Through the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership, Australia has announced support to Cab’It, an emerging delivery service in the Solomon Islands, to expand and streamline its operations.
Cab’It, a youth-led transport business, has harnessed the country’s growing digital economy by taking online orders and delivering goods from suppliers to customers across Honiara.
With Australian support, Cab’It will employ a sales representative to onboard more suppliers, enhance ordering and payment systems, and purchase two additional e-scooters for deliveries.
Funding will also cover administrative training and support the development of a mobile app to streamline the customer experience.
Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands,Rod Hilton, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with a young local entrepreneur.
“Australia is committed to supporting innovative businesses like Cab’It, which play a crucial role in the Solomon Islands’ digital transformation, economic growth and job creation,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“The digital economy has huge potential in the Solomon Islands, especially for women, youth, and people with disability, through self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities,” he added.
Since COVID-19, the digital economy in the Solomon Islands has grown, with an increasing number of retail and home-based businesses exploring online services to reach more customers.
Despite this growing trend, success is often hampered by either the unavailability or the prohibitively high cost of delivery services.
Cab’It is the only business filling this void, currently partnering with food vendors and restaurants in Honiara and using vehicles and an e-scooter to make deliveries.
Staff of the Australian High Commission and Cab’It during the e scooter handover under the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership (PC:DFAT Press)
Delivery services to Malaita, Western Province and the rest of Guadalcanal are also being explored through ships and planes.
John Junior Wanofafia, Managing Director and Owner of Cab‘It, thanked the Australian Government for its support.
“This assistance will allow us to enhance our services, reach more customers, and create new jobs, particularly for young people in the Solomon Islands. Our goal is to provide reliable and affordable delivery services while also contributing to the growth of the digital economy,” said Wanofafia.
The expansion of Cab’It is projected to significantly increase daily delivery volumes, create new jobs, and establish partnerships with a broader range of local businesses.
As the digital economy continues to grow in the Solomon Islands, this initiative will play a key role in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.