Matthew Wale was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands by the Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu at Government House, immediately after his election in parliament on Friday 15 May 2026.
Photo: Facebook / Government Communication Unit – Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands new Prime Minister Matthew Wale completed the formation of his Cabinet over the weekend.
Wale, 57, the leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, was elected to the top job last Friday by secret ballot.
The final group of ministers was sworn in at Government House in Honiara on Sunday.
His Deputy Prime Minister is Francis Sade, who is also the Minister for Public Service.
Speaking to local media, Wale, who has two years left to govern until the next scheduled general election, said his government is now fully constituted and ready to begin its work.
The completion of the 24-member Cabinet marks the final step in establishing the new government following his election.
“We are all very confident because we want to serve the country”, he told reporters after the first group of ministers was sworn in on Saturday.
Asked how he intends to keep the coalition together given different personalities and interests: “When there are issues, we have open conversations. We don’t want to have backdoor deals, we don’t want outside foreign business interests.
“We want [the] government of Solomon Islands to be for the people of Solomon Islands [and] for national interests.”
Wale’s 24-member Cabinet lineup
- Francis Sade – Deputy Prime Minister at the Government and Minister for Public Service.
- Ricky Fuo’o – Minister for Infrastructure Development
- Harry Kuma – Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration
- Frederick Kologeto – Minister for Communication & Aviation
- Clezy Rore – Minister of Justice & Legal Affairs
- Franklyn Derek Wasi – Minister for Agriculture and Livestock
- James Bonunga – Minister for Culture and Tourism
- Gordon Darcy Lilo – Minister for Finance and Treasury
- Ricky Nelson Houenipwela – Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade
- Peter Kenilorea Junior – Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination
- Mannaseh Maelanga – Minister for Home Affairs
- John Maneniaru – Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs
- Makario Tagini – Minister for Forestry and Research
- Derrick Manuari – Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification
- Wayne Ghemu – Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology
- John Tuhaika Junior – Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services
- Morris Toiraena – Minister for Health and Medical Services
- Polycarp Paea – Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources
- Alfred Lazarus Rinah – Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening
- Daniel Waneoroa – Minister for Rural Development
- George Temahua – Minister for Traditional Governance and Institutional Strengthening
- Oliver Salopuka – Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey
- Stephen Kumi – Minister for Education and Human Resource Development
