Papua New Guinea’s digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) agenda took centre stage as the government marked Safer Internet Day 2026 in February, with Acting Information and Communications Technology Minister Peter L. Tsiamalili Jr. reaffirming ICT and AI as critical drivers of economic growth and public sector reform. In a press statem...

Central Province has unveiled a K345 million (approximately US$93.2 million) 2026 budget aimed at accelerating rural economic growth, strengthening governance and improving financial independence, with significant allocations for security, infrastructure, skills development and local enterprise. The budget was formally presented to Treasurer Ian Ling-S...

A K120 million (approximately US$32.4 million) redevelopment of the National Fisheries College’s waterfront training facilities has entered the implementation phase, marking a major investment in Papua New Guinea’s fisheries value chain and long-term revenue diversification strategy. The National Fisheries Authority confirmed that the shorebase trainin...

Digitec PNG Financial Services Limited, trading as V-MONI; Omega Paymybills PNG Limited; and Lower OK Tedi Micro Bank Limited have officially received licence certificates from the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) on 27 February at Robert Haus in Port Moresby. Speaking at the licence presentation ceremony, BPNG Governor Elizabeth Genia described the dev...

National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has urged the government to treat Papua New Guinea’s recent placement on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as a catalyst for economic reform, calling for stronger import substitution policies and reduced reliance on unprocessed mineral exports. PNG was placed on the FATF list of Jurisdictio...

Papua New Guinea has been placed on the Financial Action Task Force’s list of Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring, commonly known as the “grey list”, following the FATF plenary in Mexico City on 13 February. The designation subjects PNG to enhanced monitoring by the global financial crime watchdog over weaknesses in its anti-money laundering, coun...

The Minister for Works and Highways, Peter Tsiamalili Jr, has called for stronger accountability, tighter financial management and engineering excellence as the Department of Works and Highways convened its 2025 final quarter budget review in Lae. The three-day review, held at the Lae International Hotel in Morobe Province on Tuesday, Feb. 17, aims to ...

As Papua New Guinea’s industrial and commercial sectors expand, the demand for reliable fuel storage and maintenance services has never been greater. Based in Port Moresby, Paul’s Tank Fuel Cleaning Services (PTFC Services) is positioning itself as a key local provider of specialised fuel and tank maintenance solutions, supporting industries where fuel in...

The Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) officially announced on 2 February the appointment of Sir Robert Igara, KBE, CMG, as chairman of its Board of Directors, effective December 23, 2025. BPNG Governor Elizabeth Genia welcomed the appointment in a statement, describing Sir Robert’s experience and leadership as significant assets to the institution. “W...

Port Moresby’s long-term transformation agenda has received high-level endorsement, with Papua New Guinea’s Governor-General, Sir Bob Dadae, backing the Amazing Port Moresby Vision 2030 as a national priority — reinforcing the capital’s strategic role as the “Gateway to PNG.” National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop confirmed the endorsement fol...

The Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), in collaboration with the Business Council of Papua New Guinea (BCPNG) and the PNG Diaspora Business Council of Australia (PNGDBCA), has welcomed a three-day visit to Papua New Guinea by a 35-member PNG-Australia Diaspora Trade and Investment Delegation. The delegation, comprising Papua New Guinean professional...

The National Cultural Commission has played a growing role in strengthening Papua New Guinea’s future workforce since launching its internship programme in 2022, as it farewelled seven University of Papua New Guinea students who have successfully completed internships and short-term professional attachments. The farewell was held on 6 February at the N...

Petroleum projects in Papua New Guinea have recorded encouraging progress, with Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina welcoming significant advances on the APF Tie-In Project, citing major regulatory approvals and community agreements as critical milestones toward full project sanction. Speaking from Singapore on behalf of the national government, Maladina...

The Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) has officially launched a new K100 banknote into circulation, honouring the legacy of one of the nation’s most influential leaders, the Late Sir Julius Chan, marking one year since his passing. Speaking at the national launch 27 on January at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby, BPNG Governor Elizabeth Genia said the n...

The Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry (POMCCI) has highlighted the critical role of industry-led reform in strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET) outcomes, as businesses across Papua New Guinea continue to grapple with skills shortages and rising workforce costs. POMCCI and its members convened on 28 January fo...

The Department of Works and Highways (DWOH) has taken a major step towards modernising Papua New Guinea’s transport infrastructure with the launch of a consultancy to develop the country’s first legal and institutional framework for a railway network. A pre-start meeting for the consultancy contract was held on 5 December, marking the commencement of p...