PNG Entrepreneur Magazine

26/06/2026

: Registrar Molumi Promotes Cooperative MSMEs at SME Investment Forum

The Registrar for Cooperative Societies, Mr Wale Budda Molumi, attended the week-long SME Investment Forum held at APEC Haus in Port Moresby.

The forum was organised by the Alotau District Development Authority (DDA) in partnership with SME Magazine.

During the forum, Registrar Molumi emphasized during panel discussions about the role of Cooperative MSMEs and group marketing strategies, highlighting the importance of cooperatives in creating sustainable wealth and economic opportunities for local communities.

Molumi emphasised that strengthening cooperatives can empower local people by improving market access, increasing productivity, and promoting inclusive economic growth across Papua New Guinea.

24/06/2026

Registrar Molumi Meets Mama Bank CEO on Cooperative Loan Partnership

Wednesday 24th June 2026

The Registrar for Cooperative Societies, Mr Wale Budda Molumi, met with Mama Bank Chief Executive Officer Gunanidhi Das today at Women's Micro Bank headquarter in Port Moresby to discuss a partnership agreement between Mama Bank and the Office of Cooperative Societies.

The proposed partnership will pave the way for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cooperative Societies PNG (CSPNG) and Mama Bank to formalise the rollout of cooperative loans for registered cooperative owners across Papua New Guinea.

Registrar Molumi extended his appreciation to the Minister for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Win Bakri Daki, and the Marape-Rosso Government for allocating K30 million to Mama Bank to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in PNG.

Mr Molumi said through this partnership, Cooperative Societies PNG will work with Mama Bank to ensure registered cooperative owners have access to the Government’s funding support.

He thanked the Government for this timely initiative and said he looks forward to formally establishing the partnership with the Mama Bank team in due course.

Ends

20/06/2026

05/06/2026

: A Papua New Guinean-made AI film is turning heads across the country and beyond. Produced for 2 Fast Motors Film Competition by Neon Visuals, the two-minute commercial has already attracted more than 100,000 views, with many praising its world-class visuals and innovative use of Artificial Intelligence. The project is shining a spotlight on the growing potential of PNG's digital and creative industries while demonstrating how AI can be used positively for business, marketing and innovation.

Full video here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DvX5t5xjS/

Full article here: https://thepngbulletin.com/lifestyle/technology/png-made-ai-film-for-2-fast-motors-film-competition-sparks-national-attention/

29/05/2026

: Today saw PNG Air’s Mangi Kutubu make its inaugural flight into Moro in Southern Highlands Province, marking the start of a new twice-weekly service commencing in July.

The modern ATR 42-600 aircraft was acquired by Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK) and will be operated under a long-term lease arrangement with PNG Air, in a significant step for locally driven investment in the aviation sector.

This new service is expected to significantly boost air travel into Southern Highlands Province while easing long-standing travel challenges faced by project area landowners from Kutubu, Kikori, Semberigi, and the Homa-Paua region of Hela Province. PNG Air currently has a twice weekly service to and from the provincial capital, Mendi.

28/05/2026

REGISTRAR CALLS ON COMMERCIAL BANKS TO SUPPORT COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

MEDIA RELEASE

Port Moresby, 28th May 2026 - The Registrar of Cooperative Societies Papua New Guinea, Mr Wale Budda Molumi, is calling on all Commercial Banks operating within Papua New Guinea to facilitate the opening and operation of bank accounts for registered Cooperative Societies throughout the country.

Mr Molumi said the Cooperative Societies PNG Office is a legally established government office mandated under the Cooperative Societies Act 1982 (Amended 1985), Chapter 389, to register and regulate Cooperative Societies in Papua New Guinea.

He said Cooperative Societies are formed by groups of people who come together to participate in lawful business activities, community development, agriculture, small-scale mining, fisheries, women empowerment, and other economic ventures aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive economic growth.

The Registrar clarified that Cooperative Society Certificates issued by the Cooperative Societies PNG Office are legal and valid documents recognized under the laws of Papua New Guinea.

“Just as the Investment Promotion Authority issues Certificates to businesses and companies, the Cooperative Societies PNG Office issues Certificates to legally registered Cooperative Societies under the Cooperative Societies Act,” Mr Molumi stated.

Mr Molumi emphasized that many Cooperative Societies are established in rural and remote communities where access to formal identification documents and government services remains limited.

He said many cooperative members and entrepreneurs may not possess formal identification documents such as National Identification (NID) cards, Driver’s Licenses, or School Certificates due to geographical, social, and economic challenges faced by rural populations.

“In light of this reality, I respectfully call on all Commercial Banks to exercise flexibility and provide special consideration when dealing with registered Cooperative Societies and their members,” Mr Molumi said.

“The Cooperative movement is aimed at empowering ordinary Papua New Guineans, especially rural citizens, to participate meaningfully in the formal economy. Banks play a critical role in supporting this national development agenda.”

The Registrar further urged financial institutions to work collaboratively with the Office of Cooperative Societies PNG to verify and confirm the legitimacy of Cooperative Societies where necessary, rather than rejecting account applications solely based on rigid documentation requirements.

Mr Molumi said greater support and accessibility from the banking sector would strengthen financial inclusion, encourage grassroots entrepreneurship, and contribute significantly towards sustainable economic participation and community development across Papua New Guinea.

The Office of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders, including Commercial Banks, government agencies, and development partners, to ensure Cooperative Societies continue to thrive and contribute positively to the nation’s economy.

Approved For Release,
Wale Budda Molumi (Mr) - Registrar of Cooperative Societies,
Department of Commerce and Industry

01/03/2026

By Nathan Luther

Stanley Lupia Yakema's Story.

Stanley Lupia Yakema's journey began humbly in Mapuanda Primary School in Kagua SHP, where he completed Grade 6. His early career took him to the Works Department in Mendi, where he worked for 11 years before being let go due to mistakes. This setback led him to Port Moresby, where life was tough, and he found himself sleeping rough.

A turning point came when he gambled K4 and won K80, taking home K40 after a neighbour took a share. With this amount, he bought betel nut and smoke to sell at Jackson's Airport. Despite being arrested multiple times for illegal sales, he didn't give up. He persevered, using his earnings to build a better life.

He eventually saved enough to buy a second-hand bus, and his fortunes changed. NAC workers became regular borrowers, and he expanded his fleet. The "Papa blo Shark" brand was born, and Stanley's business grew steadily. Today, he owns 7 buses, with 2 new additions from Ela Motors, a testament to his hard work and determination.

Stanley's story is one of resilience and grit. From struggling to survive to becoming a respected transport owner, he's turned adversity into opportunity. His journey inspires, showing that with perseverance, anyone can achieve their goals, no matter their background.