Solomon Islands Charts Ambitious Path Toward Inclusive Digital Economy at 2025 Stocktake

The Solomon Islands reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation today at the 2025 Inclusive Digital Economy Stocktake, a national workshop convened in Honiara by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) with support from the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

Bringing together government leaders, private sector representatives, development partners, and civil society, the event spotlighted key achievements in Digital Financial Services, infrastructure, and policy, while identifying challenges that require further investment to ensure a fully inclusive and sustainable digital future.

Recent milestones such as the launch of mobile money platforms including M-SELEN, and public infrastructure innovations like the Automated Transfer System (ATS) and the Regulatory Sandbox (RSB) by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), demonstrate the country’s growing digital capabilities. The workshop focused on collaboratively shaping the future of the Solomon Islands’ dynamic digital economy, guided by the National E-Commerce Strategy (2022–2027) and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2021–2025).

CBSI Governor Dr. Luke Forau said: “The Inclusive Digital Economy serves as a vital compass, guiding us toward a digital economy that leaves no one behind. Moreover, the digital economy is no longer a future aspiration; it is a present-day reality. It recognizes that every individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, desrve access to the opportunities that the digital world offers. Financial System Development remains at the heart of our efforts to build a resilient, connected, and inclusive Solomon Islands.”

Digital and Financial technologies have the potential to transform business models, government services, workplaces and disaster response in Solomon Islands. Digital Financial Services, such as M-SELEN, EziPei, YouSave, lumiCash, and other platforms harness this potential: bridging financial access gaps and fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Digital infrastructure has also been strengthened through proactive and innovation-driven regulators, including the Central Bank of Solomon Islands’ (CBSI) Automated Transfer System (ATS) for efficient payments, and the SIM-card registration effort by the Telecommunications Commission of Solomon Islands (TCSI).

MCA Permanent Secretary Alwyn Danitofea said: “The Solomon Islands has the potential to emerge as a regional leader in digital transformation if we make the right investments today. We can position ourselves not only to meet our domestic development goals, but to offer valuable expertise and innovation to our Pacific neighbours. Today underscores our government’s commitment to a digital economy that is not only robust and secure, but also inclusive and future-ready.”

Workshop participants also discussed persistent challenges, such as limited digital and financial literacy, limited connectivity in rural areas, and the digital gender divide, that must be addressed to ensure these advancements benefit all Solomon Islanders equitably.

Digital and Financial Literacy along with Access to Finance was a key focus of the workshop, with the success of digital initiatives hinging on empowering citizens with the knowledge and skills to use them effectively.

Zoe Victoria Tate, UNCDF Technical Specialist in Solomon Islands, said: “The Solomon Islands Digital Economy has seen real acceleration in recent years. There is an opportunity now to support entrepreneurs and MSMEs, particularly women, to leverage this momentum. They should have access to the resources they need to start and grow their businesses”.

The workshop also referenced UNCDF’s Inclusive Digital Economy Scorecard, launched in 2021, highlighting Solomon Islanders’ skills development and innovation potential as areas requiring targeted programmes and policy support.

The event acknowledged the invaluable support of development partners and donors, including the Governments of Australia and New Zealand and the European Union, and the UN Conference for Trade and Development, whose contributions have been instrumental in driving the Solomon Islands’ digital agenda.

Governors Remarks.

Zoe UNCDF.

Participants.

Group Photo.