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OceaniaMelanesiaSB

Solomon Islands

AI Agent Legal Status: undefined · Autonomy: none

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2Score /10
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Legal Framework

Solomon Islands is in early-stage digital transformation with a digital economy score of ~43%. The Payment Systems Act 2022 modernized digital payment regulations under Central Bank oversight. CBSI launched a regulatory sandbox in April 2022. The CBSI has explicitly rejected cryptocurrencies, warning they are 'very risky and speculative.' A CBDC pilot project has been explored. The National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2021-2025 emphasizes digital financial services. A new ICT Services Digital Strategy 2026-2030 has been developed. No AI-specific legislation or DAO recognition exists.

Key Laws & Regulations

  • ◆Payment Systems Act 2022
  • ◆Companies Act 2009
  • ◆National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2021-2025
  • ◆ICT Services Digital Strategy 2026-2030
  • ◆National E-Commerce Strategy 2022

Business Formation

Limited Liability Company (LLC), Sole Proprietorship, Partnerships under Companies Act 2009. Foreign Investment Registration Certificate (FIRC) required. Mandatory company secretary. Registration through Company Haus. No minimum share capital requirement.

Tax Implications

Corporate tax rate 30% for residents, 35% for non-residents. No capital gains tax. VAT at 10%. Tax incentives available at ministerial discretion including fiscal holidays, import tariff exemptions, and credits for specific projects. Green energy project incentives.

Opportunities

Apply to CBSI regulatory sandbox for fintech innovation. Target digital financial inclusion gap (huge unbanked population). Provide AI solutions for SOLATS payment system improvements. Engage with ICT Strategy 2026-2030 implementation.

Highlights

CBSI regulatory sandbox (since 2022). Payment Systems Act provides modern digital payment framework. CBDC pilot exploration. Active digital transformation with UNCDF/World Bank support. Tax incentives for qualifying investments. Green energy incentives.

Risks & Challenges

CBSI has rejected cryptocurrencies. Very low digital infrastructure scores (20% internet usage, 19% digital payments). No AI, DAO, or comprehensive digital asset regulation. High non-resident tax rate (35%). Limited connectivity. Small market. Dependence on agriculture, fishing, forestry.