Former Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Colin Yow is back in the country now as the CEO of Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA).
His appointment was approved by the CEMA Board following the successful completion of the recruitment process.
The official contract signing took place on Friday 12th December 2025 at the CEMA Conference Room in Honiara.
This appointment marks a significant step forward as CEMA moves into a new era of transformation under the CEMA Revitalization and Recapitalisation Strategy 2021–2027 and the Strategic Transformation Plan (STP) 2026–2029.
These reforms are aimed at rebuilding CEMA into a strong, modern, and trusted institution that better serves farmers, rural communities, and the broader national economy.
The Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), Hon. Harry Kuma, has acknowledged and respected the independent decision made by the CEMA Board.
Minister Kuma also expressed confidence in Mr. Yow’s proven leadership record, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to policies that uplift farmers, strengthen market systems, and drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Mr. Yow’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as CEMA advances into Phase 3 of its transformation program.
Since the restoration of its commercial trading function in 2021, CEMA has focused on rebuilding trading operations.
The next phase will prioritise stronger financial discipline, nationwide expansion of buying networks, and accelerating value-added processing for coconut, cocoa, and other key commodities.
CEMA Board Chairman, Mr. Alpha Kimata, stated that he is confident Mr. Yow’s leadership will reposition CEMA as a key driver of national development, with a focus on:
- Empowering rural farmers through fair and competitive farm-gate prices
- Expanding export opportunities and diversifying Solomon Islands commodities
- Improving market access and strengthening pricing mechanisms for farmers and exporters
- Modernising value chains to enable greater value-added production locally
As CEO, Mr. Yow will work closely with the Government, private sector, development partners, and most importantly, farmers and rural communities.
His mandate is clear: deliver better prices, reliable buying services, and stable market access so that ordinary Solomon Islanders benefit directly from the commodities sector.
Former CEO Mr. Patterson Silioto, now appointed as Chief Operations Officer (COO), acknowledged his new role in supporting the CEO and expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Solomon Islands Government, especially MCILI, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).
CEMA board reaffirms its commitment to strengthening partnerships, improving governance, and ensuring that every reform translates into real, tangible benefits for farmers and the nation.
Further updates on the CEO’s onboarding and the rollout of key STP programmes will be announced in due course.
– Govt Com Unit
