UK support Solomon Islands government to progress EITI commitment
The UK government through the British High Commission in Honiara has signed a technical agreement with the Solomon Islands government to commence work on EITI re-entry.
Front row (L-R), Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Mr McKinnie Dentana, British High Commissioner Paul Turner and UNDP Solomon Islands Programme Specialist Inclusive Governance and Economic Growth, Mr Solomon Kalu. Back row (L-R) is Head of Solomon Islands EITI National Secretariat, Mr Vincent Salafa Obimae, UK Deputy High Commissioner Melissa Williams and UNDP Pacific Office Anti-Money Laundering & Anti-Corruption Specialist, Florica Dragomir.
Extractive Industries Transparency International or EITI is a global initiative aimed at promoting open and accountable management of oil, gas, and mineral resources. It establishes a standard for transparency in the extractive sector, requiring countries to disclose information about their natural resource revenues and how they are managed.
Solomon Islands first joined EITI in 2012 but withdrew 7 years later to review, reform, and strengthen transparency mechanisms within its mining sector.
However, on 12 May 2025, the government made a formal decision to re-engage into the EITI framework. Following a cabinet decision, the government formally conveyed to the EITI International Secretariate, on 18 June 2025, its commitment and requested for re-engagement.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury also confirmed the formation of the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) in July. The MSG is the “Governance” body of EITI in Solomon Islands that oversees the implementation of EITI. It is made up of representatives from government institutions, both national and provincial, civil society and landowners’ representatives as well as licensed mining companies.
This week’s signing of the Technical Agreement will significantly support the progress on the work of EITI Secretariate in Solomon Islands.
The technical assistance agreement covers the period November 2025 to March 2026 and focuses on the following core areas of support:
- capacity building of EITI Implementing Partners and the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG)
- scoping study of the extractive sector
- legal analysis and recommendations
- communication and stakeholder engagement
The agreement symbolises the strong partnership and shared vision between the United Kingdom and the Solomon Islands government in advancing transparency and integrity in the extractive industries for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders. It was also confirmed that technical support for this important commitment will be implemented through the United National Development Programme (UNDP).
About the EITI Standard
The EITI Standard outlines the requirements applicable to countries implementing the EITI as well as the Articles of Association governing the EITI. It is the global benchmark for transparency and accountability in the oil, gas, and mining sectors.
As a framework for disclosure and multi-stakeholder oversight, the EITI Standard is designed to empower governments, industry and civil society to promote understanding of natural resource management; strengthen public and corporate governance and accountability; and provide the data to inform policymaking and debate.
The EITI Standard has 3 parts including:
- principles and requirements
- board oversight and validation
- EITI governance and management