Sports Diplomacy & Youth Development: Australia pledged $15.6m at the Pacific Islands Forum to boost high-performance sport for Pacific athletes heading toward Brisbane 2032, including support for PNG Chiefs and wider rugby league pathways. Fuel & FX Shock: PNG’s Petroleum and Energy Minister declared a 30-day state of emergency over fuel shortages and foreign exchange disruptions, directing BPNG to keep FX flowing to authorised dealers while requiring Puma Energy to maintain uninterrupted supply. Financial Protection for Households: Nasfund co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code with BPNG and other institutions to tackle financial abuse and misuse, with extra focus on risks created by digital channels. Local Markets & Small Business: NCDC approved the reopening of Apo Street Market, formalising operations for 75 informal vendors with cleanliness and waste rules plus small daily fees. Disaster Readiness Gaps: UN and PNG health officials flagged uneven provincial disaster centre capacity—staffing, funding, infrastructure and equipment shortfalls—calling for stronger local institutions and investment. El Niño Pressure on Food & Farms: Coffee growers in the Highlands say El Niño drought is stalling ripening and demand better water support, while regional assessments warn of overlapping climate risks. Mining Community Benefits: The revised Hidden Valley CDA was signed, clearing the way for landowners and communities in Morobe to access development benefits from the Harmony Gold operation.
AGP Executive Report
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Fuel Crisis Response: PNG Petroleum and Energy Minister Kerenga Kua declares a 30-day state of emergency over fuel shortages, directing the Bank of PNG to maintain FX for licensed dealers while Puma Energy must keep uninterrupted supply, including aviation gas. Disaster Readiness: UN Resident Coordinator Shalini Bahuguna and Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph flag major gaps in provincial disaster centres—staffing, funding, infrastructure, transport, communications and information systems—calling for investment in institutions and skilled personnel, not just equipment. Fisheries Transparency: Sixteen nations including PNG back the Mombasa Declaration to curb illegal fishing by pushing low-cost transparency reforms like vessel ownership and licensing data sharing. Beneficial Ownership & AML: PNG joins a regional training exchange on tracing hidden assets and shell-company ownership, as the SEC-led push highlights how beneficial ownership data can help regulators and investigators. Mining Community Benefits: The revised Hidden Valley Mining Project CDA is signed, clearing the way for landowners and communities in Morobe to access development benefits. SME Growth Skills: A new focus on the “dilemma small businesses face” points to practical gaps in bookkeeping, cash-flow, budgeting, tax and marketing skills. Digital Sovereignty: Kumul Consolidated Holdings and Datatec promote “Sovereign Cloud Infinity” to keep key national data and services under PNG control. Finance Abuse Protection: Nasfund co-signs the PNG Empower Finance Code with BPNG and other institutions to tackle financial abuse and misuse, especially as digital channels expand. Infrastructure & Jobs: State takes a stake as PNG’s first lime and cement project nears production, with new bridges linking Kido landowners to Port Moresby. Climate Mobility: Fiji launches a NZ-funded Pacific Climate Mobility Partnerships programme to relocate vulnerable communities through rights-based planning. Sports Tourism & Branding: Jarome Luai’s PNG Chiefs and Pepsi PNG tie-in continues alongside the PNG Open push, while Trukai signs Cooper Bai as brand ambassador. Education & Human Capital: Education Minister Francis Siune urges universities to back national development, praising Divine Word University’s 30 years of graduate impact.
Fuel Crisis Response: PNG Petroleum and Energy Minister Kerenga Kua declares a 30-day state of emergency over fuel shortages, directing the Bank of Papua New Guinea to maintain FX for licensed dealers and ordering Puma Energy to keep uninterrupted supply, including aviation gas, while interim and long-term solutions are developed. Health Security: PNG completes its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with WHO, assessing capacities under International Health Regulations and setting up a prioritized, costed national health security action plan. El Niño and Agriculture: Coffee farmers in the lower highlands say prolonged dry weather is stopping berries from ripening; they want better water access and stronger support as El Niño bites. Financial Inclusion: TISA and Kyeema Foundation sign a three-year MOU to boost rural livelihoods and financial inclusion, while Nasfund co-signs the PNG Empower Finance Code with BPNG to tackle financial abuse risks from digital interactions. Mining and Jobs: K92 Mining advertises 44 openings across Kainantu Gold Mine as operations expand. Business and Trade: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicks off in Goroka with government and corporate support, aiming to connect farmers to markets and investment. Pacific Finance: Nasfund urges a Pacific co-investment framework at PIIF to pool superannuation capital for major infrastructure. Deep-Sea Mining Risk: A report warns Pacific governments could face investor-state disputes and “chilling effects” if they tighten deep-sea mining rules. Sports Sponsorship: Trukai signs rugby league rising star Cooper Bai as brand ambassador, and Westpac Fiji launches financial literacy training for Kaiviti Silktails players.
Health Security: Papua New Guinea has completed its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with the WHO, assessing capacity under IHR 2005 and setting up a prioritized, costed national health security action plan. Agriculture & Trade: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka, with government support including K15,000 from the Department of International Trade and Investment, while coffee farmers in the Highlands say El Niño dry spells are damaging berry ripening and are calling for better water support. Banking & Inclusion: Bank of PNG’s financial reform agenda is in focus, alongside Nasfund co-signing the PNG Empower Finance Code to curb financial abuse in a more digital, faceless world. Vehicle Finance Deal: TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG signed a referral partnership to expand vehicle financing access for retail, SMEs and corporate customers. Investment Push: Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma urged a Pacific co-investment framework at the PIIF conference to pool superannuation capital for major infrastructure. Energy/Mining Jobs: K92 Mining is advertising 44 roles at the Kainantu Gold Mine as it expands processing and underground programs. Sports Sponsorship: Trukai named rugby league rising star Cooper Bai as brand ambassador, and Pepsi also announced Jerome Luai as PNG ambassador. Policy & Governance: Parliament will decide Bougainville’s political future, PM Marape says, stressing the referendum result needs careful handling through constitutional process.
Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Climate-focused leaders are set to press Australia for faster emissions action as the summit opens, with PNG among members watching how foreign attention turns into real funding and control over resources. Bougainville process: Prime Minister James Marape says Parliament—not the Executive—will decide Bougainville’s next political steps after the 2019 referendum result was tabled, urging MPs to follow constitutional process. Banking reform: Bank of PNG outlines a financial reform agenda aimed at stability, inclusion and investment, with inflation forecasts around 4% and attention on El Niño risks. PNG LNG deal: Government signs a revised Papua LNG Project Agreement, setting a deadline for Final Investment Decision by 15 December 2026 while protecting the State’s long-term fiscal interests. Agriculture & trade push: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicks off in Goroka with government and business support, including a K15,000 sponsorship from the Department of International Trade and Investment. Finance inclusion: Nasfund co-signs the PNG Empower Finance Code to tackle financial abuse in a more digital world. Energy & jobs: K92 Mining advertises 44 roles at Kainantu Gold Mine as operations expand. Women in business: CPL Foundation sets the stage for the 14th Pride of PNG Women Awards 2026, highlighting enterprise and community impact.
Banking & Inclusion: Nasfund co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code with the Bank of Papua New Guinea, aiming to curb financial abuse as digital channels make impersonation easier. Vehicle Finance: TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG signed a referral partnership to make vehicle financing more accessible for retail customers, SMEs and corporates, with added insurance options. Rural Livelihoods: TISA and Kyeema Foundation PNG inked a three-year MOU to expand financial inclusion and sustainable rural livelihoods. Superannuation Investment: Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma pushed for a Pacific co-investment framework at the PIIF conference in Fiji to pool capital for major infrastructure. Energy & LNG: PNG signed three landmark Papua LNG agreements, setting a clear path to a Final Investment Decision by 15 December 2026, including a temporary risk-sharing price stabilisation mechanism. Financial Reform: Bank of PNG outlined a reform agenda focused on stability, inclusion and investment, with inflation forecast around 4% in 2026. Trade & Agriculture: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka, supported by the Department of International Trade and Investment, bringing farmers, processors and businesses together to push market access. Governance & Power: Parliament heard PNG Power is in a “terminal” condition, with reforms, provincial partnerships and possible privatisation on the table. Deep-sea Mining Risk: A report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten deep-sea mining rules.
Bank of PNG Reform Agenda: The central bank outlined a financial sector reform push focused on stability, inclusion and investment, with inflation forecast around 4% in 2026 and risks still being monitored. Agriculture & Trade Festival Boost: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka (Aug 28-30), with government and agencies backing farmers and SMEs to expand market access and downstream processing. Energy Deal Momentum: PNG signed revised Papua LNG agreements setting a clear path to a Final Investment Decision by 15 December 2026, using a temporary risk-sharing price stabilisation mechanism to protect the state’s long-term fiscal interests. Power Crisis & Reform: Parliament heard PNG Power is in “terminal” condition due to ageing assets and weak revenue collection, with government weighing provincial partnerships and partial privatisation. Maritime Cooperation: A PNG-Australia joint hydrographic survey improved charting for previously unmapped waters off Morobe, supporting safer shipping and trade. Legal & Governance: PNG completed its first Joint External Evaluation for health security, and a LAWASIA environmental law forum highlighted the need to strengthen court capacity for environmental disputes. Tourism & Local Business: The Malagan Festival returned to Kavieng after 30+ years, creating fresh opportunities for local producers, crafts and cultural tourism. Sports Sponsorships: Pepsi named Jerome Luai as brand ambassador under a five-year deal, while Trukai signed Cooper Bai for two years—both aimed at youth engagement and grassroots sport.
Energy & Investment: Papua New Guinea signed three landmark Papua LNG agreements with ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies, setting a clear path to a Final Investment Decision by 15 December 2026, including a risk-sharing price stabilisation mechanism and a capped, temporary fiscal support package to protect the State’s long-term take. Power Sector: Prime Minister James Marape told Parliament PNG Power is in “terminal” condition after years of underinvestment, ageing infrastructure and weak revenue collection, with reforms now pushing provincial partnerships and partial privatisation. Agribusiness & Trade: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka with 40+ organisations, including SMEs, and support from the Department of International Trade and Investment. Law & Environment: A LAWASIA environmental law forum in Port Moresby focused on strengthening judicial capacity to handle environmental disputes properly. Governance & Peace Process: Parliament has started formal consideration of Bougainville’s 2019 referendum result, a major constitutional step after 25 years of the peace process. Transport & Logistics: Air Niugini handled a major Jacksons International Airport cargo operation for Ok Tedi, moving 84 tonnes of supplies—another reminder of how air freight underpins mining and supply chains. Telecoms & Digital: Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG agreed to share network infrastructure, while Datec launched PNG’s “sovereign cloud and AI data centre” (Kumul Cloud Infinity). Business & Sports Sponsorships: Rugby league star Jarome Luai was unveiled as Pepsi PNG brand ambassador under a five-year partnership, and Trukai signed Cooper Bai as brand ambassador for two years. Infrastructure Debate: The Gurney Airport terminal upgrade in Milne Bay sparked debate over whether big projects should come before basic services like health and education.
Mining Logistics: Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby handled a major Air Niugini Boeing 747 freighter, moving 84 tonnes of dry weather supplies for Ok Tedi Mining—another reminder that air cargo keeps PNG’s mining and supply chains moving. El Niño Water Risk: Police Minister Sir John Pundari warned landowners not to profit from water shortages expected in 2026–27, urging communities to share access to privately run water sources as drought and rationing risks rise. Agriculture & Trade: PNG’s Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka is set to expand, with dozens of corporate and government exhibitors, while Agriculture Minister John Boito told APEC food security talks that PNG’s farm constraints—mechanisation, irrigation, storage, transport and cold chain—still limit export growth. Fresh Produce Push: NARI and IFPRI are running fresh produce value chain research to identify bottlenecks and policy options to move subsistence farming toward commercial supply. Telecom & Digital Infrastructure: Datec PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s sovereign cloud and AI data centre, and Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG signed a network-sharing deal to share towers and fibre. Land & Tourism: PM Marape urged Milne Bay landowners to keep customary land and use it for tourism and small business, with financing support via the National Development Bank for registered land groups. Business & Finance: Harmony Gold reported profit doubling on higher gold prices, with Hidden Valley in PNG producing 16% more gold. Governance & Security: NCD police unveiled a security strategy for Port Moresby aimed at supporting tourism and investment ahead of major international events. Aviation Infrastructure: Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport terminal opened, with ministers calling on communities to protect it as a long-term public asset.
Food Security & Trade: PNG’s Agriculture Minister John Boito told APEC in Hangzhou that agriculture is central to livelihoods and exports, but the sector still faces gaps in mechanisation, irrigation, storage, processing, transport, cold chains and technology—despite agriculture making up only 11% of merchandise exports. Fresh Produce Push: NARI and IFPRI are running a fresh produce value-chain study to pinpoint inefficiencies and opportunities, with provincial findings feeding research and policy papers to boost domestic supply and export promotion. Cocoa & Palm Links: Indonesia is exploring deeper sustainable cocoa and palm value-chain cooperation with Malaysia and PNG, with small-farmer involvement central to any follow-up policies. Land & Tourism Finance: PM James Marape urged Milne Bay customary landowners not to sell land, register under ILGs, and use it for tourism and small business—backed by plans to help land groups access finance via the National Development Bank. Aviation Upgrade: Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport terminal has opened, with Civil Aviation Minister Douglas Tomuriesa calling on communities to protect it as a long-term public asset and work with airlines for more frequent, affordable flights. Digital Economy: Datec PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, a sovereign cloud and AI data centre in partnership with Telikom PNG and CloudSigma, while Telikom and Vodafone PNG signed a network-sharing pact to share towers and fibre. Governance & Risk: A report warns Pacific states, including PNG, could face costly investor-state disputes if deep-sea mining rules tighten—raising “chilling effect” concerns. Bougainville Watch: Parliament is set to debate whether to ratify Bougainville’s 2019 independence vote, a major political and economic turning point for PNG.
Telecom & Digital Finance: Telikom PNG has secured a Payment Service Provider Licence, clearing the way for its Telikom Financial Services digital wallet to launch nationwide, aiming to bring faster, phone-based money transfers to cash-reliant communities. Network Sharing: Telikom and Vodafone PNG signed a colocation and network-sharing deal covering towers and fibre, to be rolled out in phases. Cloud & AI Infrastructure: Datec PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s sovereign cloud and AI data centre, built with Telikom PNG and CloudSigma. Public Safety & Elections: NCD police unveiled a new security strategy for Port Moresby ahead of major international events and the 2027 national general election, including targeted operations to improve order and road safety. Law & Education: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, updating the university’s legal framework. Mining & Governance Watch: A report warns Pacific governments could face investor-state claims if they tighten rules on deep-sea mining, with PNG named among exposed countries. Bougainville Mining Scrutiny: OCCRP reports Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama accepted a kidney-surgery cost offer before signing a Panguna mine deal, raising questions over process and partner selection. Tourism & Jobs: Air Niugini and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority showcased PNG at Singapore’s NATAS Travel Fair, while Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport is positioned as a tourism and small-business boost for landowners.
Election Security & Business Confidence: NCD Metropolitan Police unveiled a stronger Port Moresby security plan for the 2027 national general election, including quarterly major operations and a reminder that evictions are only enforced under lawful court orders. Telecom & Fintech Push: Telikom and Vodafone PNG signed a network-sharing deal to share towers and fibre, while Telikom received a Payment Service Provider licence to roll out nationwide digital wallet services. Sovereign Tech Investment: Datec PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, a sovereign cloud and AI data centre in partnership with Telikom and CloudSigma. Police Mobility Boost: Japan handed over 60 vehicles to the RPNGC under a K12.8m grant to improve patrol reach ahead of 2027. Higher Education Reform: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, replacing the 1997 act to modernise governance and autonomy. Mining & Governance Watch: A new OCCRP report alleges Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama accepted a kidney transplant offer and bypassed bidding in the Panguna mine deal with Lloyds Metals and Energy. Tourism & Local Jobs: Air Niugini and PNGTPA showcased PNG at Singapore’s NATAS Travel Fair, while Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport is framed as a tourism gateway that should translate into local income. Women’s Financial Skills: The RPNGC ran its first financial literacy training for women and police families, focusing on budgeting, saving and long-term planning.
Police Mobility Boost: Japan handed PNG police 60 Toyota Land Cruisers (K12.8m grant) to improve patrol reach and election-period safety. Mobile Money Push: Telikom won a Bank of Papua New Guinea Payment Service Provider Licence, clearing the way for nationwide digital wallet services via Telikom’s network. Telco Cost Cuts: Telikom and Vodafone PNG signed a network-sharing pact, including a “bill and keep” model to reduce cross-network call/text charges and extend coverage. Government Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in—David Teika Dennis (Finance & Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security & Correctional Services) and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture & Tourism). Business & Trade: PNG’s Agriculture & Trade Festival (FSA) is set for 28 August, spotlighting coffee and primary industry with major sponsors; plus a new report says Pacific agricultural exports to Australia have more than tripled in five years. Climate Planning: PNG stakeholders endorsed the El Niño Agricultural Drought Plan of Action 2026-27, mapping preparedness, response and recovery roles. Local Support: K92 Mining backed the Goroka Lahanis Rugby League Club with K200,000 for youth development.
Japan–PNG Police Boost: Japan hands over 60 Toyota Land Cruisers to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary under a K12.8m grant, aiming to improve police reach ahead of the 2027 election. Parliament Agenda: Parliament resumes today with election-law amendments, Connect PNG financing and progress, Bougainville consultations, and log export monitoring on the docket. Public Sector Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries are sworn in—David Teika Dennis (Finance & Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security & Corrections), and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture & Tourism)—as government pushes fiscal discipline and service delivery. Women’s Financial Skills: RPNGC runs its first formal financial literacy training for 16 women linked to the force, covering budgeting, saving and long-term planning. Telecoms Cost Cut: Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG sign a network-sharing pact, including “bill and keep” interconnection to reduce cross-network call and text charges. Climate & Food Security: PNG stakeholders endorse the El Niño Agricultural Drought Plan 2026–27, mapping preparedness, anticipatory action, response and recovery. Trade & Exports: A new report says Pacific agricultural exports to Australia have more than tripled in five years, with growing interest from over 200 exporters and officials. Business & Digital Push: Port Moresby Business College launches a new website to support digital transformation and future enrolments. Mining Update: Ok Tedi says operations remain safe and “business as usual” despite dry-weather logistics challenges.
Telecoms Deal: Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG have signed a network-sharing pact, including tower and fibre co-location, with a “bill and keep” model expected to cut cross-network call and text costs and expand coverage. Infrastructure & Growth: Gurney Airport in Alotau has officially reopened after a K76.8m upgrade backed by the Asian Development Bank, boosting safety, capacity and cargo handling for Milne Bay. Economy Watch: Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger on higher commodity prices and ongoing IMF-backed reforms, but warns growth must translate into livelihoods and services. Governance: Bougainville’s ABG and PNG Auditor-General’s Office renewed a public financial management MOU to strengthen accountability and internal audit capacity. Fraud Case: UPNG’s former deputy bursar has been charged over alleged USIS and accounting system manipulation linked to K602,785.87 in fraudulent transfers and improper student registrations. Business & Trade: TISA Insurance signed an MoU with Toyota Tsusho (PNG) to bundle insurance support for Toyota vehicle buyers, complementing TISA Bank financing. Skills & Biosecurity: A young PNG civil engineer is gaining hands-on experience on the country’s first specialised PCR biosecurity testing suite, aimed at protecting crops, livestock and trade. Agriculture Event: FSA will host the Agriculture & Trade Festival in Goroka on 28 August, marking 70 years of PNG’s coffee and agriculture industry. Tech Investment: BizPrint has brought Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C12010S digital press to PNG, positioning it as a first-of-its-kind Pacific capability.
Infrastructure & Connectivity: Gurney Airport in Milne Bay officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade backed by the Asian Development Bank, adding a new terminal, runway works, lighting, power and cargo facilities to boost safety and economic links. Energy Reliability: Morobe MPs and residents are again calling out PNG Power over months of daily blackouts, saying businesses are forced to buy generators while health and education services suffer. Macroeconomy & Reform: Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger on higher commodity prices and better resource activity, but warns reforms must still translate into wider livelihoods and service delivery. Governance & Accountability: Bougainville ABG and the PNG Auditor-General renewed a public finance MOU to strengthen transparency and internal audit capacity, while NFACD charged a former UPNG bursar over alleged USIS and accounting fraud totalling hundreds of thousands of kina. Business & Finance: TISA Insurance signed an MoU with Toyota Tsusho (PNG) to bundle vehicle insurance support through the Toyota network, and Datec launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s sovereign cloud and AI data centre. Politics & Stability: Two Greater Sepik parties, Nesenel Unity Party and PNG Party, inked a landmark agreement ahead of GE27.
Infrastructure & Connectivity: Gurney Airport in Alotau has officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade backed by the Asian Development Bank under CADIP II, adding a new terminal, runway and airfield works to boost safety and Milne Bay’s economic links. Power Reliability: Morobe MP Sam Basil Jnr says daily blackouts of 4–5 hours for months are hurting health, education and small business, with PNG Power blamed for slow fixes. Macroeconomy & Reform: Westpac reports PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger than expected, supported by higher commodity prices, better resource activity and IMF-backed reforms, but warns growth must reach livelihoods as FX queues persist. Governance & Accountability: Bougainville’s ABG and PNG Auditor-General’s Office renew a public finance MOU to strengthen internal audit and transparency. Fraud & Compliance: NFACD charges a former UPNG bursar over alleged USIS and accounting system manipulation linked to K602,785 in fraudulent transfers and improper student registrations. Business & Finance: CEFI and CGC sign an MoU to improve financial literacy and MSME access to finance via credit-guarantee referrals. Energy & Health Spending: KPHL backs progress on PMGH cancer and heart facilities, while ordering a review of a stalled surgical ward project. Regional Trade Push: PNG and Solomon Islands move to deepen economic ties through a growth corridor forum focused on investment, trade and downstream processing. Tech & Data Sovereignty: Datec PNG launches Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, positioning onshore data processing for government and business.
Power & Business Continuity: Morobe MP Sam Basil Jnr says PNG Power blackouts are cutting electricity daily for 4–5 hours for months, forcing businesses to buy generators and hitting health and education services. Aviation & Connectivity: Gurney Airport in Alotau officially opens after a K76.8m upgrade backed by the Asian Development Bank under CADIP II, adding a new terminal, runway works, lighting, power and cargo facilities to boost Milne Bay trade and travel. Macroeconomy & Reform: Westpac reports PNG is stronger in the second half of 2026 on higher commodity prices and resource activity, but warns reforms must translate into livelihoods and service delivery. Governance in Bougainville: ABG and PNG Auditor-General renew a partnership via an MOU to strengthen public financial management, accountability and transparency. Fraud & Cybercrime: NFACD charges a former UPNG bursar over alleged USIS and accounting system manipulation, including K602,785 fraudulent transfers and registration of 194 students. Tech & Data Sovereignty: Datec PNG and Telikom launch Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, positioning onshore data storage and AI workloads for government and business. Mining & Markets: Ramu nickel output dips in Q2 but sales rise as prices strengthen; Great Pacific Gold expands Wild Dog high-grade targets; NPL launches a legal scholarship to grow PNG commercial lawyers. Trade & Investment Links: PNG and Solomon Islands push a “growth corridor” to turn political ties into cross-border investment, trade and downstream jobs. SME Finance: CEFI and CGC sign an MoU to improve financial literacy and MSME access to credit guarantees. Infrastructure Standards: PNG launches a revised seismic design manual for bridges to update earthquake risk and engineering requirements. Aviation/Trade Tech for Industry: BizPrint brings in a new digital press capability for industrial-size printing in Port Moresby. Political Moves: PNG Party and the newly formed Nesenel Unity Party sign a landmark agreement ahead of the 2027 election.
Aviation & Connectivity: Gurney Airport in Milne Bay officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade under CADIP II, aiming for full operational certification and compliance with national and international aviation standards—another boost for safer regional travel. Sovereign Tech Push: Datec PNG and Telikom PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, positioning onshore data storage and AI workloads for government, SOEs and private firms. Digital Printing Investment: BizPrint brought in Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C12010S, billed as the first industrial digital press of its kind in the Pacific, with built-in finishing to speed up high-volume jobs. Business & Finance Support: CEFI and Credit Guarantee Corporation PNG (CGC) signed an MoU to improve financial literacy, entrepreneurship training and MSME access to guaranteed finance. Resource Sector Watch: Westpac says PNG’s economy is stronger in 2H 2026 on higher commodity prices and reforms, but warns growth must translate into wider household benefits. Mining Updates: Ramu nickel output dipped in Q2 but sales rose as prices strengthened; Great Pacific Gold expanded high-grade targets at Wild Dog with new mapping and sampling. Regional Trade Drive: PNG and Solomon Islands are pushing a “growth corridor” to turn political ties into investment, jobs and downstream processing. Governance & Accountability: A new political alignment is forming ahead of 2027, while media leaders are urging the government to craft a National Media Development Policy without undermining the media’s watchdog role.
Aviation & Connectivity: Gurney Airport in Milne Bay has officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade under NAC and the ADB-backed CADIP II, aiming for full operational certification and safer, standards-compliant air travel. Digital Economy: Datec PNG has launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, positioning onshore data storage and AI processing for government, SOEs and businesses. Business & Trade Links: PNG and Solomon Islands are pushing a “growth corridor” after the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Business Investment Forum, with PM Marape urging investment, downstream processing and stronger SME participation. Macroeconomy: Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger on higher commodity prices and reforms, but warns growth must translate into livelihoods and service delivery. Mining & Metals: Ramu nickel output dipped in Q2 but sales rose as prices strengthened; Great Pacific Gold expanded Wild Dog high-grade targets with new mapping and sampling. Finance & SMEs: CEFI and CGC signed an MoU to boost MSME financial literacy and access to credit guarantees. Health & Infrastructure: KPHL reports progress on PMGH cancer and heart facilities while ordering a review of a stalled surgical ward project. Regional Security & Fisheries: Operation Island Chief 2026 saw Pacific authorities detain Chinese and Indonesian boats for illegal fishing or licence breaches, underlining pressure on tuna revenues. Corporate Moves: BizPrint brought in advanced industrial digital printing tech, while Ela Motors unveiled the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux for PNG’s mobility market.
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