Press Release
3rd October, 2025
Financial Management Capacity Building Training for World Bank-Funded Projects
Finance officers working on World Bank-funded projects across Solomon Islands have completed a two-day Financial Management Capacity Building Training, held in Honiara from 11–12 September 2025. The program, led by the Solomon Islands Government in partnership with the World Bank, aimed to boost transparency, accountability, and efficiency in managing development funds.
The training brought together finance officers from various ministries and projects to sharpen their skills in budgeting, expenditure control, financial reporting, and internal oversight. It also introduced new tools like the Funds Chain platform to improve the speed and clarity of financial processes.
The training was officially opened by Craig Zongahite Ross, with support from Christina Kimitora of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT). In his opening remarks, Ross emphasized the importance of transparent and accountable financial practices, noting that effective fund management is essential to achieving development outcomes.
Representing the World Bank Office in Honiara, Alison Ofotalau highlighted the need for strong financial performance ratings and encouraged finance officers to collaborate closely with project managers to uphold internal controls and align financial practices with development goals.
Facilitated by Lamin Njie, Financial Management Specialist for the World Bank portfolio under the Building Capacity in Statistics and Audit in Solomon Islands (CAPSA Program), Janet Gamarra, Senior Financial Management Specialist (World Bank Sydney Office), and Hyemin Yeo, Financial Management Consultant (World Bank Honiara Office), the training served both as a refresher and a platform for identifying areas of improvement. Participants gained practical insights into Cash Basis International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), financing agreement arrangements, and the integration of project finances into the national budget framework.
Topics covered included budgeting and expenditure control, funds flow mechanisms, contract register maintenance, project closure requirements, and financial reports. The introduction of the Funds Chain platform was also featured, aimed at improving efficiency and transparency in financial processes.
Permanent Secretary of MOFT, McKinnie Dentana, commended the initiative, stating, “This training is an important step in ensuring that our project finance officers are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to manage resources effectively. Strengthening financial systems not only ensures compliance with international standards but also enhances accountability and transparency, which are vital for achieving lasting development outcomes for the people of Solomon Islands.”
By the conclusion of the program, participants had strengthened their capacity to manage project finances in line with World Bank guidelines and government’s broader commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.
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