An initiative to revitalize the agriculture sector through innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development was officially launched in Honiara on Wednesday, 20th August 2025.
The launch was made possible between the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour (MCILI), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) in partnership with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nation.
Trevor Mahaga, Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration (MCILI) officially launched the scheme.
It was witnessed and attended by senior government officials, development partners and private sector representatives at the Iron Bottom Sound Hotel.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the country’s collective efforts to transform the agriculture sector into a vibrant source of economic growth, employment, and sustainable development.
In his address, Minister Mahaga emphasized the urgency of addressing unemployment and economic stagnation, particularly in rural communities, through strategic investment agribusiness.
“The Agribusiness Innovation Centre is a place with a clear objective to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture creating sustainable agribusiness.
“This will contribute meaningfully to our economy to facilitate partnerships, raise awareness, and advocate for an enabling ecosystem that supports youth and women in agriculture and to develop at least 90 agribusinesses over a three-year project timeline, nurturing their growth from start-up to scale-up,” he said.
He explained the initiative embodies the country’s vision to unlock the potential of local targets, resources, and innovations for the betterment of our nation’s socioeconomic fabric,” he said.
The ABI Centre will serve as a hub for coordination among various partners including government agencies, NGOs, financial institutions, and development partners to support agricultural entrepreneurship, he added.
Director for Ministry for Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Mr. Michael Ho’ota highlighted the broader vision behind the ABI initiative.
“This initiative marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to transform and strengthen our domestic agri-food system.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our livelihood, our food security, and economic resilience.”
He acknowledged the challenges facing the sector-including low productivity and limited value addition and stressed the need for innovation and stronger markets links.
“Sustainable Transformation Domestic Agri-food System (STODAS) is not about strengthening agriculture. It is about fostering innovation, empowering our rural communities, and building pathways towards self-reliance and economic prosperity.”
The ABI Centre will serve as a national platform to support development of at least 90 agri-business over the next three years.
It will serve as; business diagnostics and compliance support, financial literacy and access to finance, climate adaptation, micro, small, medium enterprises forums and networking events, and specialized training and mentorship programs.
“These incubators will serve as a nurturing space for our emerging Agri-learners, providing them with technical support, mentorship, training, and opportunities to grow their business.”
He expressed gratitude to the European Union for the funding support, FAO for implementation leadership, and MCILI for its partnership.
“We believe this initiative will contribute meaningfully to our national priorities for food security, import substitution, employment creation, and economic diversification,” he said.
By ANDRIANAH KOLE
Solomon Star, Honiara
