YECSI Visit Opens Door for Stronger Youth Enterprise Development Partnership

With around 70 percent of Solomon Islands’ population under the age of 34, strengthening opportunities for young people remains a national priority, particularly as many continue to face challenges accessing employment, practical business skills, finance, markets and mentoring.

Against this backdrop, the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) Board and Secretariat paid a courtesy visit to the new Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Hon. John Maneniaru, on Wednesday, opening discussions on stronger cooperation to advance youth enterprise development.

The visit provided an opportunity for YECSI to congratulate Minister Maneniaru on his appointment and brief him on the Council’s work since its establishment in 2018, including its efforts to support young Solomon Islanders who are starting businesses, developing enterprise ideas and seeking pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

“Young people should not only be seen as beneficiaries of development, but as partners and drivers of economic growth. When we give young entrepreneurs access to the right skills, networks, markets, mentoring and support, we are not simply helping individuals build businesses—we are helping build stronger families, communities and the future economy of Solomon Islands,” the YECSI delegation highlighted.

The discussions recognised entrepreneurship as more than an economic activity, with the potential to serve as an important youth empowerment pathway by helping young people generate income, develop practical and work-ready skills, build confidence and contribute to their communities.

Minister Maneniaru assured the YECSI delegation that, under his leadership, the Ministry would work to strengthen its relationship with the Council and explore opportunities for closer cooperation through the Youth Division.

The proposed engagement is expected to create greater opportunities to support indigenous young Solomon Islanders interested in entrepreneurship, enterprise development and building sustainable businesses.

For YECSI, stronger collaboration with government is important in ensuring that youth enterprise remains connected to the broader national youth development agenda.

The Council believes stronger partnerships can help expand platforms that connect young entrepreneurs with business development opportunities, training, peer learning, mentors, markets and policy support—particularly for young people outside formal employment who are looking to entrepreneurship as an alternative pathway.

YECSI continues to implement monthly programmes for its members as part of its commitment to strengthening the capacity and confidence of young entrepreneurs.

The Council is also hosting an Ignite Session at the Art Gallery, providing young entrepreneurs with an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, learn from one another and explore ways to strengthen and grow their businesses.

These activities form part of YECSI’s broader efforts to create practical and supportive spaces where young entrepreneurs can develop their skills, build networks and gain the confidence needed to pursue sustainable enterprise.

The Council thanked Hon. Maneniaru for meeting with its Board and Secretariat and said it looks forward to working closely with the Ministry to strengthen youth enterprise development and create more opportunities for young Solomon Islanders across the country.