The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has begun implementing the second phase of the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) following its official launch at the Mendana Hotel in Honiara on 26 November 2025.
Honourable Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, together with Charge’ d’Affairs H.E. Yang Jie of the Chinese Embassy in the Solomon Islands, and the Minister for Rural Development (MRD), Honourable Daniel Waneoroa, launched the second phase of implementation in a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Members of Parliament, government officials, and other invited guests.
Under the People’s Republic of China (PRC)-Solomon Islands Government (SIG) partnership development program, PRC committed USD 10 million (approximately SBD $80 million) to the program to enhance social and economic development and improve the livelihoods of Solomon Islanders in both urban and rural communities throughout the country.
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister Honourable Jeremiah Manele said that the launch event marked another milestone achievement by the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Solomon Islands.
He emphasized that the second phase represents a continuation of the commitment by the PRC government and its people towards sustainable development and the empowerment of our rural communities to build a better future for the people of Solomon Islands.
“PRC, today, stands as a significant development partner for the people and government of the Solomon Islands. The collaboration between our two countries has not only benefited the individuals and communities directly involved in the program, but has also strengthened and deepened the bond between your government and the Solomon Islands. With this cordial friendship and relationship, we can achieve even greater success and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need,” Prime Minister Manele said.
The RSDP initial phase one started in 2023 and has been instrumental in improving the lives of many people, both in rural and urban communities, providing access to important rural community infrastructure, increasing opportunities for local-level socio-economic development, and improving community livelihoods across all sectors.
Many sub-projects funded under RSDP were categorized as small community infrastructure projects, such as community halls and rest houses, marine and fisheries-related projects, land transportation, water and sanitation infrastructure, renewable energy, and others.
“I am pleased to see the positive impacts this program has had on the lives and livelihoods of communities across the country. I am confident that this second phase will bring even more positive outcomes. I look forward to celebrating the successes that will emerge in the not-so-distant future,” Hon. Manele underscored.
Prime Minister Manele further said that the categories of sub-projects implemented under the program demonstrated a strong correlation between the intentions of the program design and the Solomon Islands National Development Strategy (NDS).
“…RSDP is strongly linked to Objective Two of the NDS, which targets poverty alleviation across the whole of the Solomon Islands, ensuring the basic needs of our people are addressed and that food security and livelihoods are improved.”
The essence of the RSDP is to ensure that the benefits of development are equitably distributed to all Solomon Islanders, guided by principles such as putting people at the center of development, promoting inclusive development, and protecting the environment.
“It is my hope that the initiatives under the RSDP will not only contribute to the transformation of the lives of individuals and communities throughout the Solomon Islands at present but will also create sustainable changes that benefit future generations. Your investment in this program is an investment in the future of these communities, and we are grateful for your generosity and trust in our shared vision for a brighter future,” the Prime Minister stressed, while recognizing the PRC’s continued commitment to the program and partnership in making it a success.
“With your continued support, we will be able to reach more individuals and communities in need, providing our people with the basic resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we can build and create a brighter and more sustainable future for all Solomon Islanders.”
Meanwhile, Charge d’Affairs H.E. Yang Jie of the Chinese Embassy in the Solomon Islands said that the PRC is glad to support a wide range of “small yet smart” livelihood projects like RSDP across the country.
“Since 2023, according to the agreement between our two governments, China has started supporting RSDP. The 2023 RSDP has benefited communities in nine provinces of the Solomon Islands. Under the program, fish centers, community clinics, school classrooms, roads, and other infrastructure have been built. Many equipment, facilities, and materials such as fishing boats, OBMs, building materials, and water tanks have been delivered to local people.
“The RSDP has tremendously lifted the living standards of many communities in the Solomon Islands. The tangible fruits were warmly welcomed by the people and have promoted great economic and social development in rural areas.
“Today, we launch the new phase of RSDP, which will significantly enhance infrastructure levels and improve the quality of life for the local people from all 50 constituencies.
“We believe that, under the leadership of the Hon. Prime Minister and with the efforts of all Members of Parliament (MPs), MRD officials, and stakeholders, the implementation of RSDP will bring more tangible and accessible outcomes for the social and economic development of SI,” H.E. Jie said.
“Eliminating poverty and promoting the development of rural areas has always been a dream for developing countries. China commits to the people-centered development philosophy, taking the elimination of extreme poverty as the key objective for building a modern, prosperous society in all respects.
“As good friends, brothers, and partners of SI, China will continue to expand and deepen practical cooperation with Solomon Islands across sectors, bringing more tangible benefits to our peoples as we build a closer China-SI community with a shared future,” he emphasized.
Honourable PM Manele further expressed gratitude on behalf of the government and the people of Solomon Islands to the Chinese government for their continued support of RSDP, including all other development support in all sectors of investment in Solomon Islands.
He also thanked the hardworking staff of the Chinese Embassy, in particular Acting Ambassador His Excellency Yang Jie and Counsellor Li Qinghua, for their guidance throughout the process of preparing and ensuring that this second phase is endorsed for implementation.
Hon. Manele also recognized the Minister for Rural Development, Hon. Daniel Waneoroa, and his dedicated staff and officials for their continued commitment to the guiding principles of this initiative and for its successful delivery in the coming weeks and months, ultimately aiming to create positive changes in communities throughout the country.
This donor partnership is a testament to the MOU signed between the PRC and SIG in 2019 regarding PRC support for rural development.
The program is strictly proposal-based, with MRD coordinating its implementation in partnership with the Chinese Embassy in Honiara to ensure that project applications align with the Global Development Initiative of PRC, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the SIG National Development Strategy (NDS), 2016-2035.
The project proposal submissions adhere strictly to the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) application format, and submissions have already been received and assessed earlier this year.
The program intends to focus on the high number of rural-based Solomon islanders living in remote rural areas within the 50 constituencies, including the underdeveloped urban and semi-urban areas in the Country.
The thematic areas of priority under RSDP are social and economic infrastructures, including income-generating projects and those proposals addressing improvement of livelihood, food security, and climate-change related interventions.
The Ministry will conduct robust monitoring during the implementation stage to ensure projects are properly undertaken with communities and processes are accountable and transparently executed.
MRD, together with PRC, will monitor and report on the completion of all projects under this program.
PRC will continue to support rural development initiatives in the Solomon Islands through this established partnership program (RSDP) with SIG through MRD.
More RSDP project agreements are scheduled for signing and implementation in the coming days and weeks.
