The National ICT Policy of the Solomon Islands (2015)

The National ICT Policy of the Solomon Islands (2015) is a foundational document outlining the country’s vision, priorities, and strategies for advancing information and communication technologies (ICT). Developed by the Ministry of Communications, Aviation and Information Technology, the policy serves as a guide for the government’s efforts to foster digital transformation and improve the socioeconomic well-being of its people through technology.

Vision and mission

The policy sets out a clear vision for the Solomon Islands to become a nation where ICT is used effectively to support economic development, enhance government operations, and improve citizens’ quality of life. Its mission is to create an inclusive digital society by expanding ICT access, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging innovation, while ensuring that technologies serve the needs of all sectors of society.

Background and policy principles

The document recognises the unique challenges faced by the Solomon Islands, including its scattered geography and limited infrastructure. It highlights the need for an ICT policy that reflects local conditions while also adhering to international best practices. Core policy principles include universal access, affordability, open and competitive markets, technological neutrality, security, and environmental sustainability. It also emphasises partnerships between the government, the private sector, and civil society.

Key objectives and strategies

The policy is structured around specific objectives and strategies designed to address national priorities:

• Accessible ICT: Ensuring that ICT services are available to all, particularly in remote and underserved communities. This includes improving infrastructure, reducing costs, and supporting local content development.
• Legal environment for ICT: Establishing a robust legal and regulatory framework to foster trust, privacy, cybersecurity, and consumer protection, alongside fair competition.
• ICT for good governance: Leveraging digital technologies to improve government transparency, efficiency, and public service delivery through e-government initiatives.
• ICT for peace and unity: Using ICT to strengthen social cohesion, enable dialogue, and support peacebuilding activities.
• ICT for health: Promoting the use of digital tools to improve healthcare access, medical information sharing, and remote health services.
• ICT for learning: Integrating ICT into education at all levels to boost digital literacy, improve learning outcomes, and support lifelong learning.
• ICT for business: Supporting the growth of ICT-driven entrepreneurship and innovation, with special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and rural industries.
• ICT for the environment: Encouraging environmentally sustainable ICT solutions and promoting technologies that aid in environmental monitoring and disaster preparedness.
• ICT for equity: Promoting the inclusion of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised groups in the digital economy.

Implementation and review

The policy includes detailed provisions for its implementation, including the establishment of an oversight body, action plans, and mechanisms for stakeholder engagement. A timetable for key actions is provided in an annexe. The document also mandates periodic review and updates to ensure that the policy remains relevant and responsive to technological changes and national needs.

Supporting material

The appendices of the policy include:

• A timetable for action,
• A glossary of terms and abbreviations,
• Core ICT indicators for tracking progress.

Overall approach

The Solomon Islands National ICT Policy adopts a holistic, inclusive, and development-oriented approach. It aims not only to expand technological access but also to harness ICT for broader societal benefits, aligning digital development with the country’s long-term social and economic goals.