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.
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
