AGP Executive Report

Aviation Upgrade: Papua New Guinea has launched a major redevelopment and expansion of Port Moresby International Airport, with a program costing up to K2.5 billion to modernise the gateway and support future air travel growth. Marine Protection: PNG is moving to protect about 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus with a Western Manus Marine Protected Area, including a total fishing ban, as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. EU Investment in Water: The EU and EIB Global backed a Water Wise Communities project with €25m concessional loan plus €16.4m in grants to improve drinking-water access for an extra 400,000 people. Digital Trust for Media: PNG’s ICT department says Digital Public Infrastructure—digital identity, payments and secure data exchange—could help tackle fake accounts and strengthen trusted information in the media sector. Sports Pathway: Papua New Guinea joins the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 qualifying tournament in Rarotonga, with the winner earning a route to the U-20 World Cup. Business & Regulation: PNG’s ICCC recommends independent economic regulation for airport operator NAC and air navigation provider NiuSky Pacific, aiming for clearer charges and better accountability in aviation.

EU–PNG Business Forum: Prime Minister James Marape used the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby to push a decade of growth tied to Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu and P’nyang, while the EU backed PNG’s priorities with major deals including a Water Wise Communities project (EIB loan plus EU grant) to improve drinking water for 400,000 people. Water & health delivery: The EU/EIB water funding was matched by local wins like Ialibu District Hospital in Southern Highlands restoring X-ray services after nearly eight years. Digital trust and media: PNG’s ICT push for Digital Public Infrastructure is aimed at trusted digital identity, payments and secure data exchange, with officials also moving to use Sevis PNG Digital ID to tackle fake social media accounts and online harassment. Aviation regulation: PNG’s consumer watchdog ICCC recommends independent economic regulation for airport operator NAC and air navigation provider NiuSky Pacific, to improve transparency and accountability. Mining update: K92 Mining expanded high-grade Arakompa zones ahead of a maiden resource estimate, reporting 33 more drill holes. Marine protection: PNG designated the Western Manus Marine Protected Area as part of a wider Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, targeting fisheries protection across a biodiversity-rich ocean corridor.

Aviation Regulation: PNG’s Independent Consumer and Competition Commission recommends putting airport operator National Airports Corporation and air navigation provider NiuSky Pacific under independent economic regulation, aiming for clearer charges and better service and investment planning. Digital Identity Push: Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says PNG will move from Sevis PNG Digital ID pilots to a legal framework for verifiable credentials, to help police trace fake social media accounts and enforce cybercrime laws. Bougainville Independence Tensions: Bougainville leaders warn PNG Parliament’s debate on the 2019 referendum report could test the independence mandate, with ABG officials calling the process premature. Ocean Protection: PNG designates a Western Manus Marine Protected Area as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, expanding conservation in a biodiversity-rich region. Mining and Jobs: K92 reports expanded high-grade drilling at Arakompa and says it employs about 3,100 people, while Metso seeks faster work-permit rules to bring in experts and hire locals. Community and Education: Paradise Foods’ Smart Start School Promotion hands out K33,000 to Hagita Primary and K11,000 to Karea Primary, and baby Sawong returns home after six months of life-saving treatment in Australia.

Digital Security: PNG’s new Sevis PNG Digital ID platform is set to help police and regulators verify online identities, targeting fake Facebook accounts and anonymous cyberbullying raised in Parliament. Bougainville Politics: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama says the 2019 independence mandate will be “tested” as MPs debate the bipartisan referendum report, while ABG leaders warn the process could derail the Melanesian Agreement. Regional Security: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review the 2022 China security pact after talks in Canberra with Australia’s Anthony Albanese. Climate & Food Risks: El Niño preparedness is under strain, with provinces yet to receive specific funding for response activities as drought fears grow. Aviation & Connectivity: PNG Air has relaunched ticket sales through Post PNG outlets nationwide, and Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport runway upgrade is underway to handle larger jets by end-2026. Economy & Jobs: K92 reports a workforce of about 3,100 and ramps exploration, while Finnish firm Metso eyes PNG expansion but wants faster work-permit processes. Ocean Protection: PNG plans a Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary covering 214,000 sq km to safeguard fisheries and biodiversity.

Cervical Cancer Breakthrough: Dr Pamela Toliman, long-time PNGIMR researcher, wins the 2025 WOW Awards Public Sector category for work on rapid HPV testing and prevention models that can reach women far from clinics. Health System Clarity: Health Minister Elias Kapavore told Parliament PMGH is now a Level Six National Referral Hospital under the 2021 six-tier standards, after confusion over its previous Level Seven label. Bougainville Independence Tension: President Ishmael Toroama says Bougainville’s 2019 referendum mandate will be “tested” as Parliament tables the bipartisan report, while Bougainville leaders warn debate is premature. Aviation Access Boost: PNG Air has relaunched its ticketing partnership with Post PNG, rolling out sales at Post outlets nationwide, and the airline is also expanding its fleet while phasing out Dash 8s. Highlands Runway Upgrade: Kagamuga Airport (Mt Hagen) begins runway rehabilitation to handle Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 aircraft by end-2026. El Niño Worry: PNG braces for a possible Super El Niño, but provinces say they’ve not received specific preparedness funding. Marine Protection Plan: PNG moves toward creating the Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary, aiming to protect biodiversity and support sustainable fisheries. Skills and Jobs: Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School sign a 2026 MOU for workplace training and staff upskilling, while PAS PNG training reaches Loloata Island Resort. Mining Update: K92 advances drilling at the Wera gold prospect as exploration investment ramps up. Sports Pathways: The Lewas (women’s cricket) push toward Cricket World Cup qualification after winning Team of the Year, and a Gulf rugby league talent program targets girls’ pathways.

Bougainville Peace Process: PNG Parliament’s Bougainville debate is heating up as PM James Marape urges unity, respect and constitutional process, while Bougainville leaders push back—Bougainville VP Ezekiel Masatt calls parts of the ratification push “foolish and premature,” and Namah urges MPs to reject the 2019 independence result over alleged constitutional and arms-disposal gaps. El Niño Preparedness: PNG warns provinces are not yet funded for a possible “Super El Nino,” with disaster officials saying highlands regions are under watch but response money hasn’t been allocated. Media Resilience & AI: DICT says PNG is building an AI strategy to tackle misinformation, and NBC’s Kora Nou calls for stronger, trusted media systems as digital change strains newsrooms. Transport & Connectivity: PNG Air relaunches its ticketing partnership with Post PNG to expand access nationwide, while the CIMC transport committee flags long-running funding, enforcement and coordination problems. Economy & Investment: Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey says export earnings hit a record K51b, and PM Marape opens the 5th EU-PNG Business Forum urging more European investment beyond raw materials. Aviation Safety: PNG is elected chair of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office Council for the next year. Sports & Community: Gulf’s rural rugby league program is identifying young women players, and PNG’s Lewas are named “Team of the Year” after a standout 2025.

Bougainville Peace Process: PNG MPs are debating whether to ratify the 2019 Bougainville independence referendum, as Prime Minister James Marape urges unity and constitutional process while Bougainville leaders and MPs trade sharp accusations over whether key post-referendum steps are complete. Economy & Trade: Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey says PNG export earnings hit a record K51 billion since 2022, pointing to IMF-backed stabilisation and improved reserves. Parliament & Courts: The Opposition says the Government should not pursue the Kroton Special Purpose Vehicle, citing pending National Court interpretation. Media & Tech: NBC managing director Kora Nou warns that citizen journalism and social media are straining traditional newsrooms, even as PNG pushes digital solutions. Investment & Infrastructure: The EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby highlights a major water expansion deal backed by EIB and EU funding for 400,000 people. Aviation Innovation: PNG is set to implement space-based air traffic management, aiming to boost safety across remote areas. Sports: PNG’s Lewas win “Team of the Year” at the SP Sports Awards, while the U-19 men’s team departs for OFC qualifiers in the Cook Islands.

Mobile Costs Under Fire: PNG phone data charges are being slammed as “excessively expensive,” with critics alleging users lose remaining credits, face unwanted top-ups, and see unexplained credit losses—calls now for NICTA and regulators to investigate and force clearer, fairer rules. Health System Warning: Port Moresby General Hospital is described as struggling with basic services due to underfunding and weak management, with equipment failures and supply shortages hitting patient care and risking staff burnout and brain drain. El Niño Preparedness: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird urged urgent action ahead of El Niño (Sep–Oct, possibly lasting to Mar 2027), warning of food and water risks and pushing drought-resistant crops through NARI. Aviation Leap: PNG is set to be the first country to roll out space-based air traffic management, with NiuSky Pacific partnering Skykraft (and also linking with ENAV) to improve safety and coverage in remote areas. Water Boost: EIB Global and the EU are backing a drinking-water expansion for Port Moresby and towns, targeting an extra 400,000 people and reducing water losses. Governance Push at Kumul Petroleum: KPHL launched a governance overhaul under new chairman Isaac Lupari, focusing on transparency in approvals, procurement, finance and community protocols. Pacific Media in POM: NBC is hosting the 2026 Pacific Media Partnership Conference, with leaders discussing resilience, safety in journalism, and stronger regional media cooperation. Education Links: UPNG signed a landmark three-year academic partnership with the Universities of Wisconsin, opening pathways for exchanges and research. Bougainville Politics: Parliament received a major Bougainville report, with ministers calling it the nation’s most important issue. Sports Spotlight: Sprint star Pais Wisil and footballer Ramona Padio headlined the SP Sports Awards, while new softball facilities at UPNG are set to start soon.

Water & EU Funding: Papua New Guinea will expand drinking water networks with a K109.4 million concessional loan from EIB Global plus an EU contribution, targeting an extra 400,000 people and cutting losses in Port Moresby. Elections Watch: Calls are growing for safe, free and fair elections next year, with Peter O’Neill urging outside help if needed while Dr John Momis urges voters to choose experienced leaders. Bougainville Focus: A parliamentary report on Bougainville was tabled, with the minister calling it the single most important issue as leaders weigh the future political settlement. Security & Sovereignty: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG will not allow foreign military bases, even as Australia expands its presence at Lombrum. Digital & Media Resilience: PNG is hosting the Pacific Media Partnership Conference on resilient journalism amid misinformation and digital disruption, while PNG also pushes digital public infrastructure and interoperability. Sport Development: New softball facilities are set for UPNG, and the PNG Chiefs are framed as a major nation-building project. Climate Risk: PNG is urged to prepare for El Niño and possible food security impacts.

El Niño & Food Security: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and scientists are urging Papua New Guinea to prepare for a likely mid-2026 El Niño, warning western PNG could face drier, harsher conditions that threaten crops and household food supplies. Digital Identity & DPI Push: PNG is joining the global 50-in-5 campaign, linking its SevisPNG digital ID and payments plans to wider digital public infrastructure efforts, while regional voices stress interoperability from day one. Malaria Progress: PNG says malaria deaths have fallen sharply, with a new push led by governors through the Governors Ending Malaria coalition aimed at eliminating malaria by 2035. Aviation Safety: Papua New Guinea’s Benedict Oraka has been elected chair of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office council, as regional aviation oversight continues to strengthen. Connectivity Boost: Telikom is now an authorised Starlink reseller, aiming to expand satellite internet access for remote communities and businesses. Business & Investment: Prime Minister James Marape told the Australia-PNG Business Forum the government wants investment beyond mining and petroleum, with reforms to support growth and wider benefits like power, health and education. Sports & Community: New softball facilities are set for UPNG, and the PNG Lewas were named Carbine Club Team of the Year at the SP Sports Awards.

Public Health Push: Governors have launched the 2026–2030 Governors Ending Malaria (GEM) Coalition, aiming to accelerate malaria elimination by 2035 with provincial leadership across high-burden provinces. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Telikom is now an authorised Starlink reseller in PNG, offering managed satellite internet for households, government and business, while UPNG is set to get new competition-standard softball facilities funded by Australia. Prime Minister’s Agenda: PM James Marape says he will prioritise linking island communities under Connect PNG, and he defended the PNG LNG “Kroton equity” debate in Parliament, saying the extra share is policy—not an entitlement by law. Climate & Finance: The IMF says PNG’s green finance reforms are strengthening climate resilience under its Resilience and Sustainability Facility, as banks prepare new green loan standards. Education & Partnerships: UPNG and US universities signed an academic and cultural exchange pathway, and a new balsa-processing mill is planned for New Ireland. Sports Spotlight: The PNG Lewas were named Team of the Year at the SP Sports Awards after a breakthrough 2025 season.

Courts Back in Namatanai: New Ireland’s Namatanai District welcomes the National Court circuit return after seven years, with Justice Panuel Mogish supported by provincial and LLG leaders who urged young people to study law and bring services closer to communities. Health Inclusion: Morobe disability representatives helped shape plans for Angau Memorial Hospital’s Gware Building refurbishment, pushing for safer, more accessible design for wheelchair and limb users. Port Moresby Upgrade Plan: NCDC’s vision to transform the capital for the PNG Chiefs and beyond got PM James Marape’s backing, framing it as a national “one plan” for growth to 2040. Green Finance Push: Bank of Papua New Guinea training with IFC and Pacific regulators prepares banks to apply PNG’s new green loan standards and better manage environmental and social risks. TB Advocacy Gains Momentum: MPs and the TB caucus launched a TB advocacy media strategy after high-level parliamentary training, with more than 50 MPs signing on. Connectivity Boost: The US plans US$30m for satellite internet to link remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Starlink Enters PNG: Telikom becomes an authorised Starlink reseller to expand high-speed satellite services for enterprise, government and mining sectors. Sports Spotlight: PNG Lewas won Team of the Year at the SP Sports Awards, while the Longbut family also took major media and para-athlete honours.

LGBTQ+ Rights Push: Actor Sir Ian McKellen joined a London march urging Commonwealth countries to repeal “appalling” anti-LGBTQ+ laws, highlighting bans in 29 nations, including life imprisonment in six and the death penalty in Uganda and Nigeria. Pacific Security & Trade: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) says it will jointly develop Fiji port infrastructure, a move analysts link to wider US-China rivalry. Connectivity Boost for PNG: Telikom has become an authorised Starlink reseller, aiming to extend satellite internet to enterprises, government, finance, SMEs and mining, while the US also announced US$30m for satellite internet to remote schools, health facilities and disaster centres. Health Focus on TB: PNG’s parliamentary TB caucus and health committee launched a TB advocacy media strategy, with over 50 MPs signing a declaration backing stronger action against tuberculosis. Climate Finance in Action: PNG is shifting from green finance policy to implementation, with government saying climate resilience is being embedded into planning and funding. Business & Investment: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched to help Pacific SMEs access finance, including in PNG.

Climate & Finance: Australia says it’s scaling up climate resilience, renewable energy and sustainable finance in PNG, with climate objectives built into most programs and a Resilient Infrastructure Guide to steer infrastructure planning and delivery. Connectivity Boost: Telikom has become an authorised Starlink reseller, aiming to extend high-speed satellite services to enterprises, government, mining, finance, SMEs and existing VSAT users. US Internet Funding: The US plans US$30m for satellite internet across PNG to connect remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. TB Push in Parliament: PNG’s TB caucus and health committee launched a TB Advocacy Media Strategy after high-level training, as more than 50 MPs signed on to back the caucus. Labour Mobility: PM Marape praised Australia’s PALM scheme as a major economic boost for PNG families and communities. Security & Sovereignty: Marape told AFP PNG won’t allow foreign military bases, even as Australia expands activity at Lombrum. Business & Investment: EU- PNG forum next week targets more European investment, with focus on digital connectivity, renewable energy, infrastructure and agriculture exports. Green Finance Implementation: PNG is moving from green finance policy into practical rollout, with work through the Bank of PNG and the Green Finance Centre. Ramu Nickel Update: Nickel 28 filed audited statements, highlighting Ramu operations and production figures.

US Connectivity Boost: Papua New Guinea is set to receive US$30 million from the United States to expand satellite internet for remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres, with ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili calling it a practical step to close the rural connectivity gap. Starlink Goes Local: Telikom PNG has signed on as an authorised reseller of Starlink services, aiming to reach enterprise customers, government agencies, financial institutions, SMEs and the mining sector, while complementing existing fibre, mobile, cloud and VSAT networks. Sovereignty and Security: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG will not allow foreign military bases, even as Australia increases its presence at the Lombrum naval port, stressing the facilities remain sovereign PNG defence infrastructure. Green Finance to Action: Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu says PNG is moving from green finance policy discussions into implementation, highlighting progress through the Bank of PNG and the Green Finance Centre. Community Safety: Southern Highlands community leaders have surrendered factory-made firearms under the illegal firearms amnesty, police say, in the second such handover since the programme began. EU Investment Push: PNG is preparing for the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby, with EU officials pointing to growing trade and urging European investors to back projects in infrastructure, digital connectivity and agriculture.

Green Finance Rollout: PNG is moving from green finance talks to practical implementation, with Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu and Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Elizabeth Genia urging real action through the Green Finance Centre and the financial system. EU Investment Push: The 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby next week aims to draw European investors, with Nokia and Airbus among firms looking at telecom, digital connectivity, renewables, extractives and agriculture. Agriculture Exports to Europe: PNG trade officials say fisheries already benefit from EU access, and want cocoa, coffee, vanilla, coconut and palm oil to expand as EU rules tighten on deforestation-free products and traceability. Connectivity Boost: Telikom PNG has become an authorised Starlink reseller, targeting enterprise, government and remote communities with managed installation and support. Climate Funding Gap: PNG’s climate plans may need up to K7 billion over 10 years, but officials say the country can’t fund it alone and needs banks and development partners. Security & Community: Highlands communities in Southern Highlands have surrendered factory-made firearms under the illegal firearms amnesty, as police step up awareness and enforcement. Education Money Skills: More than 1,000 Madang primary students completed a financial literacy programme to learn responsible lunch-money spending and savings habits. Sports Sponsorship: Capital Rugby Union received K250,000 from Pepsi to back the 2026 season and youth development.