Mr. Mesepitu said the report also highlighted lower labour force participation among women, at 57.2 percent, compared with 64.4 percent for men. He added that youth unemployment among those aged 15 to 24 remains particularly high at 14.5 percent.
He said around 9,000 young people enter the labour market each year, but only about 2,100 formal jobs are created.
“Every year, about 9,000 young people enter the labour market, but only about 2,100 formal jobs are created. That is why the Government is taking this issue seriously. We have to start somewhere and create an enabling environment. It will be challenging, but we have to start, and we have to do it.”
Mr. Mesepitu said the Government is pursuing reforms aimed at generating employment opportunities across both the formal and informal sectors.
Of the 25,000 jobs targeted, 10,000 are expected to come from the formal sector, while the remaining 15,000 will be created through informal employment, self-employment and other livelihood opportunities.
The targeted sectors include:
Agriculture and food production – 5,000 jobs
Fisheries and aquaculture – 3,000 jobs
Tourism and hospitality – 2,500 jobs
Agro-processing and manufacturing – 3,000 jobs
Forestry and downstream processing – 1,500 jobs
Cocoa, coconut, kava, seaweed and other export commodities – 2,500 jobs
Transport, logistics and distribution – 2,000 jobs
Digital business and services – 1,500 jobs
Construction, maintenance and business services – 2,000 jobs
Mining-related activities and local MSME supply chains – 2,000 jobs
Mr. Mesepitu acknowledged that the target is ambitious but stressed that the Government remains committed to delivering on its plan.
The 25,000-job target was first announced by Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Harry Kuma, during the National Business Forum in Honiara recently.
Minister Kuma said jobs are the foundation of national peace, economic security and identity, particularly for Solomon Islands’ rapidly growing youth population.
He also said the Government is committed to improving the country’s investment climate, noting that Solomon Islands ranks 136th out of 190 economies on the Ease of Doing Business Index, with a score of 55 out of 100.
ENDS//
