The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) on 4 February presented its 2026 Budget Framework to the national minister for treasury, Ian Ling-Stuckey, in Port Moresby.
The budget totals K844.09 million and emphasises fiscal discipline and Bougainville’s readiness for independence.
ABG Minister for Treasury and Finance Albert Punghau presented the framework, outlining three priorities: protecting frontline services, supporting independence readiness and strengthening Bougainville’s own revenue base.
The Bougainville House of Representatives unanimously passed the budget in December 2025 under the theme “Advancing Fiscal Self-Reliance and Independence Readiness for Nationhood.”
The total appropriation includes K240.98 million, or 28.55 per cent, for recurrent expenditure to support essential services, and K603.11 million, or 71.45 per cent, for development projects, including infrastructure and economic investment.
Funding sources comprise national government grants of K520.36 million, ABG internal revenue of K46.75 million and reappropriated funds totalling K276.98 million.
“This balanced appropriation reflects our commitment to disciplined financial management and transparent resource utilisation,” Punghau said.
A key feature of the 2026 budget is the Constituency Independence-Readiness Programme, which allocates K1 million per constituency to support local economic activities and community-driven projects. The programme operates under Bougainville Executive Council-endorsed guidelines, with verified outputs and transparent controls.
The K150 million Restoration and Development Grant prioritises infrastructure rehabilitation, with 32 per cent directed to projects that improve access, connectivity and service delivery.
More than 54 per cent of recurrent grants are allocated to health and education, reinforcing the ABG’s focus on human capital development.
Punghau reaffirmed the ABG’s commitment to accountability, confirming that outstanding audits from 2017 to 2023 will be addressed and that reporting standards will be maintained.
“The ABG will measure 2026 performance through tangible outputs, including completed and commissioned projects, improved service delivery, restored infrastructure functionality and visible progress toward economic productivity and institutional readiness,” he said.
The ABG continues its practice of early budget submission and remains among the first regional governments to present its budget to the National Treasury each year.
Punghau requested formal endorsement of the framework to allow the early release of first-quarter grants, ensuring continuity of services and smooth implementation in 2026.
