AGP Executive Report

Governance & Appointments: PNG’s Trade Union Congress is pushing for clearer rules on foreign nationals in senior public service roles, after expatriate appointments including Dr Nicole Haley as Electoral Commissioner and two overseas police postings drew scrutiny. Jobs & Growth Reality Check: The World Bank says PNG’s economy is booming on gold and LNG, but jobs for ordinary citizens lag, with most work staying informal and only a small share of the workforce tied to export-heavy sectors. Skills for Industry: Newmont PNG expands trade testing with national accreditation at its Lihir Technical Training Centre, while PNG Defence Force personnel graduate from an Australia-backed vocational program in automotive and carpentry. Infrastructure & Digital Upgrades: New Ireland unveils a record revised K499.57m budget focused on roads and development, and the EU backs a Forest Authority digital communications upgrade to cut costs and improve coordination. Business & Finance: BSP launches a K2.5m community initiative project for Tubusereia Junior High, and CEFI and partners renew financial inclusion efforts through new MoUs. Trade & Exports: PNG coffee exporters project K9.7m in sales after success at Australia’s Melbourne coffee expo. Regional Trade Tools: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donates fuel measurement trolleys to PNG and other Pacific nations to improve fair fuel transactions.

Provincial Finance: New Ireland unveiled a revised K499.57m budget, up from K386m, with K268.3m earmarked for infrastructure and higher mining royalties after gold price gains. Digital & Forest Sector: The EU-backed Forestry-Climate-Change-Biodiversity programme handed PNG Forest Authority new video-conferencing and comms gear to cut costs and improve coordination across 22 provinces. Trade & Exports: PNG coffee exporters project K9.7m in sales after Melbourne’s International Coffee Expo, using the event to win new buyer links. Jobs Reality Check: The World Bank says PNG’s growth is strong (5.6%) but formal jobs lag, with LNG, gold and copper driving most exports while employing only a small share of workers. Mining Strategy: Harmony says its copper push is diversification, not a shift away from gold, with copper expected to reach about 40% of output over the next decade. Governance & Integrity: PNG Trade Union Congress wants clarity on foreign appointments to senior public roles, while Dr Nicole Haley’s Electoral Commissioner appointment moves electoral reform forward. Banking & Inclusion: CEFI and Women’s Micro Bank reaffirmed financial inclusion plans via new MoUs, as BSP rolls out community projects including a Tubusereia junior high hall. Skills & Accreditation: Newmont PNG secured national accreditation for onsite belt splicing trade testing at Lihir, expanding recognised qualifications without leaving the mine site. Infrastructure for Learning: Tubusereia Junior High School in Central Province got high-speed internet via Starlink, aiming to improve teaching and school administration. SME Funding Under Fire: Opposition renewed calls for an independent probe into the K200m SME scheme, challenging how public money is managed. Regional Trade Support: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement trolleys to PNG and other Pacific states to help regulators verify pump accuracy and protect revenue. Local Industry Value-Add: Oro’s Kararata balsa processing plans and Sepik’s new GI validation for vanilla and cocoa both point to higher-value exports and better farmer returns.

Workforce & Skills: Newmont PNG says its Lihir Technical Training Centre has secured national accreditation to run onsite Belt Splicing trade testing, with 22 technicians completing Level 1 testing and four tradespersons becoming accredited assessors—boosting local certification without leaving the mine site. Governance & Elections: PNG has appointed Dr. Nicole Haley as Electoral Commissioner as the country gears up for the 2027 National General Election, with the government stressing independence and expertise while unions back the move but want solid funding. Digital Connectivity: Lightspeed PNG, with Pasivika Konnect, has connected Tubusereia Junior High School in Central Province to high-speed Starlink internet, including managed access and monthly data support to improve learning and school administration. SME Oversight: The PNG Government is ordering a review of its K200 million SME Support Programme amid renewed calls for accountability over how funds were administered, with Minister Win Daki denying wrongdoing and urging proper legal channels. Energy & Trade Measurement: Australia’s National Measurement Institute has donated fuel measurement equipment (fuel trolleys) to PNG and other Pacific nations to help regulators verify pump accuracy and protect trusted trading. Mining & Environment: Ok Tedi has submitted its ESIA for a Tailings Storage Facility under its Growth 2050 plan, aiming to cut downstream impacts from riverine tailings disposal. Infrastructure & Water: Wau-Waria’s Pinetop community received a new water supply launch plus school fencing and a five-year WASH programme, backed by PNGAust Partnership and ADRA PNG. Business & Finance: Kina Bank is backing young entrepreneurs through a YPOMCCI partnership, while NDB highlights support for small business expansion via timely truck financing.

Trade & Investment Pulse: The Pacific’s biggest-ever export survey is drawing its highest participation in more than a decade, with early signals that exporters are diversifying markets and leaning into digital tools even as finance access tightens. Integrity & Governance: PNG’s Brave Group has partnered with Australia’s Pinnacle Integrity to set up the country’s first integrated Integrity, Cultural Risk and Security Division, aiming to lift workplace investigations, fraud prevention and compliance. SME Funding Under Scrutiny: Commerce Minister Win Bakri Daki faces renewed calls to resign over the K200m SME Support Programme, with opposition pushing for an independent review into how funds and alleged fraud are handled. Mining & Environment: Ok Tedi submitted its ESIA for a new Tailings Storage Facility under its Growth 2050 plan, targeting major cuts in downstream impacts. Agribusiness Exports: Sepik cocoa and vanilla products have cleared the way toward GI status, supporting stronger branding and export opportunities. Climate Watch: PNG’s weather bureau has officially declared El Niño active, raising risks for drought and water stress. Business Finance & Skills: Kina Bank backs young entrepreneurs through a YPOMCCI partnership, while CEFI and the Salvation Army complete a ToT financial literacy push. Infrastructure & Roads: NCD Governor Parkop opened the Erima-Mambu road resealing project, part of broader settlement upgrades.

Household pressure & side hustles: In Port Moresby, rising living costs are pushing low-income families to start small businesses, with one seller at Unity Mall and POM City Market diversifying products from across PNG. Housing demand: Hausples says rental remains dominant, but new home buying interest is climbing, led by middle-market workers and supported by banks simplifying loan processes. Social investment: PNG Sustainable Development Programme says it deployed about US$50m (K219m) in 2025, backed by governance steps like a whistleblower policy. Banking & inclusion: CEFI and Salvation Army finished a ToT financial literacy push, while Wau Waria gets a new Mama Bank access point and a three-year inclusion partnership. SME funding integrity: Government confirms a review of its K200m SME Support Programme amid concerns over administration and calls for transparent delivery through banks. Central banking dividend: BPNG delivered K76.95m to the Consolidated Revenue Fund after a K384.8m 2025 profit. Aviation upgrade: Niusky Pacific moves to modernise air traffic services with digital towers, fibre links and power reliability. Infrastructure for growth: West Sepik gets go-ahead for Sepik Highway contracts under Connect PNG.

BPNG Dividend: Bank of Papua New Guinea has paid K76.95 million to the National Government after a K384.8 million net operating profit for 2025, with the rest moved to general reserves. Education & Housing: Tubusereia Junior High in Central Province says teacher housing shortages are still the biggest barrier to attendance and learning, even as facilities expand. Food Safety: NCDC ran a workshop in Port Moresby telling food businesses that food safety is everyone’s job, with health regulators and councils pushing shared responsibility. Infrastructure & Connectivity: West Sepik’s Sepik Highway contracts were approved under Connect PNG, while Port Moresby launched a K2.5 billion airport redevelopment to boost trade and tourism. Finance & Inclusion: BSP is funding a multipurpose hall for Tubusereia, and Wau Waria is getting a new Mama Bank access point plus a three-year push for financial education. Mining & Regional Trade: PNG will share mining policy experience with Solomon Islands as both move to strengthen mining governance; South Pacific Metals starts exploration at Kili Teke in Hela. Security & Business Disruption: Kiunga schools stayed closed after violence linked to fatal drink-driving incidents, with authorities restoring calm. Climate & Risk: A deep-sea mining campaign warns radioactive material could enter the food chain, while fire services urge communities to avoid bush fires during the dry season.

Central Banking: BPNG paid a K76.95 million dividend to the Consolidated Revenue Fund from 2025 profits, with the rest moved to General Reserves, as it submitted its 2025 annual report and audited statements to the Treasurer. Aviation & Connectivity: Solomon Airlines will launch a scheduled Port Moresby–Honiara service next Tuesday, while Niusky Pacific’s new board backs a major technology push for PNG air navigation, including digital towers, fibre links and power reliability. Mining Reform & Regional Deals: PNG offered Solomon Islands its mining policy and governance experience, with leaders also agreeing to deepen mining cooperation and security ties; Bougainville meanwhile urged Lloyds Metals and Energy to update its taxpayer registration to correctly attribute revenue. Agriculture & Food Security: A World Bank report says PNG can lift farm incomes and jobs by boosting productivity, value chains and investment conditions, as PNG also prepares for more rice support through equipment and farming inputs. Infrastructure & Services: The K2.5 billion Port Moresby airport redevelopment was launched to drive long-term growth, and the K65 million Koroba Level 4 hospital project is progressing to bring specialist care closer to remote communities. Governance & Local Development: CLRC consultations on reviewing District Development Authority laws are expected to start soon, after years of concerns over how DDAs have been used. Business & Community: SP Brewery commissioned a rooftop solar system and opened a new warehouse in Lae, while Project Skul is sending repurposed classroom learning tools to under-resourced schools.

Aviation & Connectivity: PNG has launched the K2.5 billion Port Moresby International Airport redevelopment, a multi-phase upgrade aimed at boosting trade, tourism and long-term growth. Mining Governance & Regional Deals: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026-2030 framework to deepen cooperation on mining reforms, trade, security and investment, with PNG offering governance experience to help Solomon Islands maximise mineral benefits. Exploration & Resources: South Pacific Metals has started exploration at its Kili Teke copper-gold project in Hela after securing landowner and government support, targeting multiple drill-ready prospects. Energy & Industry Investment: SP Brewery commissioned a rooftop solar system and opened a new bulk warehouse in Lae, pushing efficiency and renewable energy plans. Food Security: Korea-backed machinery has arrived for the Norikori Rice Project to modernise farming and accelerate rice self-sufficiency efforts. Business & Finance: Nickel 28 released its fiscal Q1 2027 results tied to its Ramu nickel-cobalt operations, reporting production and profit highlights. Community & Safety: Authorities restored calm in Kiunga after violent crowd attempts linked to fatal road incidents, while the fire service warned against bush fires during the dry season. Health & Skills: Work continues on the K65 million Koroba Level 4 hospital to expand specialist care, and Mapex Training Institute graduates highlight growing demand for skilled trades.

Education & Skills: Project Skul, run by Project Yumi, is sending repurposed desks, books, whiteboards and other learning tools to under-resourced PNG schools to lift attendance and literacy outcomes. Oil & Gas: TotalEnergies and Petronas have started drilling PNG’s first deepwater frontier well, Mailu-1, in the Gulf of Papua, targeting a major Eocene carbonate structure. Mining & Investment: PNG is offering Solomon Islands support on mining governance, including legal and technical expertise, as the two countries push closer resource cooperation. Agriculture & Food Security: Korea and PNG have delivered modern tractors to the Norikori Rice Project to accelerate rice self-sufficiency and cut import dependence. Energy & Industry: SP Brewery has commissioned rooftop solar and opened a new Lae bulk warehouse, backing lower emissions and stronger regional distribution. Regional Business Links: Solomon Airlines will launch the first direct Port Moresby–Honiara scheduled service on July 7, boosting travel for tourism and business. Women in Business: Westpac Outstanding Women Awards 2026 finalists have been announced, with winners set for July 25 in Port Moresby. Power & Water: Sirinumu Dam is running low under El Niño, prompting water and electricity conservation and diesel backup generation to protect the grid and city water supply.

Frontier Oil & Gas: TotalEnergies and Petronas have started drilling the Mailu-1 deepwater exploration well in PNG’s Gulf of Papua, using the Noble Viking drillship, targeting a frontier Eocene carbonate structure in water depths over 2,000 metres—another signal of continued global interest in PNG’s offshore resources. Mining Exports: Westpac reports stronger early-2026 export earnings, with gold and LNG leading foreign exchange inflows, as production holds up despite shifting global prices. Power & Water Stress: Sirinumu Dam is running low under El Niño, cutting hydro generation and forcing Port Moresby’s grid to rely more on diesel while Water PNG and PPL coordinate to protect minimum city water supply. Health Delivery: Air Niugini renews long-running support for children needing heart surgery via Operation Open Heart, including transport for patients and specialist teams. Bougainville Labour Mobility: 136 Bougainvilleans have already been placed in Australia and New Zealand under labour mobility schemes, with a planned transition of the recruitment hub to ABG operations. Regional Trade & Security: PNG and Solomon Islands sign a new 2026–2030 framework agreement covering development, infrastructure, security, trade and investment. Education & Community Support: Theodist hands out school packs in Port Moresby’s Tete settlement to help families through the school year. Youth & Sports Funding: PNG Kickboxing gets K300,000 from the NGCB for a nationwide Last Man Standing tournament aimed at youth participation and talent scouting.

Gender Violence Watch: A new global snapshot flags Papua New Guinea as among the worst places for intimate partner and sexual violence, with abuse widely normalised—fueling calls for faster, better protection and support. Bougainville Fiscal Readiness: Acting Treasury boss Albert Punghau launched Bougainville’s “Cost of Services Report” to map the real price of governing as the region moves toward independence, warning that hidden costs could surface once external support ends. Port Moresby Inclusion: NCD launched Asian Community Day to strengthen social cohesion and recognise Asian communities’ role in business, infrastructure, tourism, education and healthcare. Energy & Investment: TotalEnergies and Petronas have started a major offshore exploration push in PNG, while Samsung E&A advances FEED work for the Abadi gas project—both signals of continued regional energy appetite. Health & Human Capital: Air Niugini renewed its long-running Operation Open Heart support, and Pomio District Hospital performed a landmark emergency caesarean saving mother and twins. El Niño Pressure on Power & Food: Sirinumu Dam is running low, with PNG Power urging water and electricity conservation and using diesel generation to protect the grid; disaster authorities also activated nationwide El Niño preparedness. Trade & Regional Deals: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 framework on development and economic cooperation, covering trade, investment, infrastructure and security. Mining Earnings: PNG’s gold and LNG exports strengthened foreign exchange earnings in early 2026, according to the Westpac PNG Economic Update. Labour Mobility: Bougainvilleans continue moving to Australia and New Zealand under labour mobility schemes, supporting skills and remittances. Business & Jobs: Cocoa Board extension officers were urged to sell cocoa farming as a profitable business, pushing farmers beyond subsistence.

Bougainville Fiscal Readiness: Acting Treasury Minister Albert Punghau launched the ABG/NEFC “From Here To There” Cost-of-Services Report in Buka, arguing Bougainville’s 97.7% independence vote must be matched by “fiscal readiness,” with many government costs “hidden” inside national agency allocations in Waigani. Energy & Industry: TotalEnergies and Petronas have started a “major” offshore oil and gas exploration campaign in PNG’s Gulf of Papua, with the Mailu-1 deepwater well using the Noble Viking drillship. Mining Earnings: Westpac reports PNG’s gold and LNG exports lifted foreign exchange earnings in Jan–Apr 2026, with gold up to K6.51b and LNG to K3.29b. Health & Social Impact: Air Niugini renewed its long-running partnership with Operation Open Heart to keep flying children and medical teams for heart surgery, while Pomio District Hospital performed PNG’s first emergency caesarean section of its kind. Power & Water: Sirinumu Dam is running low under El Niño, prompting PNG Power Ltd to urge water and electricity conservation and to manage reduced hydro generation. Regional Trade: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation covering trade, investment, infrastructure and security. Business & Community: Cocoa Board extension officers were urged to sell cocoa farming as a profitable business, and Theodist delivered school packs to ease education costs for families in Port Moresby.

El Niño Pressure on Power and Water: Sirinumu Dam is running low, and PNG Power Ltd is urging Port Moresby and Central Province customers to conserve as reduced hydro output is supplemented with diesel to protect grid stability and keep minimum raw water discharge for the city. Health and Human Capital: Air Niugini renewed its long-running Corporate Responsibility deal with Operation Open Heart to keep flying children and specialist teams for life-saving heart surgery, while Pomio District Hospital performed PNG’s first emergency caesarean of its kind, highlighting progress in rural service delivery. Mining and Exports: Westpac reports stronger early-2026 export earnings, with gold and LNG leading foreign exchange inflows as production holds steady despite shifting global prices. Regional Trade and Security: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a new five-year framework (2026–2030) to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, infrastructure and security, with leaders also discussing a tailored free-trade concept for Melanesia. Labour and Skills Mobility: Bougainvilleans are being sent to Australia and New Zealand under labour mobility schemes, with a recruitment hub set to transition to ABG operation. Energy Investment: TotalEnergies and Petronas have started a “major” offshore oil and gas exploration campaign in PNG, signalling continued confidence in deepwater prospects. Governance and Risk: PNG disaster authorities activated emergency preparedness after El Niño was declared, with frost and crop damage already reported in parts of the Highlands. Youth and Sports Funding: Eastern Highlands completed NYDA youth empowerment rollout, and the NGCB backed a nationwide kickboxing tournament with K300,000 to support youth participation and talent pathways. Education Support: Theodist delivered school packs to families in Port Moresby’s Tete settlement to ease mid-year learning costs.

Offshore Energy Investment: TotalEnergies and Petronas have kicked off a “major” oil and gas exploration campaign off PNG’s Gulf of Papua, with the Noble Viking drillship set to start ultra-deepwater drilling near Kupiano—potentially opening a new deepwater frontier. Disaster & Food Security: PNG’s National Disaster Centre has activated emergency preparations after the National Weather Service declared El Niño, with frost and drought fears hitting Highlands food gardens and cash crops. Bilateral Trade & Security: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a new five-year Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030), covering trade, investment, security, infrastructure and regional affairs. Tourism Earnings: PNG tourism contributed about US$244m (PGK1b) to the economy in 2025 as arrivals recovered, though average spend per visitor fell. Governance & Corruption Pressure: PNG Law Society president Hubert Namani renewed calls to empower anti-corruption institutions and lift prosecution rates, citing corruption’s drag on services and development. Youth, Sports & Jobs: NGCB backed PNG Kickboxing with a K300,000 grant for a nationwide tournament, while PNG SME Week Agritrade Expo showcased Alotau SMEs and local value-added products. Health & Safety: Military wives were urged to prioritise wellbeing, and PNG’s Family Sexual Violence Units reported thousands of cases in 2025 and early 2026. El Niño Politics in Bougainville: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama set a timetable for self-government in 2027 and independence in 2030, anchored in the Peace Agreement and PNG’s constitution.

Bougainville Independence Roadmap: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has set a three-stage path—self-government from 1 Sept 2027 and independence in 2030—framing it as a peace-agreement driven, peace-preserving process. Governance at the Grassroots: DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo urged Central Province LLG presidents to rebuild governance “from the ground up,” warning the ward-to-LLG-to-province system has not worked as intended for decades. Youth, Jobs and Poverty: Opposition leader James Nomane says PNG’s youth bulge is a development opportunity but a governance failure is leaving many in poverty without services or jobs. FATF Grey List Push: Treasury Minister Ian Ling-Stuckey says PNG needs two more years to clear the FATF grey list, with 18 actions still outstanding and key legal amendments underway. Anti-Corruption Support: Kina Bank backed Transparency International PNG’s Walk Against Corruption, continuing its annual support. ICT Procurement Speed-Up: NICTA has sworn in a Special Procurement Committee to fast-track ICT and Universal Access Service projects, cutting delays from months to years. HIV Testing Expansion: PNG health authorities began rolling out HIV self-testing kits, with 26,000 kits arrived and more distribution planned nationwide. Tourism Dollars: PNG tourism contributed about US$244m in 2025, with arrivals rising but average spend per visitor falling. SME Showcase: Alotau SMEs are using PNG SME Week Agritrade Expo to reach bigger markets, supported by local MP sponsorship. Mining Revenue Watch: Newmont says it paid a record K852m tax instalment from Lihir, while Wafi-Golpu talks move toward a major development contract. Fuel and Energy Pressure: Pacific finance ministers and private sector leaders focused on rising energy costs and the fuel crisis’s hit to business.

Fertilizer Security: Australia-Indonesia ties are paying off for regional food security, with a 47,250-tonne urea shipment docking in Brisbane under a 250,000-tonne deal, after war-linked shipping disruptions tightened global fertilizer supply. Governance & Youth Jobs: Opposition leader James Nomane says PNG’s youth bulge (over 60% under 25) must be matched with real opportunities, arguing poverty persists despite natural wealth due to weak governance and basic service gaps. Procurement Reform: NICTA has sworn in a Special Procurement Committee to speed up ICT and Universal Access Service project delivery, cutting delays caused by external approvals for projects between K1m and K5m. SME Push: Alotau district SMEs are using PNG SME Week Agritrade Expo to reach bigger markets, backed by MP Vicky Morris sponsorship for 21 businesses. Tourism Numbers: PNG tourism contributed about US$244m in 2025 as arrivals recovered, though average spend per visitor fell. HIV Testing Expansion: Health authorities have launched nationwide HIV self-testing, with 26,000 kits already in-country and rollout planned across four provinces first. Bougainville Roadmap: Bougainville’s ABG set out a three-stage path to self-government from 1 Sept 2027 and independence in 2030. Mining & Tax: Newmont says it has paid a record K852m tax instalment from Lihir, while Wafi-Golpu talks move toward a major development contract. Corruption Walk Support: Kina Bank backed Transparency International PNG’s Walk Against Corruption. Bird Flu Watch: Australia confirmed H5N1 in a second state and PNG’s poultry import rules have been adjusted as surveillance ramps up.