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PM Manele Welcomes Huawei’s Progress on Telecommunications Infrastructure

By Eliza Kukutu

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Huawei Asia Pacific Region Carrier Business Group President, Mr Denny Deng and Hon. PM Jeremiah Manele.

Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele has welcomed ongoing cooperation with Huawei Technologies and acknowledged the company’s contribution to Solomon Islands’ national efforts to improve connectivity and advance digital development.

The Prime Minister met this week with senior Huawei officials, including Mr. Denny Deng, President of Huawei Asia Pacific Region Carrier Business Group, Mr. Angelo Zhang, CEO of Huawei’s Papua New Guinea Subsidiary and Mr. Nick Liu, PNG Subsidiary Account Director. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the implementation of the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project and discuss prospects for continued collaboration in the digital sector.

PM Hon. Jeremiah Manele and Huawei Officials (From L-R Mr. Angelo Zhang, Mr. Denny Deng, Hon PM and Mr. Nick Liu)
PM Hon. Jeremiah Manele and Huawei Officials (From L-R Mr. Angelo Zhang, Mr. Denny Deng, Hon PM and Mr. Nick Liu)

Huawei confirmed that 38 telecommunications tower sites are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, as part of the broader project that is set to be fully completed by the end of 2026. These towers are being strategically placed across the country to improve mobile and internet access, particularly in rural areas, thereby facilitating broader access to communications, education, and essential public services.

Prime Minister Manele reaffirmed the Government’s appreciation for the partnership and recognised the significant national benefits that the infrastructure rollout is delivering. The improved connectivity aligns with the Government’s development priorities under the GNUT Policy Agenda and is instrumental in promoting equitable access to digital services across the country.

Discussions also covered the broader digital transformation landscape, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in areas such as meteorological services, and the strategic importance of establishing a national data centre to ensure data sovereignty. The Government acknowledged the potential of AI technologies while emphasising the need for a balanced approach that includes capacity building, risk assessment, and inclusive access to digital knowledge.

The expanded broadband network will also support the full utilisation of the country’s undersea fiber optic cable, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of digital services across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and government services. This infrastructure is essential to unlocking the full potential of Solomon Islands’ digital economy.

Huawei reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ digital aspirations and extended an invitation for the Prime Minister to visit its headquarters in China. In response, Prime Minister Manele stated, “Irrespective whoever is Prime Minister, what matters most is that this partnership continues. Under my leadership, we have seen progress that directly benefits our people—and that momentum must be maintained.”

The Government of Solomon Islands remains committed to fostering strong, transparent partnerships that support national development, inclusive connectivity, and long-term resilience in the digital era.

ENDS///

– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT

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