Exepreneur

10/06/2026

Papua New Guinea's efforts to build a stronger digital workforce received a boost this week with the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the International Training Institute (ITI).

The agreement will see the two organisations work together on artificial intelligence, ICT skills development, training, research, curriculum improvement, internships, and digital innovation projects.

A key focus of the partnership is ensuring that students, professionals, businesses, and government agencies are better prepared for the increasing use of digital technologies and AI.

The agreement was signed by DICT Secretary Steven Matainaho and ITI Chairman and Co-Founder Senthil Kumaran Sentheyval, together with senior officials from both organisations.

Under the partnership, DICT and ITI will establish a Technical Working Group to oversee activities and identify projects that can be developed over the next five years.

Speaking at the signing, Matainaho said artificial intelligence must be linked to practical applications that solve real problems.

“AI alone is nothing but AI pegged to a use case, that's where you start to see the value of it and this partnership is about trying to explore and incubate those ideas, those use cases and what better way to do it than with higher education institutions,” he said.

He said the partnership supports the government's digital transformation agenda and aligns with ongoing work on PNG's AI Strategy and AI Adoption Framework.

Matainaho also pointed to the opportunities AI presents for small and medium-sized enterprises, saying the technology can help businesses improve productivity, lower costs, and access new opportunities.

For ITI, the agreement reflects the growing role educational institutions can play in supporting the country's digital development.

Senthil Kumaran Sentheyval said both organisations share similar goals in advancing technology and innovation.

“We want to progress. We are also going into IT and AI, so this is something we would like to do and find out where we can share. DICT has its own summit and conference and we have our own summit. At the end of the day, we are going in the same direction, so it is good to work with the department and progress on that,” he said.

He said training institutions must remain involved as new technologies continue to shape industries and workplaces.

The partnership will support AI training programs, research, experimentation through AI labs, and the development of practical digital solutions that can be applied across government, industry, and the SME sector.

The collaboration is also expected to feature at the Digital Transformation Summit 2026 as both organisations continue discussions on the role of technology, skills development, and innovation in Papua New Guinea's future economy.

10/06/2026

NUKU'ALOFA, TONGA — Tonga's government is facing its worst political crisis in years after a third cabinet minister was found guilty of electoral bribery Monday, deepening a judicial assault on the Pacific nation's ruling administration that now threatens the survival of Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua's government.

Lands Minister Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi was convicted after a court ruled that donating a Starlink internet terminal to his constituency constituted an attempt to influence voters — a finding that could legally force him from parliament entirely.

The ruling is the latest in a series of courtroom blows that have struck at the heart of Tonga's cabinet in rapid succession.

Three sitting cabinet ministers have now been found guilty of electoral misconduct stemming from the 2025 general election.
Tourism Minister Semisi Sika was convicted for failing to declare a $10,000 payment made to a dance academy — a payment prosecutors successfully argued was designed to buy voter goodwill.

Finance Minister Lata Tangimana was convicted on charges of providing fish to constituents ahead of the election. He has since resigned his portfolio but remains a Member of Parliament while his appeal works through the courts.

Lands Minister Fusimalohi's conviction centres on the Starlink donation — a finding that underscores how aggressively Tongan courts have been enforcing electoral laws prohibiting donations made within three months of an election, regardless of whether the gift served a charitable purpose.

In a rare bright spot for the government, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Viliami Latu was acquitted after the Supreme Court dismissed an election petition against him, citing insufficient evidence.

Under Tongan law, a bribery conviction typically triggers an MP's "unseating" — the legal removal of an elected member from parliament. With three ministers now convicted, the Speaker of Parliament has been formally notified of the rulings, a procedural step that sets in motion the possibility of by-elections and a sweeping cabinet reshuffle.

Legal experts warn that the court has drawn a hard line: gifts to constituents in the pre-election window are treated as bribery under the law, regardless of the donor's stated intentions. The standard, in practice, is strict liability.

The cumulative effect of the rulings is significant. If the unseating process proceeds against multiple ministers simultaneously, Prime Minister Fakafanua could find himself governing with a cabinet hollowed out by the courts — and facing by-elections in constituencies that delivered his parliamentary majority.

The government of Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua has issued no formal response to the mounting convictions. It is unclear whether the Prime Minister will call for the ministers' resignations, whether the appeals process will delay the unseating mechanism, or whether the scale of the crisis could trigger a broader parliamentary dissolution.

Tonga is a constitutional monarchy in which the King plays a significant ceremonial role and elected People's Representatives hold seats alongside nobles appointed by the nobility. Political stability has historically depended on careful coalition management. A simultaneous loss of multiple elected ministers — through conviction, resignation, or unseating — would be without modern precedent and could trigger a confidence crisis in the Fakafanua administration.

Tonga is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum and a strategic partner to Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Political instability in Nuku'alofa carries implications beyond the kingdom's borders at a moment when great power competition for Pacific influence is intensifying.

10/06/2026

Kina Bank and the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) have concluded a strategic study tour to New Zealand aimed at securing long-term economic prosperity for communities in Western Province beyond the life of the Ok Tedi Mine.

The delegation visited New Zealand from May 2 to 8, where they engaged with leading Māori Iwi institutional funds, including Waikato Tainui and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, to gain valuable insights into wealth management, governance structures and institutional capacity building.

The study tour focused on exploring how mine-impacted communities in Western Province can sustain their livelihoods through prudent investment strategies and strong corporate governance after mining operations come to an end.

OTDF Chairman Jesse Pile said the transition to a post-mine economy remains the most critical challenge facing communities in the province.

“We saw firsthand how strong governance and a focus on long-term growth can secure economic independence for future generations,” Mr Pile said.

Kina Bank Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Ivan Vidovich said the partnership between Kina Bank and OTDF is centred on building a sustainable future for the mine-impacted communities of Western Province.

“The experience of Iwi funds provides organisations like OTDF the right structural foundations to successfully manage and grow significant commercial portfolios with the help of fund managers like Kina Bank,” Mr Vidovich said.

Acting OTDF Chief Executive Officer Johanis Saferius described the study tour as a transformative capacity-building exercise for the organisation.

“We are better equipped to manage and grow these funds for the long-term benefit of our communities,” Mr Saferius said.

Kina Bank Head of Retail Wealth Management and Business Development Willie Konga said the success of Māori investment models was built on disciplined commercial thinking and strong institutional structures.

“Our focus is to build funds that grow sustainably across generations,” Mr Konga said.

Following the study tour, Kina Bank and OTDF will incorporate the lessons learned into the governance and investment strategies of the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Trust.

The organisations say the initiative is part of a broader commitment to ensuring lasting socio-economic benefits for mine-impacted communities and preparing them for a future beyond mining.

OTDF is the legally mandated organisation responsible for delivering development programs and managing trust funds for CMCA communities in Western Province, while Kina Bank continues to provide banking, wealth management and advisory services aimed at supporting economic growth and sustainable investment across Papua New Guinea.

09/06/2026

Seema Dass-Raju is a corporate and governance professional based in Papua New Guinea with experience in the finance and superannuation sector and in private sector board leadership.

She is currently the Chair of the Board of the PNG Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), a private sector organisation that works with member companies in Papua New Guinea to improve gender equality in the workplace and support more women into leadership roles.

Dass-Raju has been part of the BCFW Board since 2022. During her time on the board, she has been involved in governance, oversight, and strategic decision-making for the organisation. In 2026, she was appointed Chair of the Board, taking on responsibility for leading the organisation and guiding its work with member companies across different industries.

Her professional background includes experience in the finance and superannuation sector in Papua New Guinea. Her career has involved roles that focus on corporate operations, governance, compliance, and stakeholder engagement in large member-based organisations.

Through both her professional career and her board role, she has developed experience in leadership, financial oversight, and organisational governance. This includes working in environments that require strong accountability and structured decision-making.

At the PNG Business Coalition for Women, she supports programs and initiatives that encourage companies to improve workplace policies, increase women’s participation in the workforce, and strengthen pathways for women into leadership positions.

BCFW is a member-based organisation made up of companies operating in Papua New Guinea. It works directly with the private sector to promote inclusive workplace practices and improve gender equality outcomes across industries.

As Chair, Dass-Raju now leads the board in setting direction, supporting member engagement, and overseeing the organisation’s programs and partnerships.

Her appointment reflects continuity within the organisation, as she moves from board member to board leader, continuing her involvement in its mission to improve opportunities for women in the workplace across Papua New Guinea.

09/06/2026

Opposition Leader and Member for Chuave, James Nomane, has challenged the government’s management of the country’s health sector, questioning why mothers are still being forced to give birth on hospital floors despite a record K3.2 billion allocation to health in the 2026 National Budget.

Raising the issue in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Nomane demanded answers from Health Minister Elias Kapavore, saying the reality faced by patients across Papua New Guinea stands in stark contrast to the billions being allocated to the sector.

The Opposition Leader said overcrowded wards, shortages of beds, deteriorating facilities and inadequate maternal healthcare services continue to affect hospitals nationwide, leaving vulnerable mothers and newborns bearing the consequences.

Mr Nomane questioned how such conditions could persist when the health sector received one of its largest-ever budget allocations.

His challenge comes amid growing public concern over the state of healthcare services, with reports of overcrowded hospitals, shortages of medical supplies and increasing pressure on frontline health workers continuing to emerge from across the country.

The 2026 National Budget allocated more than K3.2 billion to the health sector, representing over 10 per cent of the national budget and an increase from the previous year. The funding was intended to support operational costs, medical supplies, specialist services and capital investments in healthcare infrastructure.

However, Mr Nomane argued that ordinary Papua New Guineans are yet to see meaningful improvements in service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of affected families, he called on the government to explain why women continue to face undignified conditions while seeking maternity care and why hospitals remain under-resourced despite substantial public spending.

The parliamentary exchange has reignited debate over the effectiveness of government spending in the health sector and whether budget allocations are translating into improved healthcare outcomes for citizens.

The Health Minister was expected to respond to the concerns raised in Parliament as lawmakers continue discussions on the state of essential services across the country.

For many Papua New Guineans, however, the issue goes beyond budget figures. The images of mothers forced to endure labour on hospital floors have become a powerful symbol of the challenges still confronting the nation’s healthcare system and the urgent need for improvements in service delivery.

09/06/2026

Port Moresby-PNG: Nasfund has announced a new partnership with TISA Insurance Group Limited, expanding its Membership Discount Program (MDP) into the insurance sector and providing members with greater access to affordable insurance products.

Through the partnership, nasfund members can now receive a 10 per cent discount on selected TISA insurance products when dealing directly with TISA.

The discounted products include motor insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, life insurance and funeral expense insurance.

Nasfund said the collaboration marks a significant step in broadening the range of essential services available under its Membership Discount Program, while helping members save money and protect their families and assets.

Under the arrangement, members can access the discounts by presenting a valid Nasfund membership card.

The partnership is expected to provide greater value to Nasfund members by making insurance products more affordable and accessible, while supporting financial wellbeing and long-term security.

The Membership Discount Program offers Nasfund members exclusive savings and benefits through a growing network of business partners across Papua New Guinea.

08/06/2026

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has called on the Government to provide an update on its commitment to create one million jobs by 2027, saying time is running out to achieve the target.

Speaking in Parliament, Bird reminded the Government of its pledge and questioned the progress made towards delivering the promised jobs.

He said the country is now approaching the end of 2026 and there is limited time remaining before the 2027 deadline.

Bird asked the Government to explain how many jobs have been created so far and what measures are in place to meet the target.

He said Papua New Guineans deserve to know whether the commitment remains on track and what outcomes have been achieved since the promise was made.

The governor also called for greater transparency on employment figures and programmes being implemented to create jobs across the country.

Bird said employment remains a major concern for many Papua New Guineans, particularly young people entering the workforce.

He urged the Government to provide clear information on its progress and plans moving forward.

The one million jobs pledge has been one of the Government’s key commitments and has been regularly cited as part of its plans to grow the economy and increase employment opportunities.

Bird’s questions were raised during parliamentary proceedings as members continued discussions on national development and economic priorities.

03/06/2026

97 % voted for Independence. PNG Parliament is still undecided.

Here's why this democracy crisis matters to every Pacific leader.

When 97 % of Bougainvilleans voted for independence in 2019, international observers called it "credible, transparent and inclusive."

176,928 voters cast ballots for sovereignty.

Just 3,043 voted for greater autonomy. An 85% turnout. Nearly unanimous consensus.

Six years later, they're still part of Papua New Guinea.

President Ishmael Toroama is calling out what we're all afraid to name: the democracy gap.

How can nearly unanimous popular will be overridden by distant political interests in Port Moresby? How can 111 MPs control the fate of 300,000 people when 97 % have already spoken?

The constitutional framework was designed this way. Section 342 of PNG's Constitution gives Parliament "final decision-making authority" — before a single ballot was cast. The 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement promised self-determination, but Parliament retained veto power.

This deep dive on Exepreneur exposes what most won't say:

✅ The constitutional trap: Non-binding referendum by design

✅ Why Parliament resists: Resource control (Panguna mine), precedent fears, geopolitical concerns

✅ The political math: Less than 30 MPs likely support immediate independence

✅ The 6-year wait: 2019 vote → 2025 Report → 2026 Parliamentary debate

✅ Three scenarios: Staged independence, rejection (constitutional crisis), or international mediation

✅ What "alternative legal avenues" means: ICJ challenge, unilateral declaration, or parallel governance

From the world's largest copper-gold reserves to China-Australia-US competition in the Pacific, the stakes extend far beyond Bougainville.

The peace process is at a breaking point. The decade-long Bougainville Crisis killed 15,000-20,000 people.

The 2001 Agreement ended the violence. Now, the test is whether peace built on compromised promises can survive.

The next parliamentary debate will determine whether democracy matters or power prevails.

Bougainville's independence struggle isn't just Pacific news—it's a test of what democracy means when popular will conflicts with institutional power.

What's your take?

Should a 97 % referendum vote be binding?

Can delayed democracy ever be legitimate?

Share your thoughts below—this conversation matters.

👉 Read the full analysis:

How 97.8% vote for Independence and still not get it? This analysis examines the constitutional, political, and democratic tensions surrounding Bougainville's independence referendum.

03/06/2026

NiuPay has won the Corporate Innovation Award at the 2026 Innovation PNG Awards for developing a digital platform to support Papua New Guinea’s new strata title system.

The award was presented at the Innovation PNG Awards breakfast held at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby on June 3. The Corporate Innovation category, sponsored by Vodafone PNG, attracted entries from major companies and financial institutions from across the country.

NiuPay received the award for its Digital Strata Title Platform, a system designed to manage the registration, tracking and administration of strata titles under Papua New Guinea’s strata title legislation.

The platform was developed after the introduction of the country’s strata title laws created a need for systems capable of managing a new form of property ownership. As strata developments continue to grow in Port Moresby and other urban centres, the demand for efficient administration of strata properties has also increased.

NiuPay Chief Executive Officer James Inglis said the award recognised the work of the company’s team and its public sector partners.

“PNG is producing world-class technology solutions to real problems that matter to our people, our economy and our future,” Inglis said.

Chief Technology Officer Jason Kurdzinski said the company was established with the goal of creating technology designed specifically for Papua New Guinea.

“We started NiuPay because we genuinely believe Papua New Guinea deserves technology that is built for it, not bolted on,” Kurdzinski said.

The award was presented by Business Advantage International Publishing Editor Andrew Wilkins, Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Rio Fiocco, Deloitte Centre for the Edge Chair Peter Williams and Vodafone PNG ICT Sales Manager Gregory Mataenge.

The Innovation PNG Awards attracted a record number of entries this year. According to judging panel chair Peter Williams, almost half of the entries came from small businesses, reflecting growing innovation activity across the country.

NiuPay said the Digital Strata Title Platform is part of a wider range of technology systems it develops for government and enterprise organisations. The company also works in areas such as payments, government services, financial infrastructure and digital administration systems.

Founded in Papua New Guinea, NiuPay continues to expand its operations across the Pacific, providing technology platforms for government and enterprise customers.

The award recognises a PNG-developed solution created to support a new area of land administration and property management as the country modernises its legal and regulatory systems.

03/06/2026

Pacific customs leaders gathered in Fiji this week for a three-day summit aimed at tackling rising transnational crime and strengthening regional trade security.

The 28th Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Annual Conference opened Monday at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa in Natadola, with the Honourable Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Esrom Yosef Immanuel, officially declaring it open.

Representatives from 21 of the OCO's 24 member customs administrations across the Pacific attended the conference, marking strong regional commitment to collaborative action.

In his opening address, Minister Immanuel delivered a stark warning about the evolving drug threat facing the region.

"The Pacific is no longer solely a transit corridor," he said. "We are increasingly becoming a destination for illicit drugs, and this poses serious social, economic, and generational consequences for our communities."

The minister called for a unified regional response to transnational crime, emphasizing intelligence sharing, stronger frontline capabilities, better inter-agency collaboration, and alignment with global standards.

As host of the OCO Secretariat, Fiji reaffirmed its commitment to modernising customs systems, deepening partnerships, and investing in capability development to safeguard the region's future.

OCO Chair and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) CEO Mr. Udit Singh highlighted the Pacific's strategic importance in global trade security.

"Our maritime and aviation routes place Customs administrations at the centre of global trade security," Singh said. "But criminal threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated."

He pointed to drug trafficking, human trafficking, customs fraud, illicit financial flows, and environmental crimes as key challenges requiring innovation, advanced technology, and strengthened expertise.

Under this year's theme – "Scaling Up the Commitment of Customs to Protect and Grow Our Pasifika Communities" – Singh called for a stronger, unified Pacific Customs voice to drive coordinated action and support sustainable economic growth.

The conference marks four decades of OCO's work in the region and provides a platform for customs leaders to reflect on progress while charting a strategic path forward.

The Oceania Customs Organisation continues to serve as a vital platform for regional cooperation, enabling Pacific nations to collectively address shared challenges and safeguard their borders in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Conference outcomes are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping a more secure, connected, and resilient Pacific, ensuring customs administrations are well-equipped to protect communities, support legitimate trade, and contribute to long-term economic stability across the region.

The three-day conference concludes with working sessions on digital transformation, capacity building, and regional enforcement strategies.