BY CHRIS ALEX
The launch of Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre marks a collaborative milestone between the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, (MCILI) Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, (MAL) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
MAL Minister, Trevor Hedley Mahaga, officially launched the Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre at IBS Hotel on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
The initiative is seen as a strategic response to the country’s pressing employment challenges particularly among youth, with urban youth unemployment currently estimated at 38%.
Mahaga said the initiative is more than a launch as it is also a symbol that Solomon Islands is not standing still.
“We are turning promises into projects, and policies into progress,” he said.
The ABI Centre aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture by targeting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially those led by young people and women.
The project has set an ambitious goal of supporting the development of at least 90 agribusinesses over the next three years, providing them with critical training, mentorship, and access to finance.
The Centre will offer services such as; business diagnostics, compliance and advisory support, climate adaptation guidance, and access to a dedicated business information hub.
It will also facilitate MSME forums, networking events, and entrepreneurship competitions, with successful business pitches receiving recognition and support through the ABI Technical Advisory Committee.
Mahaga said the centre embodies their commitment to nurturing sustainable and inclusive agricultural businesses.
He stressed that it will serve as a coordination hub for government agencies, NGOs, financial institutions and development partners working together to support agricultural innovation.
In an effort to ensure inclusivity, the ABI program will extend its reach to provinces such as Malaita, Western Province, and other provinces to ensure that rural communities are not left behind.
Mahaga expressed gratitude to all development partners and stakeholders involved, and voiced strong confidence in the program’s potential.
“Let us work together to unlock the full potential of Solomon Islands’ agriculture sector. This is the future we are building. One that is sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity,” he said.
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