Publications
Summary of publication
Australia’s Aid Investment Plan (AIP) for Solomon Islands (2015-2019) sets out a gradual adjustment in Australian aid towards a greater focus on supporting economic growth, away from stability. While Solomon Islands has made significant economic gains since the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands commenced in 2003, it remains one of the poorest countries in the Pacific. Economic growth is barely above population growth, so per capita incomes are stagnant, and the financial prospects for the country are poor.
Australia’s development support to the Solomon Islands, expressed through the AIP, seeks to ‘facilitate stability, sustainable economic growth, human development and poverty reduction.’ Sustained and inclusive economic growth is one of three partnership priorities. Crosscutting partnership issues include, climate change and disaster resilience, gender equality, empowering women and girls, all of which are considered critical to addressing the barriers to economic growth and poverty reduction.
The Solomon Islands Growth Program (SIGP 2016–2020) is the flagship economic growth program for Australian support to Solomon Islands, designed to increase private sector investment in a more inclusive economy. It seeks to address the economy-wide constraints to growth by developing infrastructure, building the government capacity for policy and risk analysis, promoting workforce productivity, and supporting the capacity of the business sector to advocate for change.
Strongim Bisnis (Strengthen Business) is one of three delivery mechanisms of the SIGP. The program commenced operation in July 2017 with a budget of AUD14 million. The first phase of Strongim Bisnis is due to conclude in June 2020 and it is anticipated that a second three-year phase will commence shortly after this date.
Full publication
- Strongim Bisnis Independent Evaluation [Word 610 KB]
- Strongim Bisnis Independent Evaluation [PDF 875 KB]
Management response