AGP Executive Report

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 Parliament & Education: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, replacing an outdated 1997 act to modernise governance and strengthen accountability.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.

Politics & Elections: The PNG Party has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the newly formed Nesenel Unity Party, with leaders pitching it as a stability push ahead of the 2027 election. Justice & Corrections: Work has started on high-security fencing at Bekut Prison on Buka Island, funded through Australia’s PNG Law and Justice program, after a contractor change. Media & Governance: A New Ireland deputy governor says PNG’s National Media Development Policy must respect mainstream media’s watchdog role and avoid making journalists feel “restricted or oppressed.” Tech & Data: Datec PNG and Telikom PNG inaugurated Kumul Cloud Infinity, positioning it as PNG’s sovereign cloud and AI data centre. Business & Investment: PNG and Solomon Islands are working to turn political ties into a “growth corridor,” with a forum in Honiara focused on investment, trade and downstream processing. Economy & Resources: Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger, but reforms must translate into real household benefits; Ramu nickel output dipped in Q2 while sales rose. Health Infrastructure: KPHL reports progress on PMGH’s cancer and heart facilities, while ordering a review of a stalled surgical ward project. Environment & Community: Pacific recyclers are calling for a bigger say in recycling decisions, arguing grassroots groups have decades of on-the-ground experience.

Politics & Elections: PNG Party and the newly formed Nesenel Unity Party have signed a Memorandum of Agreement ahead of the 2027 election, with leaders saying it’s a “momentous” step toward stability and transparency. New Media Policy Debate: New Ireland deputy governor Sammy Missen says PNG’s National Media Development Policy must respect mainstream media’s watchdog role and avoid making journalists feel “restricted or oppressed.” Justice & Corrections: Work has finally started on high-security fencing at Bekut Prison on Buka, funded through Australia’s Law and Justice program, after a contractor change. Tech & Business: Datec PNG and Telikom PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre. Economy & Trade: Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger on commodity prices and reforms, but growth must reach households. Regional Fisheries: Pacific authorities detained Chinese and Indonesian vessels in an illegal fishing crackdown involving PNG, Kiribati and Palau. Health Infrastructure: Kumul Petroleum Holdings reports progress on cancer and heart facilities at PMGH, but orders a review of a stalled surgical ward project. Science & Nature: A new New Guinea snake species has been named Slash’s groundsnake, linking PNG biodiversity to global rock culture.

Digital Industry Upgrade: BizPrint has brought the Konica Minolta AccurioPress C12010S to Port Moresby, billed as the first large-scale digital press of its kind in the Pacific, aiming to replace traditional offset with faster, automated 5-colour production. AI & Data Sovereignty: Datec PNG, with Telikom PNG, launched Kumul Cloud Infinity—PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre—positioned to keep government and business data onshore and support AI workloads. Business & Mobility: Ela Motors marked decades in PNG and unveiled the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux, pitching it as a tech-and-safety upgrade for tough local conditions. Economy & Trade: Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger on commodity prices and reforms, but growth must better reach households. Regional Investment Push: PNG and Solomon Islands are working on a “growth corridor” to turn political ties into investment, trade and downstream jobs. Health Infrastructure: KPHL reports progress at PMGH on a cancer facility and national heart centre, while ordering a review of a stalled surgical ward project. Security & Fisheries: Pacific authorities detained Chinese and Indonesian fishing vessels in Operation Island Chief, including actions involving PNG. Education Pathways: NPL launched a legal scholarship to grow PNG’s next commercial lawyers, with tuition support and internships.

PNG–Solomons Investment Push: Prime Minister James Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale are driving a “growth corridor” agenda in Honiara, aiming to turn political ties into real cross-border investment, trade and jobs. Macroeconomic Outlook: Westpac says PNG’s economy is stronger in the second half of 2026 on higher commodity prices and reforms, but warns growth must reach households and services. Mining Watch: Ramu nickel output dipped in Q2, yet sales rose as prices strengthened; Great Pacific Gold expanded Wild Dog high-grade targets with new PNG results. Finance & Inclusion: CEFI and Credit Guarantee Corporation PNG signed an MoU to boost MSME financial literacy and access to finance, while Nasfund reported net assets crossing K10 billion. Health Infrastructure: KPHL says progress is being made on PMGH cancer and heart facilities, but orders a review of a stalled surgical ward project. Security & Fisheries: Pacific nations detained Chinese and Indonesian boats in Operation Island Chief over illegal fishing, and PNG’s gun amnesty grace period ends Sept 16. Education & Skills: NPL launched a legal scholarship for future commercial lawyers, and India is offering more study opportunities for PNG youths. Business & Tech: Digicel’s AI assistant Ruby is handling over half of customer queries in Jamaica, and PNG DataCo and Digicel PNG signed a five-year bandwidth deal. Community & Sports: Special Olympics PNG will hold a Walk for Inclusion on Oct 24, and the PomRC Open runs this week. Other: A newly discovered New Guinea snake has been named after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.

El Niño Water Crisis: PNG’s slow response to El Niño is drying up freshwater sources, threatening livelihoods, food security and even economic growth as millions rely on clean water for daily life and smallholder farming. West Papua on the Agenda: PNG’s foreign minister says the West Papua issue is expected to be raised at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Palau, after it faded from recent foreign ministers’ discussions. PNG–China Business Push: Trade and investment minister Richard Maru questions whether PNG’s overseas business forums are delivering results, even as the PNG–China Business Forum and Trade Expo gears up. Digital Sovereignty: State Enterprises Minister William Duma will unveil Kumul Cloud Infinity’s Sovereign Cloud and AI datacenter in Port Moresby, aiming to keep critical data and AI workloads in-country. El Niño Readiness Warning: Western Highlands governor Wai Rapa says his province is “unprepared” and lacks resources as rivers dry up and the dry season hits “on another scale.” Finance Watch: Nasfund assets top K10 billion (K10.25b) in the first half of 2026, with membership and contributions rising. Sports & Community: PNGFM and FSA partner to broadcast the 70th PNG Agriculture & Trade Festival nationwide, while PNGFA wraps up a FIFA futsal referees course in Port Moresby. Science & Culture: A new New Guinea groundsnake has been named Lielaphis slashi after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, highlighting how much biodiversity remains undocumented.

PNG–China Business Push: Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru says PNG’s future is tied to China as anchor sponsors are launched for the inaugural PNG–China Business Forum and Trade Expo. Digital Sovereignty: The government will inaugurate Kumul Cloud Infinity’s Sovereign Cloud and AI Datacenter on 21 August in Port Moresby, aiming to keep critical data and AI workloads hosted in-country. El Niño Warnings: Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa says his province is “unprepared” for El Niño impacts, warning of severe dry-season strain and dried water sources. West Papua at PIF: Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko expects West Papua to be raised at Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ talks in Palau. Connectivity for Growth: Fiji’s deputy PM calls PNG the “next Dubai for the Pacific,” urging stronger air links to unlock investment. Infrastructure Update: Finschhafen’s Gagidu Airport redevelopment gets a grievance redress committee to manage community concerns. Sports Access Fight: UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy criticises Rugby League World Cup coverage being put behind a paywall. Agriculture Festival Coverage: PNGFM and FSA partner to broadcast the 70th PNG Agriculture & Trade Festival nationwide. Tech Deal: PNG DataCo and Digicel PNG sign a five-year bandwidth agreement to boost network capacity and support future services. Disaster Training: US Indo-Pacific Command and PNG partners complete disaster response field training in Lae. Judiciary Loss: Justice Ere Kariko dies in Port Moresby after a long legal career.

PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Push: PM Matthew Wale opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, urging both countries to turn Melanesian ties into a “structured, bankable economic partnership,” pointing to existing PNG business activity worth about PGK 1 billion and new direct air links. Economic Partnership Drive: PM James Marape backed a “new era” focused on investment, jobs and downstream processing, arguing PNG must secure economic independence beyond aid. El Niño Strain and Extreme Weather: West Papua reports rare snowfall in highlands while other parts of New Guinea face severe drought, with fire risk rising as El Niño tightens. Unity at Home: A national unity opinion piece warns regional division is weakening the common good and calls for leaders to prioritise the national interest. Defence and Safety Links: A PNG soldier’s return home highlights deepening Australia–PNG defence cooperation, including render-safe work removing unexploded wartime weapons. Digital Sovereignty: SoE Minister William Duma will unveil Kumul Cloud Infinity’s Sovereign Cloud and AI datacenter in Port Moresby on 21 August. Community Violence: Lake Kutubu communities in Southern Highlands were displaced after sorcery-linked violence and arson destroyed homes and disrupted schooling. Sports Safeguarding: Pacific Mini Games safeguarding reports recorded 11 abuse cases, with most victims girls and women. Health Support: FAO introduced safer, fuel-efficient portable fish smoking drums for women processors in the Sepik.

Disaster Response Training: U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and PNG civil-military partners wrapped a four-day joint disaster response exercise at Igam Barracks in Lae, ending with live tactical demonstrations. PNG–Solomons Investment Push: PM Matthew Wale and PM Matthew Wale’s Honiara forum urged a “structured, bankable” PNG–Solomon Islands growth corridor, with Wale stressing measurable investment, jobs and downstream processing. Bougainville Local Capacity: ABG hosted a two-day local contractors conference in Buka to strengthen tendering, procurement and contract management ahead of expanded self-government from 2027. Health Support: Australia-backed ventilators will boost Manolos Aviation’s aeromedical care, while PNGDF and ADF helped deliver one million yaws tablets to West Sepik for a province-wide elimination push. El Niño Warning: Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa says his province is “unprepared” for El Niño impacts, citing lack of resources and drying water sources. Papua LNG Update: Santos says a final decision on the $20b Papua LNG project is expected by year-end. Anti-Corruption Focus: ICAC held a breakfast for provincial leaders, warning corruption will be treated as a criminal issue. Sports Rights: Premier Sports secured exclusive UK and Ireland Rugby League World Cup 2026 broadcast rights, sparking calls for free-to-air access.

Kina Reform & Financial Inclusion: Bank of Papua New Guinea links exchange-rate reform and full Kina convertibility to stability, saying it’s the base for lasting change and wider access to financial services ahead of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion forum in Port Moresby (1–4 Sept). Public Health Boost: PNG swears in the interim council for its first standalone Medical University in 50 years, with K2 billion committed for infrastructure and leadership appointments underway. Humanitarian Access in the Pacific: World Vision marks World Humanitarian Day warning that access is the biggest hurdle for Pacific responders, with remote islands and climate-driven disasters complicating delivery. Health Delivery to West Sepik: PNGDF and ADF help deliver one million yaws tablets to West Sepik to treat children and curb spread. Local Economy & Markets: Apo Street Market in Port Moresby gains official NCDC recognition as an approved marketplace, giving vendors more secure trading conditions. Safety at Hagen Show: Police ramp up patrols and crowd control at the 66th Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show after clashes were reported. Regional Water Security: Solomon Islands launches PacFresH2O to strengthen freshwater security and WASH services, with PNG included in the five-year programme. Sports Media Rights: UK culture secretary criticises Rugby League World Cup paywall after Premier Sports secured exclusive UK/Ireland rights. Mining Leadership Change: K92 Mining announces CEO succession—David Medilek to take over from John Lewins on 1 Oct 2026.