Despite its substantial economic potential, the Solomon Islands remains one of the poorest countries in the Pacific. High operating costs, high transportation costs, dispersed geography of the archipelago, thin market, low export volumes and low human resource capacity hamper the Solomon Islands’ efforts to promote domestic and international investment and drive economic growth.

The Project/what we are doing about this challenge:

Strongim Bisnis is working to address the root causes of market dysfunction and drive economic growth, resilience and inclusion for the Solomon Islands and its people. Strongim Bisnis focuses on the key sectors of cocoa, coconut, financial services, horticulture, timber, tourism and waste management. The program’s cross-cutting approach to women’s economic empowerment and social inclusion ensures that women, youth and people with disabilities benefit from initiatives implemented in each sector, and they can participate formally in the economy.

ASI manages a team of local and international advisors who are working with businesses, government and organisations in these sectors to increase their productivity by helping them access more income-earning opportunities and higher-value markets. ASI provides innovative business models and market insights, linking key players together, facilitating access to financing and fostering a better business enabling environment. By piloting, experimenting, and partnering with a wide range of organisations, Strongim Bisnis has quickly learned and adapted solutions to best facilitate change in the Solomon Islands’ unique context.