 YECSI Awards held at the Aquatic Centre in Honiara. Photo: YECSI.

This year’s ceremony saw CAB’IT emerge as the biggest winner of the night, securing three major awards: Entrepreneur of the Year (Prime Minister’s Office & Solomon Airlines), Most Innovative Entrepreneur (PRC), and Most Improved Male Entrepreneur, awarded to founder Junior John Wanofafia.

Another standout achiever was Twice Is Nice, led by young entrepreneur Ebony Finau, who received both the Most Improved Female Entrepreneur Award (Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel) and E-Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award (MCILI).

 Other winners included: 

• Lexcre Enterprise Company Limited – Agri-Business Entrepreneur of the Year

• Eastender Transfers and Tours – Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year

• Otin Tai Company – Provincial Entrepreneur of the Year

• JW Laundromat (T/A Sparkle Splash Services) – Giving Back to the Community Award

• AHNRA – Apunepana Ha’amwaora Natural Resource Association – Association of the Year

• TT Bricks – Most Committed Entrepreneur

Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Harry Kuma congratulated the awardees and encouraged all participants to continue striving for excellence.

“Eleven young entrepreneurs are being honoured, and this recognition should not mark the end of your efforts but the foundation for even greater achievements,” Minister Kuma said.

“To those who missed out this year, do not be discouraged. Learn from your peers who have been recognised, collaborate, and come back stronger. Entrepreneurship is not just about competition – it is about inspiring each other to grow.”

He added, “As we look toward 2026, I hope to see continued growth, innovation, and maturity within YECSI’s membership. The achievements we celebrate tonight prove that our young people are not only capable, but essential to building a more prosperous and sustainable Solomon Islands.”

CAB’IT founder and owner Junior John Wanofafia expressed gratitude for the support that helped shape their journey.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us—from our customers and partners to our families and friends. This journey has been a team effort,” Wanofafia said.

“To young entrepreneurs: start small, believe in your ideas, and take the first step. If you want your dream to move, you must move.”

Twice Is Nice founder Ebony Finau also sharing her joy after her double win.

“I’m happy with all the improvements along the way. I wasn’t even expecting to win,” she said.

“I told myself, ‘Whether we win or not, let’s just go.’ But we ended up winning Most Improved and E-Commerce, and I feel truly blessed.”

The 2025 YECSI Awards highlight the growing momentum of youth-led entrepreneurship across diverse sectors including digital commerce, tourism, agriculture, and community development.

Through mentorship, networking, business training, and tailored support, YECSI continues to empower young leaders to build the future of business in the Solomon Islands.

About YECSI

The Youth Entrepreneurship Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) is the country’s leading platform dedicated to empowering young people to start, grow, and sustain their own businesses.

Established by the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs in partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), YECSI provides capacity-building opportunities for young entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, networking, and access to resources.

  

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