DBSI– Australia Partnership Opens Doors for Local Businesses

Ten Solomon Islands small and medium enterprises will have access to more affordable financing through a new partnership between Australia and the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI), aimed at helping agriculture and tourism businesses invest, grow and create local jobs.

Announced on 4 August 2026, the partnership will reduce the upfront costs that often prevent local businesses from purchasing productive assets, including vehicles and equipment needed to move goods to market and support tourism operations in remote destinations.

Acting Australian High Commissioner, Andrew Schloeffel (R), Hon. Harry Kuma, Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration, and Aisake Radu, CEO of the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI), posing for a photo after the signing of the partnership.

The new blended financing model combines support from Australia, DBSI and participating businesses to make finance more accessible, particularly for Indigenous businesses that may not qualify under standard lending conditions.

For many entrepreneurs, access to affordable finance remains one of the biggest barriers to expansion. Farmers need reliable transport to get fresh produce to buyers, while tourism operators need safe and dependable transport to connect visitors with Solomon Islands’ unique destinations.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said the partnership would help businesses overcome a major barrier to growth.

“It’s hard to grow your business if you can’t reliably take your produce to buyers at the market, or your customers to their sightseeing destinations,” High Commissioner Roach said.

“This partnership with DBSI will reduce upfront costs and improve access to finance for Indigenous businesses to invest, grow and create more local jobs. This blended financing mechanism demonstrates how working in partnership can unlock investment and support stronger Indigenous businesses.”

Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Harry Kuma, said the initiative supports the Solomon Islands Government’s vision for a confident Indigenous private sector.

Acting Australian High Commissioner, Andrew Schloeffel, Hon. Harry Kuma, Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration, First Secretary Economic, William Rowell, and Permanent Secretary Riley Misipitu chatting before the ceremony.

“This partnership will help more Solomon Islanders access the productive assets they need to invest in their businesses, create opportunities in their communities and contribute to economic growth across the country,” Minister Kuma said.

DBSI Chief Executive Officer, Aisake Radu, said the partnership would help DBSI support more businesses in the agriculture and tourism sectors.

“This new model will help more businesses access finance they need to purchase productive assets and invest in their future,” Mr Radu said. “By combining concessional lending with grant support, this partnership enables DBSI to reach more agriculture and tourism businesses and support them to unlock their growth over the long term.”

Sign and sealed! Minister Kuma signing the partnership agreement while Acting High Commissioner Schloeffel, and CEO Radu, look on.

The partnership is the first collaboration between Australia and a national development finance institution in Solomon Islands. It reflects Australia and Solomon Islands’ shared commitment to strengthening the private sector and generating more local jobs for Solomon Islanders.

For local businesses, the initiative offers a practical pathway to expand operations, reach new markets and turn business ideas into sustainable livelihoods.

In a country rich in natural resources, agricultural potential and cultural tourism experiences, the Australia–DBSI partnership could help more Solomon Islands entrepreneurs move their businesses, and their communities, forward.