AGP Executive Report

Fuel Relief Watch: PNG’s consumer watchdog says June fuel prices will stay at March 2026 levels under the Government’s Fuel Relief Assistance, keeping Port Moresby petrol at K4.39/litre, diesel at K4.44/litre and kerosene at K4.09/litre, with compliance monitoring by ICCC, Customs, IRC, BPNG and Treasury. Education Spend: Prime Minister James Marape reports K877 million invested in the tuition fee subsidy since taking office, with 2.5 million students benefiting, plus HELP support and upgrades to classrooms, labs, libraries and teacher accommodation. Health Controls: PNG is training internal auditors across all 21 Provincial Health Authorities and Bougainville to strengthen risk-based financial oversight, supported by Australia, New Zealand and Gavi. Aviation Reform: ICCC recommends independent economic regulation for airport operator NAC and air navigation provider NiuSky Pacific to improve pricing transparency, service quality and investment coordination. Water Investment: EU and EIB funding backed by Global Gateway will expand drinking-water networks, targeting an extra 400,000 people with concessional loan and grants. Green Finance & Trade: Green Finance Summit 2026 drew 240 delegates, while the EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby pushed renewable energy, water security, digital transformation and export-ready partnerships. Resource & Mining: K92 expands high-grade Arakompa zones ahead of a maiden resource estimate, and Marape points to a decade-long growth pipeline led by Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu and P’nyang. Marine Conservation: PNG will protect about 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus with a total fishing ban, moving toward national legal backing. Land Administration: Deputy PM John Rosso admits ILG registration is still too lengthy and says reforms are underway to reduce delays and abuse.

Economic Outlook: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG is entering a 10–15 year stretch of sustained growth as Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu and P’nyang drive investment, jobs and government revenue. EU Investment & Water Security: At the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum, the EU and EIB backed the Water Wise Communities Project with a €25m concessional loan plus a €16.4m grant, targeting safer drinking water for an extra 400,000 people. Marine Conservation: PNG will protect about 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus with a total fishing ban, moving toward legal status under the Melanesian Ocean Corridor. Aviation Regulation: PNG’s ICCC recommends independent economic regulation for NAC and NiuSky Pacific to improve pricing transparency, service quality and investment coordination. Digital Trust for Media: ICT officials say Digital Public Infrastructure—digital identity, payments and secure data exchange—could help curb fake accounts and strengthen trusted information. Mining & Drilling: K92 reports expanded high-grade drilling at Arakompa ahead of a maiden resource estimate mid-2026. Land Administration Reform: Deputy PM John Rosso admits ILG registration is still too lengthy and says reforms are underway to reduce delays and abuse. Environment & Community: NCD Governor Parkop announces six environmental science scholarships; 321 Group backs mangrove planting; Port Moresby Nature Park launches its Trash to Treasure festival.

Aviation & Regulation: PNG’s aviation sector is set for change after the ICCC recommended independent economic regulation for the National Airports Corporation and NiuSky Pacific, aiming for clearer charges, better service quality and stronger accountability. Infrastructure Push: Government has launched a major Port Moresby International Airport redevelopment and expansion program costing up to K2.5 billion to modernise the gateway and support growth. EU Investment in Water: The EU and EIB backed a Water Wise Communities project with €25m concessional loan plus €16.4m grant to expand drinking-water networks, targeting an extra 400,000 people. EU-PNG Business Momentum: The 5th EU–PNG Business Forum drew 77 companies and focused on renewable energy, water security, digital transformation and trade rules. Energy Outlook: PM Marape says PNG’s next 10–15 years of growth will be driven by Papua LNG and other projects like Wafi-Golpu and P’nyang. Mining & Jobs: K92 expanded high-grade Arakompa drilling ahead of a maiden resource estimate mid-2026, while a women-run limestone mine in Morobe showcased downstream calcium carbonate and hydrated lime at the forum. Marine Conservation: PNG moved to protect about 200,000 km² of ocean around western Manus with a proposed total fishing ban, pending legal steps. Digital Economy: PNG’s DPI push links digital identity, payments and secure data exchange to help strengthen media trust and reduce fake accounts. Environment & Community: NCD Governor Parkop announced six environmental science scholarships, while 321 Group marked World Environment Day with mangrove planting support in Central.

EU-PNG Business Forum: The EU and PNG met in Port Moresby to push investment and trade, with talks spanning renewable energy, water security, digital transformation and sustainable extractives. Water Access Deal: The forum also backed the Water Wise Communities project, with the EU and EIB funding a loan and grant package expected to improve safe drinking water for about 400,000 people. Resource Pipeline Outlook: PM James Marape says Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu and P’nyang will drive 10–15 years of sustained energy-led growth and jobs. Mining Update: K92 Mining expanded its Arakompa high-grade zones ahead of a maiden resource estimate, reporting 33 more drill holes. Aviation Regulation: PNG’s consumer and competition watchdog recommends independent economic regulation for airport operator NAC and air navigation provider NiuSky Pacific to improve pricing and accountability. Digital ID Push: Government moves to strengthen Sevis PNG Digital ID to help curb fake accounts and support cybercrime enforcement, alongside plans for a legal framework for verifiable credentials. ILG Reform: Deputy PM John Rosso says PNG is working to fix a lengthy ILG registration process that burdens rural landowners.

EU–PNG Water Deal: The EU and European Investment Bank signed a Water Wise Communities package at the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum, backing water infrastructure and climate resilience with a 25m euro concessional loan plus a 16.4m euro grant, targeting improved clean drinking water for about 400,000 people. EU–PNG Business Push: The same forum drew 300+ participants and 77 companies to discuss renewable energy, water security, digital transformation, connectivity, sustainable extractives and agriculture, with practical sessions on exporting to Europe and new EU trade rules. Resource Outlook: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG is set for a decade of growth driven by Papua LNG and other major projects, including Wafi-Golpu and P’nyang, pointing to sustained construction and long-term production benefits. Digital ID & DPI: PNG is preparing legislation for verifiable credentials and trusted digital transactions under its Sevis PNG Digital ID push, while the Sevis PNG platform is also framed as a tool to help curb fake social media accounts and online abuse. Aviation Regulation: PNG’s ICCC recommends independent economic regulation for airport operator NAC and air navigation provider NiuSky Pacific to improve pricing transparency, service quality and investment coordination. Mining Update: K92 Mining expanded high-grade Arakompa drilling ahead of a maiden resource estimate, extending the AR1 high-grade zone and near-surface bulk tonnage potential. Land Administration Reform: Deputy PM John Rosso told Parliament ILG registration remains too lengthy and unmanageable, with reforms aimed at reducing delays and abuse. Education & Community: Paradise Foods’ Smart Start promotion awarded K33,000 to Hagita Primary School and K11,000 to Karea Primary School, continuing school grants across PNG.

Aviation Regulation: PNG’s Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has recommended independent economic regulation for airport operator National Airports Corporation (NAC) and air navigation provider NiuSky Pacific, aiming to improve pricing transparency, service quality and investment coordination, plus a new Airport Investment Steering Committee to guide major infrastructure decisions. Air Connectivity & Transport: PNG Air has relaunched its ticketing partnership with Post PNG, expanding access through Post PNG outlets nationwide, while NAC begins a runway rehabilitation at Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport to enable Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 operations by end-2026. Mining & Exploration: K92 Mining says drilling at Arakompa (near Kainantu) continues to return high-grade intersections and is expanding the near-surface AR1 high-grade zone, as exploration investment ramps up. Digital Identity & Cybersecurity: Government’s Sevis PNG Digital ID platform is set to help curb fake Facebook accounts by improving identity verification for law enforcement and regulators. Telecom Interest: Nokia says it wants to deepen network infrastructure partnerships in PNG, citing opportunities in fibre and connectivity solutions. Education & Community Support: Paradise Foods’ Smart Start School Promotion continues to fund school grants across PNG, while Kina Bank backs a Southern Highlands school with a 5,000-litre water tank. Health & Human Stories: Baby Sawong Kevin has returned home after six months in Australia following life-saving treatment for conjoined twin separation. Conservation & Oceans: PNG plans a Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary covering 214,000 sq km, positioned as a major step for fisheries sustainability and biodiversity protection.

GBV Push: A fresh editorial argues PNG’s gender-based violence campaign has raised awareness and triggered policy action, but the problem persists—calling it an unacceptable rights violation that no cultural excuse can justify. Mining Jobs & Taxes: K92 says it employed about 3,100 people (including contractors) and paid K573.6m in taxes and royalties in 2025, alongside commissioning its expanded processing plant. Work Permits & Skills: Finnish miner Metso wants PNG to ease work-permit delays so global experts can train local engineers, warning licensing can take years and slows smaller firms. Bougainville Politics: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama says the 2019 independence mandate is facing a critical test as Parliament debates the bipartisan referendum report, urging unity. Financial Inclusion: CEFI and the Salvation Army sign an MoU to expand financial literacy and connect underserved communities to formal services. Aviation Access & Fleet: PNG Air relaunches ticket sales via Post PNG branches nationwide, while also adding aircraft (including “Mangi Kutubu”) and phasing out Dash 8s. Exploration Update: K92 advances drilling at the Wera gold prospect after defining a large gold system and reporting multiple high-grade rock-chip results. EU Investment Drive: PM Marape opens the 5th EU-PNG Business Forum, urging European firms to back PNG’s shift toward downstream processing and value-added growth. Climate & Food Risk: Commentaries warn a possible El Niño mid-2026 could hit food and cash crops hard, stressing early preparedness.

Bougainville Peace Process: President Ishmael Toroama says the tabling of the Bi-Partisan Report on the 2019 referendum in PNG Parliament will “test” Bougainville’s independence mandate, urging calm and unity as leaders prepare to speak directly to Bougainvilleans. EU-PNG Business Push: PM James Marape opened the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby, urging European firms to invest beyond raw exports into agriculture, renewables, manufacturing, fisheries, tourism, digital and infrastructure. Aviation & Connectivity: PNG Air expands with a new aircraft (Mangi Kutubu) and is phasing out Dash 8s, while Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport runway upgrade starts June 4 to enable Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 operations by end-2026; PNG Air also relaunched Post PNG ticketing at outlets nationwide. Debt & Food Risk: Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey cites record export earnings of K51b, but commentary warns PNG’s K70b public debt is unsustainable and El Niño could threaten food and cash crops mid-2026. Climate & Forests: PNG secured $63.4m climate finance to protect forests and support livelihoods via verified emissions reductions. Skills & Inclusion: CEFI graduates digital financial literacy trainers; Kina Bank funds a 5,000-litre water tank for a Southern Highlands school; Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School sign a 2026 MOU for work-based training.

Aviation & Connectivity: PNG Air says it is expanding its fleet and network, adding new aircraft (including the Mangi Kutubu) while phasing out Dash 8s as it targets stronger on-time performance and better links for remote communities. EU Investment Push: Prime Minister James Marape opened the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby, urging European firms to back PNG’s shift toward downstream processing and value-added growth across sectors like agriculture, renewables, fisheries, digital and infrastructure. Water Infrastructure Deal: The forum also backed a major drinking-water package: EIB Global’s €25m concessional loan plus an EU grant to help Water PNG deliver reliable potable water to an extra 400,000 people. Green Finance Implementation: PNG launched new green finance standards and tools, including updated green loan classification and reporting rules, plus a Green Finance Academy, as the central bank pushes practical rollout. Exports & Macroeconomy: Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey says PNG export earnings hit a record K51b since 2022, citing IMF-backed stabilisation and improved fiscal control. Governance in Energy: Kumul Petroleum Holdings launched a governance overhaul under new chairman Isaac Lupari, focusing on transparency in approvals, procurement, disbursements and stakeholder support. Tech & Skills: Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School renewed a 2026 MOU to expand structured on-the-job training, while CEFI graduated digital financial literacy trainers to drive inclusion. Legal/Policy Tension: The Opposition asked the government not to pursue the Kroton SPV, pointing to pending court interpretation and potential contempt concerns.

EU–PNG Business Forum: More than 300 delegates met in Port Moresby for the 5th EU–Papua New Guinea Business Forum, with 170+ meetings and a big water deal: EIB Global is backing a €16.4m EU grant plus a €25m concessional loan to expand drinking-water networks for an extra 400,000 people. Green finance push: PNG also unveiled new green finance standards and loan classification/reporting tools at the Green Finance Summit, aiming to mobilise more climate-resilient investment. Energy investment outlook: PM James Marape says Papua LNG (after Final Investment Decision) and other projects like Wafi-Golpu will drive sustained growth over the next 10–15 years, with construction jobs and long-term production benefits. Aviation modernisation: PNG is set to implement space-based Air Traffic Management across its airspace via NiuSky Pacific and Skykraft, improving safety in remote areas. Digital and consumer pressure: A report flags rising mobile data costs and credit practices that may be unfair to users, calling for regulator action. Mining restart: Adyton cleared a key Mining Lease Warden’s Hearing step to restart work at the Wapolu gold mine. Regional media: NBC hosted the Pacific Media Partnership Conference, focusing on resilience as broadcasters face digital disruption and funding pressure.

Space & Aviation Modernisation: PNG is set to be the first country to roll out a space-based Air Traffic Management system across its airspace after an agreement between NiuSky Pacific and Australia’s Skykraft, with support from Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi—aimed at boosting safety and efficiency in remote and mountainous areas. Energy & LNG Planning: Prime Minister James Marape led a high-level visit to Kikori to consult Gulf leaders and landowners on preparations for the Papua LNG Development Forum, underlining the project’s role in jobs and long-term growth. Water Infrastructure: EIB Global and the EU are backing a major drinking-water expansion, including a $25m concessional loan and EU support, targeting an extra 400,000 people and improved Port Moresby water reliability. Green Finance Push: PNG launched new green finance standards and tools at the Green Finance Summit 2026, including updated green loan classification and reporting, to attract sustainable investment. State Enterprise Governance: Kumul Petroleum has started a governance overhaul under new chairman Isaac Lupari, focusing on stronger controls over approvals, procurement and financial delegations. Mining Restart Watch: Adyton Resources cleared a key Mining Lease Warden’s Hearing hurdle in its bid to restart the Wapolu gold mine on Fergusson Island. Labour Mobility: Australia’s Pacific Labour Mobility scheme is drawing more PNG interest from employers after recruitment and training visits to East New Britain and East Sepik. Business & Community: K92 Mining published its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting local workforce and procurement in PNG.

Energy & Investment Outlook: PM James Marape told the Australia–PNG Business Forum in Brisbane that Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu are set to lift foreign exchange reserves, drive jobs and revenue, and keep energy activity strong for the next 10–15 years. Fuel Market Competition: A PNG MP warned Puma Energy’s dominance (about 70% of the fuel market) leaves the country exposed, urging more competition to cut reliance. Drilling Restart: High Arctic Overseas says it is remobilising Rig 103 in PNG for its principal customer, with first-well drilling planned for Q4 and a contract renewal effective 1 May. Digital Public Infrastructure: PNG has joined the 50-in-5 push, linking its SevisPNG digital ID, wallet and data exchange to wider interoperable DPI efforts. Connectivity for Business: Telikom is now an authorised Starlink reseller, offering services to customers, government and sectors including mining and SMEs. Climate Finance: PNG launched a $63.4m Green Climate Fund project to protect forests and fund community livelihoods. Sport & Community Infrastructure: New competition-standard softball facilities are set to be built at UPNG by October 2026, funded through Australia’s ESIP. Agribusiness & Livelihoods: A cocoa project in the Sepik is helping farmers shift to quality-driven production and more reliable markets, improving household options.

LNG Equity Clash: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament erupted over the PNG LNG “Kroton” 4.27% equity dispute, with PM James Marape saying the arrangement is policy from the 2009 Umbrella Benefits Sharing Agreement—not an entitlement by law—while the Opposition questions why Cabinet renegotiated the US$240m-per-1% price and warns about a Special Purpose Vehicle. Green Finance Push: PNG launched a US$63.4m Green Climate Fund project to protect forests and fund community livelihoods, while the IMF says PNG’s green finance reforms under its RSF programme are strengthening climate resilience and long-term sustainability. Banking Standards: The Bank of Papua New Guinea is rolling out new green loan standards, training banks on classifying green loans and managing environmental and social risks. Connectivity for Growth: Telikom is now an authorised Starlink reseller, offering managed satellite internet for government, mining, finance and SMEs. Trade & Investment Links: PNG is set for an EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby on June 2-3, aiming to deepen EU trade and investment ties. Regional Business Agenda: The Quad’s new agenda highlights ports, cables and minerals, including a port push in Fiji. Local Value-Add: New Ireland signed an MoU to set up an onshore balsa processing factory and mill, targeting major local jobs and export-ready timber. Health Leadership: Governors launched the 2026-2030 Governors Ending Malaria coalition to cut PNG’s malaria burden by 2035.

Satellite & telecom expansion: Telikom is now an authorised Starlink reseller in Papua New Guinea, taking on customer engagement, billing, installations and support for enterprise, government, mining, finance, SMEs and existing VSAT users—aimed at boosting connectivity resilience. Rural internet push: The US plans to provide US$30 million for satellite internet to connect remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Trade & investment diplomacy: PNG is set to deepen EU business ties at the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby (June 2-3), while the first PNG–China business forum is planned for October with hopes of 1,000+ participants. Green finance momentum: The IMF says PNG’s green finance reforms under its RSF programme are strengthening climate resilience and sustainability; meanwhile BPNG is rolling out new green loan standards via training with banks and Pacific regulators. Energy politics: Parliament heated up over the PNG LNG Kroton equity option, with opposition questioning renegotiation of the 4.27% share price and concerns about a special purpose vehicle. Agriculture & jobs: World Bank backs agriculture as a long-term growth driver, and New Ireland signed an MoU to build an onshore balsa processing factory and mill, targeting major local employment. Infrastructure & climate resilience: AFD is funding a €80m+ redevelopment plan to turn Rabaul into a “green port,” and Australia is expanding climate resilience and sustainable finance support through infrastructure reforms.

Green Finance Rollout: PNG is moving from green finance policy talk to practical implementation, with Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu saying reforms are now being operationalised through the Bank of Papua New Guinea and the Green Finance Centre. Banking Standards: BPNG is training regulators and commercial banks on new green loan classification and reporting rules, to help lenders assess environmental and social risks before funding projects. Connectivity Push: Telikom has become an authorised Starlink reseller, aiming to extend satellite internet to enterprise, government, mining, finance and SMEs—while the US plans US$30m for satellite connectivity for remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Trade & Investment: The EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby next week targets more European investment, with PNG also looking to expand agricultural exports to Europe. Border Security: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji to scale up cooperation against drug trafficking, organised crime and illicit trade. State Legal Pressure: The State is facing nearly K500m in legal claims, with a Highlands client outreach program aimed at improving coordination and court representation. Mining Corporate Moves: K92 Mining reports AGM voting results and elects Michael Carew to its board; Great Pacific Gold says Carew resigned from its VP Corporate Development role. Sports & Community: PNG Chiefs appoint Rhys Martin as Football Operations Manager from 2027, and TotalEnergies EP PNG backs Gulf Isou rugby with K150,000.

Telecom & Connectivity: Telikom Limited has become an authorised Starlink reseller in Papua New Guinea, aiming to extend high-speed satellite services to enterprise customers, government agencies, the mining sector, financial institutions and SMEs, while complementing existing fibre, mobile, cloud and VSAT networks. Internet Access Funding: The US has announced plans to provide US$30 million for satellite internet across PNG to connect remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Climate Finance in Action: PNG is shifting from green finance policy talk to implementation, with Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu saying the Bank of PNG and the Green Finance Centre are operationalising reforms and a green taxonomy is helping unlock cheaper climate loans. Australia- PNG Labour Mobility: PM James Marape praised the Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme after meetings with Australian employers, saying it is already delivering economic benefits for PNG families and communities. EU Investment Push: The EU is set to host the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby next week, with Nokia and Airbus among expected participants as PNG seeks more European investment in digital, infrastructure, extractives and agriculture. Mining & Corporate Moves: K92 Mining reported AGM voting results and elected Michael Carew to its board; Great Pacific Gold says Carew’s resignation as VP Corporate Development follows the appointment. State Legal Pressure: PNG’s Solicitor General says the State faces nearly K500 million in legal claims due to weak case defence and coordination, launching a Highlands client outreach program to improve court representation.