Keto Seaweed Farm partners with Australia to grow opportunities for Isabel communities

On the shores of Keto Island in Isabel Province, seaweed farming is more than a business. It is helping families earn income, creating local jobs and opening new opportunities for women and young people.

For more than five years, Keto Seaweed Farm has worked alongside communities to grow and process seaweed, supporting people involved in planting, harvesting, drying and preparing seaweed for market.

Group photo after the signing of the partnership agreement between Australia and Keto Seaweed.

The indigenous-owned business is now set to expand through a new partnership with Australia, strengthening production and creating more opportunities for communities in Gao and Bugotu.

Under the partnership, Keto Seaweed Farm and Australia will co-invest over the next 12 months in a new storage shed, additional seaweed farming equipment, a boat and engine, and improved staff accommodation.

These upgrades will help the business overcome barriers that have limited growth and increase production to meet demand for seaweed.

Samuel of Keto Seaweed signing the partnership agreement while Emily Flahive (Australia’s Acting Deputy High Commissioner) and Hon Trevor Mahaga (MP for Hograno and Gao Bugotu), look on.

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Andrew Schloeffel, said the partnership reflects the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership’s commitment to supporting local businesses and expanding employment opportunities.

“This partnership is helping the people of Gao and Bugotu earn more income and create better opportunities for their families and communities,” Acting High Commissioner Schloeffel said.

“Australia is working with indigenous businesses like Keto Seaweed Farm across Solomon Islands to expand economic opportunities, boost incomes and generate more jobs.”

For Keto Seaweed Farm, the support marks an important step towards scaling up operations and improving the quality and volume of seaweed produced.

Ruth Ririana of Keto Seaweed Farm said the investment would help address key challenges affecting the business’s growth.

“Keto Seaweed Farm has been operating for more than five years, and this investment will help us increase the volume and quality of the seaweed we produce,” Ms Ririana said.

"It will also provide more opportunities for women and young people in our community."

Beyond Keto Island, the partnership supports Solomon Islands’ efforts to develop seaweed as a sustainable economic opportunity with strong potential for growth.

Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Honourable Polycarp Paea, said seaweed production has significant growth potential, supported by increasing global demand and the Government’s commitment to strengthening the sector.

"Investing in production, transport and market access will help build a stronger and more competitive seaweed industry," Minister Paea said.

For communities in Gao and Bugotu, the expansion of Keto Seaweed Farm represents the promise of more jobs, stronger household incomes and greater participation in the local economy.

Australia’s Acting Deputy High Commissioner, Emily Flahive with Hon. Trevor Mahaga, MP for Gao Bugotu, Keto Seaweed Manager, Samuel Meta (centre right) and Francis Pituvaka, Communications Officer, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. 

Member of Parliament for Gao/Bugotu Constituency, Honourable Trevor Manemahaga, welcomed the partnership, saying it would deliver practical benefits for families and communities.

"I am pleased to see this new partnership with an indigenous business in my constituency," Hon. Manemahaga said.

"Expanding seaweed farming will benefit local families and communities by increasing incomes and creating more jobs for Solomon Islanders."

With support from Australia, Keto Seaweed Farm is positioned to grow its contribution to Solomon Islands’ blue economy while creating pathways for women, youth and local communities to benefit from a growing industry.

As Solomon Islands’ namabwan economic partner, Australia continues to work with indigenous businesses across all sectors of the economy to create jobs, boost incomes and support stronger communities.