AGP Executive Report

Hidden Valley Benefits: The revised Community Development Agreement for the Hidden Valley Mining Project has been formally signed, clearing the way for Morobe landowners and communities to access development benefits tied to the gold operation. Bougainville Drought Alert: The Autonomous Bougainville Government has placed the region on Drought Alert due to El Niño-linked below-normal rainfall risk, warning of impacts on water supplies, food gardens and remote island communities. Kundiawa Clean-Up: Simbu police led a major community clean-up in Kundiawa, using police vehicles to move waste and running awareness sessions with market vendors and businesses. Kumuls World Cup Prep: PNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou says an extended 40-man squad will be named soon, then cut to 23 ahead of the World Cup, with home games against Lebanon and Samoa in Port Moresby. OFC U-19 Kick-Off: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship begins in Samoa, with PNG in Group A alongside hosts Samoa and New Caledonia, and the top two set to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup. PNG Chiefs & Luai: Jarome Luai’s PNG Chiefs commitments stay in focus as he faces scans for a leg injury, while his Pepsi PNG ambassador role and golf appearances keep him front and centre. Health Security Check: PNG completed its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with WHO, assessing national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health risks. Disaster Response Support: Australia backed PNG’s provincial disaster preparedness work, calling the institutional capacity report a practical tool for improving response systems. Vehicle Financing Deal: TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG signed a strategic referral partnership to expand access to vehicle financing across Papua New Guinea. Bird Flu Warning: WHO urged Pacific countries to prepare for avian influenza (H5N1) risks, stressing One Health coordination across human, animal and environmental health.

Bougainville Decision in Parliament: Prime Minister James Marape says Parliament—not the executive—will have the final say on Bougainville’s political future after the 2019 referendum result was formally tabled, urging MPs to study the referendum, Joint Consultation report and Melanesian Framework before any vote. Health Security Boost: Papua New Guinea has completed its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with the WHO to strengthen national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health risks under the International Health Regulations. Disaster Preparedness Support: Australia reaffirmed help for PNG’s provincial disaster offices, calling the new capacity report a practical tool (not a scorecard) to close preparedness gaps. Bird Flu Warning: WHO urges Pacific countries, including PNG, to prepare for avian influenza as H5N1 spreads among birds and could spill over to humans. PNG Sports Spotlight: Dika Toua made Olympic history by competing at her fifth Games, while PNG’s Rugby League World Cup preparations continue as an extended Kumuls squad is set to be named. Business & Finance: Bank of PNG outlines a financial reform agenda, and TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG sign a referral partnership to expand vehicle financing access. Culture & Community: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka, and the Pride of PNG Women Awards 2026 is set for its next big push.

Pacific Islands Forum: Leaders head to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum summit, with climate and development front and centre as Australia faces tough questions on emissions and fossil fuel plans. Bougainville Decision: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament will have the final say on Bougainville’s political future after the 2019 referendum result was tabled, with MPs urged to set a clear timeline and avoid further delays. Rugby League World Cup Prep: PNG coach Jason Demetriou is set to name an extended 40-man Kumuls squad as preparations ramp up for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Finance & Transport: TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG sign a strategic referral partnership to make vehicle financing easier across Papua New Guinea. Health Watch: WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) as the virus spreads among birds and could spill over to humans. Business & Trade: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicks off in Goroka, with government and industry backing to boost farming, processing and market access. Sports Sponsorship: Jerome Luai is named Pepsi brand ambassador under a five-year partnership, with plans for grassroots rugby league pathways. Regional Investment: Nasfund CEO calls for a Pacific co-investment framework to pool superannuation funds for major infrastructure projects. Deep-sea Mining Risk: A new report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they change course on deep-sea mining rules.

Bougainville Decision Looms: Prime Minister James Marape says Parliament—not the executive—will have the final say on Bougainville’s 2019 referendum result, after it was formally tabled, with MPs urged to study the referendum outcome alongside key reports before voting. Parliament Timeline Pressure: Opposition Leader James Nomane wants a clear date for debate and a full MP presence at the next sitting, warning against further delays as the vote could reshape PNG’s political future. Sports & Youth Pathways: PNG Rugby League World Cup preparations are ramping up as coach Jason Demetriou prepares an extended 40-man squad, while Trukai signs rising star Cooper Bai as brand ambassador and Pepsi names Jerome Luai as its PNG ambassador under a five-year partnership. Finance & Trade: TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG partner to expand vehicle financing access, and the Bank of PNG pushes a reform agenda aimed at stability, inclusion and investment. Health Watch: WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) as it spreads among birds, stressing One Health coordination. Local Economy Events: 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. Culture & Community: CPL Foundation sets the stage for the 14th Pride of PNG Women Awards, celebrating women’s leadership across PNG.

Bougainville Vote Push: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has begun the formal process after tabling the 2019 Bougainville referendum result, with Opposition Leader James Nomane urging MPs to set a clear debate and voting date and not “kick the can down the road.” Constitutional Peace Process: Ministers and MPs framed the next steps as a historic, unity-testing decision, with Bougainville independence support tied to the 97.7% result and constitutional responsibilities. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is arriving for the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau, with PNG and Fiji described as new defence allies and regional policing cooperation expanding. PNG Economy & Reform: The Bank of PNG outlined a financial reform agenda focused on stability, inclusion and investment, warning businesses and households need confidence for long-term planning. Agriculture & Trade Festival: Goroka’s 70th Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off with government and business support, including a K15,000 sponsorship from the Department of International Trade and Investment. Sports & Sponsorship: Rugby league star Jarome Luai was named Pepsi brand ambassador under a five-year PNG partnership, with plans for grassroots programs and pathways for young players. Environment & Culture: A new New Guinea groundsnake species was named “Slash’s groundsnake,” while PNG artisans and small businesses renewed calls to protect Melanesian designs from cheap copied imports.

Bougainville Constitutional Step: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has begun the formal process to ratify the 2019 Bougainville independence referendum, with MPs now set to decide after the result and related documents were tabled—though a final vote date is still months away. Sovereignty Reminder: Minister Belden Namah says the historic referendum process does not override PNG’s “absolute sovereignty.” Energy Deal Push: PNG signed a revised Papua LNG Project Agreement, setting a firm Final Investment Decision deadline of 15 December 2026, with a temporary risk-sharing price stabilisation mechanism to protect the State’s fiscal interests. Power Crisis: PM Marape told Parliament PNG Power is in a “terminal” condition, prompting reforms including provincial partnerships and possible privatisation. Goroka Festival Boost: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka (Aug 28–30), with the Department of International Trade and Investment sponsoring the event and supporting trade, standards and market access discussions. Sports & Sponsorship: Rugby league star Jarome Luai was named Pepsi brand ambassador under a five-year deal, while the PNG Open continues with Josh Armstrong leading at the halfway point.

Energy Deal: Papua New Guinea has signed three landmark agreements with ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies to push the Papua LNG project toward a Final Investment Decision by Dec 15, 2026, including a risk-sharing price stabilisation mechanism after costs rose to K18 billion. Defence Training: The PNG Defence Force and Australia’s ADF wrapped up joint training in Port Moresby using up-armoured Land Cruisers, building convoy escort and simulated attack skills ahead of Exercise Wantok Warrior 26. Bougainville Politics: Parliament has begun considering the 2019 Bougainville independence referendum result, but any final decision is still months away, with MPs set to vote later. Land & Tourism: Prime Minister James Marape urged Milne Bay customary landowners not to sell land, pushing registration under ILGs and using land for tourism and small business. Business & Sport: Trukai Industries named rugby league rising star Cooper Bai as brand ambassador, while Jarome Luai signed a five-year Pepsi deal tied to his move toward the PNG Chiefs. Regional Climate: A New Zealand-backed Pacific climate mobility programme launched to keep Pacific people at the centre of decisions as climate change drives displacement.

Bougainville Independence Vote Moves Closer: Papua New Guinea’s parliament is set to table and debate the 2019 non-binding referendum results, where 97.7% backed independence; ratification will need a three-quarter majority, with no vote date yet. Land and Tourism Push: Prime Minister James Marape urged Milne Bay customary landowners not to sell land to outsiders, saying registered ILGs should keep ownership while land is used for tourism and small business. PNG-Australia Defence Training: PNGDF and ADF completed joint up-armoured vehicle training in Port Moresby to boost interoperability under the PNG-Australia alliance. Mining Logistics Spotlight: Jacksons International Airport handled a major Air Niugini Boeing 747 freighter cargo run for Ok Tedi Mining, moving 84 tonnes of supplies. Regional Food Security: PNG’s Agriculture Minister John Boito told APEC in China that agriculture needs more support on mechanisation, irrigation, storage, transport and technology. Pacific Disaster Readiness: Pacific nations met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami and volcanic early warning systems, focusing on better data sharing and monitoring capacity. Indonesia-PNG Cocoa and Palm Links: Indonesia is exploring deeper value-chain cooperation on sustainable cocoa and palm products with Malaysia and PNG. Business Tech in the Pacific: BizPrint in PNG is expanding local print capability with Konica Minolta’s first AccurioPress C12010S installation in the Pacific region.

Bougainville Independence Process: PNG parliament is set to consider the 2019 non-binding referendum results after Bougainville voters backed independence by 97.7%, with ratification requiring a three-quarter majority—no vote date yet. Rugby League Spotlight: Cook Islands and Māori star Joey “Joey” Manu has signed a two-year deal with the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural NRL seasons in 2028 and 2029, bringing a Pacific identity push after talks with Prime Minister James Marape. Digital & Business Growth: 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 agreed to share network infrastructure. Public Safety & Governance: NCD Metropolitan Police unveiled a security plan for Port Moresby ahead of major events, including quarterly operations and reminders that evictions require court orders. Tourism & Infrastructure: PM Marape urged Milne Bay landowners to keep customary land and use it for tourism as the upgraded Gurney Airport terminal opens. Regional Disaster Readiness: Pacific leaders met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring and early warning across 2026–2030.

Bougainville Independence Debate: PNG Prime Minister James Marape urged MPs and the public to handle this week’s parliamentary debate on Bougainville’s 2019 independence referendum result with care, warning against threats, fear and hostility. Deep-sea Mining Sovereignty: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns investor-state dispute rules could let foreign firms sue Pacific governments if they tighten environmental or regulatory protections for deep-sea mining—raising fears of “chilling effects,” with PNG named among exposed countries. Port Moresby Security Push: NCD Metropolitan Police Command unveiled a stronger security strategy for 2027, including quarterly major operations and clarification that police only enforce lawful court-ordered evictions. Digital Infrastructure Boost: 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 deal. Education Law Reform: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, replacing the 1997 Act to modernise governance and accountability. Tourism & Jobs: Air Niugini and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority showcased PNG at Singapore’s NATAS Travel Fair, while Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport was framed as a tourism gateway for landowners.

National Leadership Call: PM James Marape urged Papua New Guineans to embrace a “reset” of hearts, minds and leadership at the National Day of Prayer and Repentance, saying real change starts with people and those in charge. Bougainville Mining Watch: A new OCCRP report says Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama accepted an offer to cover his wife’s kidney surgery before signing a major Panguna mine deal, raising fresh questions as Parliament prepares to debate Bougainville’s independence referendum outcome. Parliament & Education: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, replacing an outdated 1997 act to modernise governance and strengthen accountability. Infrastructure Debate: A Milne Bay Gurney Airport terminal upgrade sparked a push for balance—critics say major projects must also translate into better medicines, schools and policing for locals. Police Independence: Police Minister Sir John Pundari warned officers against political interference ahead of elections, stressing neutrality and discipline. Tech & Finance Access: Telikom received a Payment Service Provider Licence from the Bank of Papua New Guinea, paving the way for nationwide digital wallet services. Tourism Push: Air Niugini and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority showcased PNG at Singapore’s NATAS Travel Fair, aiming to boost arrivals and tourism partnerships. Youth Sports: PNG’s U19 men’s team departs for Samoa for the OFC Under-19 Championship, with World Cup qualification on the line. Sports Sponsorship: K92 Mining backed the Goroka Lahanis Rugby League Club with K200,000 to support players and youth development.

Telecommunications & Finance: Telikom has received a Payment Service Provider Licence from the Bank of Papua New Guinea, clearing the way for its Telikom Financial Services unit to launch nationwide digital wallet services. Parliament & Elections: Parliament resumes with a packed agenda including election law changes, Connect PNG updates, Bougainville matters, and log export monitoring, as election preparations ramp up. Governance Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in—David Teika Dennis (Finance and Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security and Correctional Services), and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture and Tourism). Police & Integrity: Police Minister Sir John Pundari warned officers to resist political interference ahead of the 2027 election and stick to their oath. Public Safety & Operations: Ok Tedi says mining and processing are continuing safely despite dry-weather logistics challenges, with contingency plans for fuel and supplies. International Support: Japan handed over 60 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to boost police mobility ahead of the 2027 election. Digital Education: Port Moresby Business College launched a new website as part of PNG’s push for a more digitally connected education sector. Environment & Science: Researchers have rediscovered PNG’s spinach pipefish in the Sepik River after nearly 40 years, with local knowledge playing a key role.

Tourism & Infrastructure: Milne Bay’s Gurney Airport is set to become PNG’s first “Tourism Airport,” with Prime Minister James Marape announcing Alotau Gurney will open as an international airport. Police & Elections: Police Minister Sir John Pundari has warned RPNGC officers to resist political interference ahead of the 2027 election, stressing impartial policing and “standards start with you.” Rugby League Big Deal: The PNG Chiefs have signed two-time NRL premiership winner Joseph Manu as Player #007 on a two-year deal for the 2028 season, with Manu crediting talks with Prime Minister James Marape for helping seal the move. Telecoms Upgrade: Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG have signed a network-sharing pact to cut costs and expand coverage, including a “bill and keep” model for cheaper cross-network calls and texts. Agriculture Trade: A new Pacific Trade Invest Australia report says Australia’s imports of selected Pacific agricultural goods have more than tripled in five years, with growing interest in exporters. Environment & Science: Researchers have rediscovered PNG’s spinach pipefish in the Sepik after nearly 40 years, highlighting the value of local knowledge. Transport & Business: BizPrint has invested in a Konica Minolta digital press—described as the first of its kind in the Pacific—boosting local print capability.

Telecom Deal: Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG have signed a landmark network-sharing pact, agreeing to share towers and fibre and move to a “bill and keep” model to cut cross-network call and text costs. NRL Chiefs: PNG Chiefs have confirmed Kiwi star Joseph “Joey” Manu on a two-year deal for the 2028 and 2029 seasons, adding another marquee name to their inaugural NRL roster. Politics Ahead of GE27: Two Greater Sepik ministers, Richard Maru and Belden Namah, have formed a coalition between the Nesenel Unity Party and the PNG Party, aiming to campaign together for the 2027 election. El Niño Watch (Bougainville): The Autonomous Bougainville Government is urging communities to prepare for prolonged drought, with an 80–90% chance of below-normal rainfall through year-end. Infrastructure & Economy: Gurney Airport in Alotau has reopened after a K76.8m upgrade, while Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger but reforms must still deliver benefits. Business & Transport: Ela Motors launched the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 petrol hybrid for PNG, and TISA Insurance signed an MoU with Toyota Tsusho (PNG) to bring insurance closer to vehicle buyers. Education & Science: UPNG hosted a two-day science fair, showcasing research and solutions for local communities.

NRL Expansion Buzz: PNG Chiefs have confirmed a blockbuster 007 signing, Kiwi and New Zealand international Joseph Manu, on a two-year deal for the 2028 and 2029 seasons, joining Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees, Zac Lomax and Brian To’o after his Roosters premiership-winning NRL career and 17 Tests. El Niño Preparedness: The Autonomous Bougainville Government is urging communities to brace for drought linked to El Niño, warning of an 80–90% chance of below-normal rainfall through year-end and calling for water and food-garden conservation. Power Crisis in Morobe: Morobe MPs are demanding urgent action over daily blackouts lasting 4–5 hours for months, saying businesses are forced onto generators while health and education services suffer. Infrastructure Push: Gurney Airport in Alotau has officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade backed by the Asian Development Bank, boosting safety and capacity for Milne Bay connectivity. Tech Leap for PNG: Datec PNG and Telikom PNG have launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, the country’s sovereign cloud and AI data centre, aiming to keep data onshore and support AI workloads. Politics Ahead of 2027: The PNG Party and the new Nesenel Unity Party have signed a Memorandum of Agreement, pitching a faith-based governance alliance for the next election.

Transport & Business: Ela Motors marks over six decades in PNG and unveils the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux, saying mobility remains central to development and local industries. Power Crisis: Morobe MP Sam Basil Jnr demands urgent action over months of daily blackouts, warning health, education and small businesses are being hit while PNG Power excuses continue. Aviation Upgrade: Gurney Airport in Alotau officially opens after a K76.8m upgrade backed by the Asian Development Bank, adding a new terminal, runway works, lighting, power and cargo facilities. Economy Watch: Westpac says PNG is stronger in the second half of 2026 on higher commodity prices and IMF-backed reforms, but growth must reach livelihoods and services. Tech & Data: Datec PNG launches Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, promising onshore data processing and resilience. Politics: The PNG Party and the new Nesenel Unity Party sign a landmark Memorandum of Agreement ahead of the 2027 election. Justice Sector: Work begins on high-security fencing at Bekut Prison on Buka Island under Australia’s law and justice program. Media Policy: New Ireland deputy governor Sammy Missen urges the government to respect media’s watchdog role while drafting a National Media Development Policy.