Guadalcanal Province is set to pilot a mobile revenue collection system using the M-SELEN platform.
The initiative aims to modernise the collection of business licence fees and property taxes while reducing the costs and risks associated with cash-based revenue collection.
The Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) met with technical and development partners on July 22 to finalise plans for the pilot.
The new system will use M-SELEN’s USSD and mobile application channels.
This will allow taxpayers to pay their fees from any location, reducing the need for long-distance travel and physical cash handling.
“Guadalcanal represents the first step in a transformative journey towards modernising revenue administration across Solomon Islands,” said Momodou Lamin Sawaneh of CTA-PGSP/PM-IEDCR.
“The successful implementation of the M-SELEN platform here will demonstrate a proven and scalable model for nationwide adoption,” Sawaneh said.
“Our vision is to enable every provincial government to strengthen revenue collection, improve transparency and accountability, reduce administrative costs and deliver efficient, citizen-centred digital services that support sustainable local development.”
The meeting was chaired by GPG Deputy Provincial Secretary Joseph Sua. He was joined by Deputy Provincial Treasurer Susie Nama’ahea, Provincial Engineer Derick Bako and Assistant Planning Specialist Loyd Manuna.
They were joined by representatives from the Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP), M-SELEN and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
“This pilot positions Guadalcanal Province at the forefront of digital transformation in local governance,” Sua said.
“By eliminating the logistical challenges associated with physical cash collection, we are establishing a more transparent, efficient and accountable revenue management system.,” he added.
“This initiative will improve operational efficiency and create a more business-friendly environment that supports economic growth and better service delivery.”
Key features of the pilot include:
Instant digital receipts: The platform will generate electronic receipts through SMS, providing taxpayers with proof of payment in real time. Detailed PDF receipts will remain available through provincial offices when required.
Revenue mapping: M-SELEN’s merchant and agent network data will give GPG better visibility of economic activity across the province. This will support the identification, monitoring and licensing of businesses.
Business-friendly fees: Provincial authorities may consider a fee structure that encourages adoption while keeping the cost of digital payments affordable for businesses.
Improved governance: Digital revenue collection will strengthen revenue mobilisation, accountability and public sector performance.
The platform is designed to operate despite local challenges, including unreliable power and network connectivity.
M-SELEN field champions will work with provincial staff on training and public awareness through radio, SMS and social media.
The project team will conduct a live system demonstration during the second week of August.
This will help customise reporting workflows and ensure compliance with the Provincial Government Act and Financial Management Ordinances.
Following regulatory clearance and finalisation of the fee structure, the pilot will begin with business licence fees.
It will later expand to property taxes and other provincial revenue streams.
