Written by MFOR Media on 29 October 2025.
Written by MFOR Media on 27 October 2025.
A second of the year, one-week World Bank (WB) Implementation Support Mission concluded on Thursday, 23rd September 2025. The mission was led by the new Task Team Leader, Mr. Xavier Vincent, and team member, Mr. Fabio Farinosi. This mission discussed and reviewed with MFOR, MFED, KFSU, WB Country Liaison Officer and PROP Project Management Unit the ongoing progress and challenges of the PROP, a WB funded programme implemented and managed by the MFOR. With a grant of USD 19.5 million, this six-year programme has been supporting MFOR in delivering activities that contributes to improving community livelihoods and enhancing economic growth. Significant outputs highlighted during the mission include but not limited to, increased fish exports in Kiritimati, improved community-based fisheries management, solar salt production on Beru Island, reduced pet fish mortality, enhanced MCS capacity with two new patrol boats, completion of MFOR’s building design, and support to few outer islands in identifying potential fisheries areas through the completion of their MSP. The outcome of the mission confirmed as Moderately Satisfactory rating, indicating that while progress has been made, further efforts are needed to fully achieve the targets before closure in June 2026. MFOR expressed its sincere appreciation to the World Bank mission team and acknowledged the significant support from the WB to MFOR and Kiribati.
Revising the PNA FSM Arrangement (FSMA) framework is the focus of the PNA workshop, commenced from 20-21 October 2025 in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The workshop is a continuation of previous workshops, which places greater emphasis on improving existing criteria under the FSMA to maximise and retain more social and economic value from tuna fisheries in line with regional initiatives like the East New Britain Initiative and other activities along the tuna value chain. The workshop was attended by fisheries managers and senior officials from PNA member countries, including Kiribati. As agreed in their annual meeting, Parties target to complete this work before endorsement next year.
Written by MFOR Media on 23 October 2025.
The Delegation from the US Embassy and Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) - US development entity, today, 23rd October 2025, met with MFOR team to discuss areas of possible mutual cooperation, at the MFOR Headquarters in Bairiki, Tarawa. The US administration has recently approved the MCC Kiribati Threshold program valued at US$29 million to go ahead again with new interests to contribute to the country’s priority of developing Kiritimati Island as new development hub. Several ideas and suggestions were exchanged between the two delegations with a view to enhance MFOR and Kiribati’s better engagement in the implementation and roll-out of this MCC Kiribati Threshold program in the future. It is very encouraging to learn that the US through MCC is shifting their focus and attention on supporting the key development needs of Big Ocean States like Kiribati. The Government of Kiribati, through the MFOR acknowledges the delegation from the US Embassy and the MCC for the generous assistance and support to the people of Kiribati through this Kiribati Threshold program.
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