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01/12/2025

Parliament tabled a bill last week to amend the Internal Revenue Commission PNG (IRC) Act, granting the board broad powers over operational matters despite the agency's status as one of Papua New Guinea's best-performing government entities.

Commissioner Sam Koim has questioned the need for change, stating during consultations: “

Let me be very clear. During the consultation process, I submitted a comprehensive and deeply detailed analysis on the proposed governance model.

"My submission outlined, in no uncertain terms, how granting a board such extensive and overarching powers — right into operational matters — could undermine the monocratic authority of the Commissioner-General.”

The 2014 Act already provides strategic oversight through a Commission led by the Commissioner-General, amid PNG's Medium Term Revenue Strategy aiming to boost tax-to-GDP ratios to 17.9% by 2027.

The amendments, unrelated to the 2026 National Budget, draw support from National Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey for better revenue mobilization, while Koim defers:

"The policymakers have made their decision... I respect that process and I will continue to respect it"

The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) celebrated its 65th anniversary recently, announcing collection of over K65 billion in tax revenue since 2019 under Commissioner General Sam Koim's tenure, positioning it as Papua New Guinea's top-performing government agency.

The agency collected more than K17 billion in 2024 alone, enabling essential government services over 65 years and is building a "robust, modern, and efficient tax administration" amid reforms like the Income Tax Act 2025.

Prime Minister Marape praised IRC's growth in collections and reforms, highlighting its backbone role in national revenue despite proposed governance changes.

But that all has taken another twist with the same government now pushing to ammend the very act that has guided the agency to run its internal and external affairs thus bringing in K17 billion in tax revenue in 2024.

The question many commentators are asking: why the ammendment of IRC Act when it's delivering record revenues, instead of cracking down on other notoriously corrupt and poorly managed government agencies in the country?

01/12/2025

The name Kevin Gallagher is synonymous with the global energy business.

Fresh off rejecting an AU$18.7 billion ADNOC bid amid valuation disputes and PNG regulatory hurdles in 2022, Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher will take the stage in Sydney to keynote the PNG Investment Week 2025 Leaders’ Summit, where he is expected to outline how the upcoming P’nyang Gas Project could add 2.3 million tonnes of LNG a year and build on PNG LNG’s track record of generating billions in revenue and jobs.

With over 100 years in PNG, Santos positions this as key to national growth and energy security, drawing global investors to Sydney for insights on Asia-Pacific expansion.

Gallagher leads Santos, a major Asia-Pacific energy company with operations spanning Australia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and the United States.

Under his leadership, Santos has focused on natural gas and LNG as “transition” fuels, investing heavily in large-scale projects, pipeline networks, and export infrastructure while also moving into decarbonisation technologies such as carbon capture and storage. The company is now one of Australia’s largest natural gas suppliers and a significant LNG exporter into Asian markets.

In Papua New Guinea, Santos is more than just a foreign operator; it is a long-term partner embedded in the country’s modern economic story. Through stakes in projects such as PNG LNG and the proposed P’nyang Gas Project, Santos has invested billions of dollars into exploration, development and production.

PNG LNG has already delivered substantial export revenue, royalties, taxes and jobs, while P’nyang is positioned as the next phase of that gas-led growth, adding new LNG volumes that could extend PNG’s export capacity for decades.

The company’s long association with PNG—built through earlier Oil Search operations and then consolidated under the Santos brand—means it is deeply involved in local employment, supplier development, and community programs alongside national energy security objectives.

From a global perspective, Gallagher’s upcoming keynote built around P’nyang and PNG LNG fits squarely into wider energy trends: Asian buyers seeking reliable, long-term LNG supply; investors demanding lower-carbon but still dependable fuels; and resource-rich emerging economies pushing to translate subsurface wealth into broad-based development.

Gallagher has one critical task and that is to present P’nyang as a solution that can meet rising global LNG demand while also supporting PNG’s budget and job growth, positioning Santos as a key player in shaping the country’s next phase of economic and energy transition.

30/11/2025

Two of the best in the game. The hosts of the National ICT Authority of Papua New Guinea

Sometimes we just have to give credit where it’s due.

We often acknowledge the VIPs but overlook these smart, fast‑thinking individuals who keep everything together, even when things aren’t running as planned.

Most of the hard work happens out of sight. We rarely see what goes on behind the scenes. We only see and enjoy the final result, as it should be.

30/11/2025

Papua New Guinea's business and investment community buzzes with anticipation as public and private sector leaders await a historic joint keynote by Prime Minister James Marape and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the PNG Investment Week Leaders’ Summit in ICC Sydney.

The event themed “Stronger Together–Investing for the Future,” assembles key figures from government, industry, and civil society aiming to affirm the longstanding bonds, mutual respect, and joint ambitions tying the two countries.

Prime Minister Albanese will cover Australia’s broadened support for PNG, moving past commerce into areas like security and Pacific-wide steadiness. The talk will emphasize concrete results and forward-looking programs redefining their alliance.

PNG CORE President and PNGIW25 Convenor Anthony Smaré welcomed PM Albanese’s participation alongside Australian backing for the event, while honoring PM Marape’s pivotal role in PNG’s investment push.

“Prime Minister Marape has been instrumental in championing PNG Investment Week, previously known as the PNG Mining and Petroleum Investment Conference, and continues to demonstrate strong leadership in promoting investment opportunities for Papua New Guinea on the international stage,” Mr Smaré said.

“It is both historic and extremely significant for PNG Investment Week host a joint keynote from Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Marape, especially in our 50th independence year. The participation of the two Prime Ministers and their respective governments show how close our countries are working together to push forward PNG’s investment agenda, and fits perfectly with our theme, ‘Stronger Together – Investing for the Future.’

We’re putting the spotlight on climate, resources, infrastructure, and the general PNG business ecosystem through our summits, and inviting investors from around the world to be part of PNG’s next steps, and I am really grateful for the efforts that the Australian Government is making to support PNG’s efforts to diversify and drive investment into our core sectors for inclusive development of PNG. This event is about real opportunities and investment partnerships that will translate into making a difference for our people.”

More than 2000 participants are expcted as reported by PNG Investment Week PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy
Activate to view larger image,

28/11/2025

Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, will use the PNG Infrastructure Investment Summit to call for urgent reforms aimed at reducing data prices and creating a fair, competitive ICT market in Papua New Guinea.

Speaking during Session Two: Digital Inclusion & Regional Connectivity at PNG Investment Week 2025 in Sydney, Tsiamalili is expected to outline plans to modernise the regulatory framework and attract investment that improves affordability and access.

“One of my main priorities is to drive reforms that reduce data prices can create a fair and competitive ICT market in PNG,” Tsiamalili said ahead of the event. “We’re working to modernise the regulatory framework, so investors have clarity while consumers get better value for money.”

This push comes as the PNG government intensifies its digital transformation agenda, which has already delivered significant milestones. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has led the rollout of a national digital government platform, shifting key public services online and improving efficiency and transparency.

Pilot projects have included e-portals for government services, digital ID systems, and cloud-based infrastructure, with the government targeting 15 to 20 digital services by September 2025.

The government’s Digital Transformation Policy 2020 and Digital Government Act 2022 provide the foundation for these reforms, aiming to build a connected, citizen-centric digital nation.

Major achievements include the migration of nearly 90% of government agencies to a shared government cloud by the end of 2024, the launch of a central hub for online police clearances and school fee payments, and the development of a national digital ID (SevisPass) and data governance framework. These efforts have streamlined service delivery, reduced the need for physical visits, and empowered citizens with digital tools.

The PNG Infrastructure Investment Summit, scheduled for Thursday, December 11 at ICC Sydney, will bring together government leaders, development partners, and private sector investors to explore transformative opportunities across transport, energy, ICT, and urban development. The session will also feature presentations from Vodafone PNG, Digicel PNG, Google, Vocus Group, and Starlink/SpaceX, focusing on strategies to lower costs, expand coverage, and build resilient digital networks.

The PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy President and PNGIW25 Convenor President Anthony Smaré said the event is designed to unlock investment-ready projects and accelerate connectivity. “Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth, and PNG Investment Week provides a unique opportunity to showcase projects that will transform connectivity and mobility across the country.”

Image supplied by Investment Week

24/11/2025

Papua New Guinea has launched the long awaited SevisPass and SevisWallet Apps for Beta Testing at Digital Transformation Summit 2025.

This marks a major milestone in PNG's digital transformation journey aimed at enhancing digital identity and financial inclusion across the country.

The SevisWallet app allows Papua New Guineans to complete their entire digital identity registration and open a bank account directly from their mobile phones in under 10 minutes.

The app enables self-enrollment, automated self-verification, and issuance of a tamper-proof SevisPass digital ID, along with instant digital Visa card issuance. This process eliminates the need for physical office visits or paper forms.

Importantly, the SevisPass employs a decentralized identity approach, ensuring that users' data remains encrypted and stored on their phones, granting them full control over their personal information and when it is shared.

As more trusted data sources like the national ID, passport, driver's license, and SIM registration come online, users can self-strengthen their digital ID to access an increasing range of government, banking, and telecom services securely.

This initiative is part of Papua New Guinea’s broader Reset@50 Agenda, recently endorsed by Cabinet, and has been driven by sustained policy leadership from Hon. Timothy Masiu, the Minister for ICT, and Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr., who currently oversees implementation.

The SevisPass and SevisWallet apps are foundational components of PNG’s digital public infrastructure, aimed at fostering an inclusive digital economy and improving service delivery through innovative technology.

Papua New Guinea’s digital transformation efforts are led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology and align with national policies such as the Digital Government Act 2022 and the National Digital Identity Policy 2024.

The government’s vision is to provide secure, unified digital identity systems to all citizens, streamline government services, and boost transparency and economic opportunities through ICT.

Prime Minister Marape emphasizes ICT and AI as engines for the country’s next 50 years, underlining priorities such as digital national identity, inclusive connectivity, digital payments, and online learning. The government’s approach prioritizes bridging inequalities, ensuring rural and urban populations alike benefit from digital advancements.

The SevisPass and SevisWallet apps represent a major step forward for PNG’s digital future, enabling citizens to participate fully in the digital economy while maintaining autonomy over their personal data.

24/11/2025

Prime Minister James Marape officially opened the Digital Transformation Summit 2025 at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby, hosted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

He highlighted Papua New Guinea's digital transformation journey and reaffirmed his government's full support.

Marape also invited international ICT partners to invest in the country, with global giants like Google, SpaceX, and Oracle among the attendees.

The summit affirms PNG’s commitment to advancing its digital future through collaboration and innovation.

Photo Credit: Jerewai

23/11/2025

The Digital Transformation Summit 2025 (DTS25), hosted by PNG's Department of ICT from 24-27 November, advances the nation's digital future through innovation, inclusion, and good governance.

It unites leaders, experts, and youth to strengthen digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital skills, celebrating PNG’s 50 years of independence.

We will be bringing you updates throughout the week.

Our breakout session "Public Sector Branding and Communications for Development" is on Wednesday after lunch.

20/11/2025

Papua New Guinea is set to strengthen its climate leadership with the launch of its first-ever Climate Investment Summit on December 8, 2025, at Sydney’s International Convention Center during PNG Investment Week (PNGIW25).

The summit builds on PNG’s high-profile participation and advocacy at COP30 in Belem and aims to attract regional and global attention. It will serve as a dynamic platform for business, government, and community leaders to explore new climate investment opportunities and pragmatic solutions blending climate action with development goals.

Renowned climate scientist Professor Tim Flannery, who will deliver the keynote address, leads a distinguished roster of speakers. Minister Simo Kilepa, overseeing Environment, Conservation & Climate Change in PNG, will present the country's progress in national adaptation strategies.

“I am honoured to announce that I will be delivering the keynote at the Inaugural PNG Climate Investment Summit. Having known and worked in Papua New Guinea for over 45 years, this carries special meaning for me and this opportunity is a great honour. I will be speaking on ‘Confronting the Climate Challenge and Seizing Our Opportunity’, a theme that reflects my deep belief that PNG has a promising and sustainable future,” said Prof Tim Flannery BA MSc PhD ASS.

The summit program includes voices from Australia, the World Bank, IFC, Bank of PNG, and KPMG, who will discuss finance innovation, evolving regulatory trends, and sustainable growth showcased through investment case studies. Topics will span mangrove conservation, circular waste management, and resilient infrastructure development.

A key focus of the Summit is to stimulate international investment in climate solutions led by PNG stakeholders, highlighting successful local and community-led projects. These stories demonstrate how climate investment can fuel inclusive growth and unlock opportunities for all Papua New Guineans.

Anthony Smaré, Convenor of the Climate Investment Summit and President of PNG CORE — host of PNG Investment Week (PNGIW25) — emphasized the significance of the event:

“Climate investment isn’t just a global agenda — it is at the heart of Papua New Guinea’s development priorities. By hosting the Climate Investment Summit during PNGIW25, we are putting climate investment as a core investment priority for PNG, alongside our other traditional economic pillars for investment"

As part of PNGIW25, this summit presents a unique opportunity to link policy, finance, and practical action on PNG’s most pressing climate challenges. It promises to be a defining moment for participants aiming to shape PNG’s role in the global climate landscape.

19/11/2025

A major shake-up is underway at Barrick Mining. Elliott Investment Management, a prominent American hedge fund, has quietly taken a large stake in the company.

Valued at around $700 million, this move makes Elliott one of Barrick’s top shareholders and has sparked immediate speculation about what comes next.

Barrick is no small player in the mining world. The Canadian giant digs gold and copper from 18 countries across four continents. Its portfolio boasts 13 gold mines, including six flagship Tier One sites, and three major copper operations. From North America to Africa and the Asia-Pacific, Barrick holds a significant footprint in the global resource race.

One site is especially important: the Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea. Located high in the rugged Enga Province, Porgera has been a key gold producer for decades.

After a three-year halt amid legal and social disputes, it reopened in late 2023. The restart came with a new partnership model, giving local communities a majority stake and promising billions in benefits for Papua New Guinea over the next 20 years.

But Barrick is navigating rough waters. Costs are rising at some mines, political risks linger—like the military takeover that shut down operations in Mali—and investor pressure is mounting. Elliott’s investment arrives amid whispers of possible restructuring, asset sales, or a strategic pivot.

The question on everyone’s lips: What does Elliott want from Barrick? Are they pushing for a revamp, a breakup, or something more subtle? And how will these moves affect sensitive operations like Porgera, where community interests and corporate ambitions intersect?

Barrick finds itself at a crossroads. It’s a story of global capital meeting local realities. The days ahead will test how mining giants balance shareholder demands with sustainable, locally grounded partnerships in resource-rich countries like Papua New Guinea.

The interim CEO Mark Hill stated earlier that "Our priority is clear communication with investors and stakeholders, delivering operational improvements, and driving growth while respecting Barrick’s core values and partnerships globally"

This development is not just about numbers or shares. It’s about the future of mining in an uncertain world—and the ripple effects of major investment decisions on communities and countries.

19/11/2025

The Papua New Guinea government has disbursed K74 million as compensation to landowners affected by the PNG LNG plant site, marking a significant step in addressing longstanding grievances related to the project.

The Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) confirmed the payments today, which directly benefit 83 clans from the villages of Papa, Rearea, Porebada, and Boera located around the PNG LNG processing facilities.

Augustine Mano, MRDC Managing Director, said the royalties were credited to the landowner trustee company Gas Resources PNG LNG Plant Limited (GR-PNGLNGPL). “The board of GR-PNGLNGPL has passed a resolution to pay all beneficiary clans in the PPFL2 area starting on the 4th of September,” Mano said.

He highlighted the role of the board which comprises state representatives and landowner directors Mrs. Ulato Avei (Boera), Solo Damena (Papa), Dikana Igo (Rearea), and Peter Vagi (Porebada).

The 83 clans received over K6.25 million in royalties, paid directly into the clan bank accounts opened by MRDC in December 2016.

The royalty payment allocation was split as follows:

-Cash payment to landowners: K6,250,701

-Community Investment Trust Fund (CITF): K4,688,026

-Future Generation Trust Fund (FGTF): K4,688,026

Among the villages, the royalty allocations were Rearea and Papa each receiving K1,746,946, Boera K1,352,027, and Porebada K1,154,755.

Mano reflected on the long journey for the landowners since the first LNG shipment in June 2014. “I would like to thank the 83 clans of the whole plant site for the cooperation they provided to MRDC and other stakeholders throughout this process," he said.

“You did not dispute the Ministerial Determination and there was no court case throughout this process. This shows the maturity and leadership that is needed in terms of defining benefits. I want to thank the landowners under the PPFL2 area for providing that leadership,” said Mano.

He called for pipeline and upstream landowners to follow their example and resolve disputes to enable them to receive their PNG LNG benefits. He also assured that MRDC, together with the Department of Petroleum and Energy (DPE), would continue to work with landowners to complete the clan vetting process for further benefits.

This payment covers royalty claims from the first LNG shipment in 2014 through to December 2016.

Mano said, “We will follow the same process as we have done here for the pipeline and upstream areas.”

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