Five women entrepreneurs representing diverse sectors—from social enterprise and traditional crafts to sustainable manufacturing—have travelled from Papua New Guinea to Melbourne to participate in the 2025 World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF).
The forum also provided an opportunity to forge new connections.
The delegation included Anne-Shirley Korave (Queenpads), Annette Sete (Maku Gifts and Lava Girl), Florence Kamel (Jaukae Bilum Products), Evelyn Mopafi (Apo Meri Social Enterprise), and Eli Webb (PNG Women’s Business Resource Centre).
The Australian Government supported the entrepreneurs to join First Nations Australian business leaders and global delegates in a week-long exchange of ideas, innovation and partnership.
The delegation’s presence at WIBF highlights the vibrancy of PNG’s women-led enterprises and the strong ties between Australia’s and Papua New Guinea’s business communities.
Their visit reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those led by women. By supporting the delegation’s participation—and through other initiatives such as the PNG SME Awards and the EmployAbility programme—Australia is helping entrepreneurs access training, mentoring and market opportunities to grow their businesses and strengthen local economies.
Over the week, the entrepreneurs showcased their products and ideas and gained knowledge and insights that will help strengthen their businesses and contribute to PNG’s thriving Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector.
Their programme included participation in panel discussions, networking events and site visits, including a morning tea hosted by the Australian Government’s Office for First Nations International Engagement.
Delegate Sete, founder of Maku Gifts and Lava Girl, said the forum broadened her understanding of what is possible. “It helped me realise that we can do more in terms of organising our Indigenous businesses in PNG to have a stronger voice in promoting empowerment for PNG Indigenous-owned businesses," She said.
"It has set us up to consider establishing something like the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce in Victoria," Sete added.
Evelyn Mopafi, founder of Apo Meri Social Enterprise, said she took away many new ideas from her participation.
“It provided exposure to new ideas, market trends and sustainable practices that will strengthen Apo Meri’s social and environmental impact. The experience has inspired clear next steps for collaboration, capacity building and the advancement of women-led enterprises in Papua New Guinea.”
The forum also offered a platform for PNG entrepreneurs to connect with First Nations Australian businesses, share cultural and commercial insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration. It reflects Australia’s broader approach to development—one that values locally led solutions, inclusive growth and genuine partnership.
