Papua New Guinea's (PNG's) economy remains resilient, driven by strong export earnings, improved foreign exchange availability, and continued investment despite ongoing economic challenges.This is according to the latest Westpac Wailis June 2026 PNG Economic Update and Outlook report, stating that the economy remained resilient in the first half of 2026.The report says PNG is still on track for real GDP growth of around 4.6 per cent in 2026, following an estimated growth of 5.5 per cent in 2025. This is supported by strong activity in agriculture, industry and services, firm import demand, mining and LNG export earnings, and better foreign exchange liquidity.Westpac Pacific Senior Economist Shamal Chand said PNG has managed global shocks better than expected, helped by fuel price support, stronger resource earnings, and continued activity outside the resource sector.“PNG’s economy has shown good resilience despite external shocks. While global risks are still there, domestic demand, resource exports and non-resource activity continue to support growth,” Mr. Chand said.Growth is being driven by activity in provincial centres, including the Highlands, where retail, industry and services are benefiting from internal migration, urbanisation and stronger local demand. Westpac says import activity also remains firm, showing continued consumer spending and capital investment.Foreign exchange conditions have also improved, with typical order clearing times reducing from several weeks to just days. Westpac says this has helped businesses and supported private sector lending, while demand for Government securities remains strong.Inflation remains relatively low at the national level, with headline CPI at 2.24 per cent in the March quarter. However, price pressures remain uneven, with higher increases recorded in the Highlands and some regional centres.PNG’s export base remains an important support. LNG export volumes reached about 3.73 million tonnes year to date to May 2026, while gold exports to Australia reached K6.51 billion year to date to April, up 30 per cent from the same period in 2025. Cocoa and coffee have also supported rural households, with cocoa export earnings reaching K1.80 billion in 2025 and coffee earnings rising to K1.31 billion.Major projects remain central to PNG’s medium-term growth. The report highlights Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu, K92 Mining’s Kainantu expansion, the Agogo tie-in gas development, Connect PNG, port and airport redevelopments, and other infrastructure projects as important drivers of future activity.Westpac says the outlook remains positive, but PNG still needs to manage risks from global energy markets, commodity price movements, inflation pressure, fiscal constraints, major project delivery and ongoing compliance reforms.

Prime Minister James Marape has launched a K316 million package of roads, bridges and community infrastructure aimed at connecting more than 85% of Papua New Guineans who remain in rural enclaves.Speaking on the banks of the Vailala River at Ihu Station, the Prime Minister said the projects were about “unlocking and connecting” people who have been locked out of services for too long.“My children at the banks of Vailala river, Ihu station, over 85% of my people still remain in the rural enclaves of PNG, that's why my government continue to pass resources to districts and provinces so each leader look after development needs prevalent there,” PM Marape told a crowd of Ihu families and school children.“So, it is good to see roads being developed here and happy to open a modern market here the banks of Vailala in the home of Papua LNG.”The visit, held under the theme ‘Connecting Communities, Empowering People, and Advancing Development in Kikori’, saw the Prime Minister launch six major projects for East and West Ihu Local Level Governments:1. Ihu–Muro Road Project – K176 million 2. Vailala River Bridge – K126 million 3. Keuru Bridge to Vailala River Road Soil Stabilisation Works – K10 million 4. Multi-Purpose Community Centre – K1.4 million 5. Official Opening of Ihu Market – K0.7 million 6. Baimuru Market – K1.92 million The new Ihu Market and Baimuru Market are expected to give local farmers, fishermen and women vendors direct access to sell produce without travelling long distances byPrime Minister also highlighted that the timing of the visit was significant, with Gulf Province at the centre of the upcoming Papua LNG project.“Good news on Papua LNG will break soon, and I am here in the heartland of this important project with people and children from whose land the resources will be extracted from,” he said.He urged the landowners and the youths to be prepared to take part in jobs, business and service opportunities that will flow from the project, while calling on public servants to lift their performance.“Compatriots let's all work, especially those of us who earn from the public purses. Work your heart out for your country and our people,” Marape said.The Ihu launch is the latest in the Marape-Rosso Government’s push to decentralise funding and infrastructure to districts and provinces. With more than K316 million committed to Kikori alone, the Government says it is putting money where the majority of the population lives.

Prime Minister James Marape has described the Ombudsman Commission (OC) and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) as the nation’s twin pillars of integrity and good governance.Speaking at a recent event in Port Moresby city marking the announcement of the new Acting Chief Ombudsman, he said the two institutions were established to protecting the integrity of the public service.   “These institutions exist to protect the integrity of our public service and ensure all public office holders operate within the law. They are fundamental to safeguarding our democracy and strengthening public confidence in government.”He noted that ICAC, established under his Government, was also progressing through a transparent recruitment process for its substantive leadership positions.Pending the completion of that process, the ICAC Appointments Committee has appointed Retired Judge Don Sawong as Acting Commissioner, while Mr. Thomas Eluh and Justice Ellenas Batari have been appointed Acting Deputy Commissioners.Like the Ombudsman Commission, the substantive ICAC positions will be filled through an open, transparent and merit-based recruitment process.“While no government is perfect, we are building institutions that will serve Papua New Guinea well into the future. These are important safeguards for our economy, our public service and our democracy.”Marape said his Government had strengthened appointment processes by including independent observers, including Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG), in the recruitment of leaders for major constitutional offices.Although not legally required, he said the Government had adopted this approach on the advice of the Chief Secretary to reinforce transparency and public confidence.

Traditional leaders from Navuapaka and surrounding pipeline communities in Kairuku District have petitioned Member for Kairuku and Minister for Energy, Peter Namea Isoaimo, seeking Government-facilitated talks over concerns relating to the Papua LNG Project.The petition calls on the Minister to help arrange discussions with the State Negotiation Team (SNT), the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and Papua LNG project developers to address issues the community says are affecting its customary rights and way of life.Community leaders say the project has had social, cultural and customary impacts on pipeline communities, including concerns over traditional identity, communal fishing grounds, customary land and marine rights, clan structures, the authority of traditional leaders and family cohesion.They are requesting an immediate meeting with relevant government agencies and project stakeholders to present their concerns, seek clarification on matters affecting customary ownership and marine resources, and advocate for a comprehensive assessment of the project's impacts on affected communities.The petition was signed by Paramount Chief Abraham Hare of the Pare Kupuna Clan, Chief James I. Paru of the Kurupukina Sub-clan, Chief Kamila Paruahi of the Kivori Clan, Gabriel Oahenea, John Paruoa and representatives of the Horopaka Sub-clan.Responding to the petition, Minister Isoaimo acknowledged the concerns raised and said he would continue advocating for the interests of Kairuku communities as Papua LNG progresses.He also reflected on the district's exclusion from benefit-sharing arrangements associated with the PNG LNG Project, saying many communities along the Kairuku Coast missed out during negotiations held in 2009."As we approach a new era of development, I want to apologies to the people of Kairuku LLG and the Kairuku Coast as a whole for missing out on the PNG LNG benefits," he said.The Minister explained that he was not the Member for Kairuku when the PNG LNG Development Forum negotiations took place."In 2009, I was representing the Hiri Local Level Government area and was not the Member for Kairuku. The negotiations that determined benefit-sharing arrangements took place at that time, and unfortunately Kairuku was not adequately represented.Looking ahead, Mr. Isoaimo said the Government was determined to ensure that communities with legitimate interests in the Papua LNG Project are properly represented during ongoing negotiations."With Papua LNG, I want to assure our people that we are working to ensure the benefits flow to those who are rightfully entitled to them and that the voices of Kairuku communities are heard throughout the process," he said.He said the issues raised in the petition would form part of ongoing discussions with relevant government agencies and project stakeholders, adding that meaningful engagement with customary landowners remains essential to the successful development of the project.The petition underscores growing calls from affected communities for greater consultation and transparency as Papua LNG moves towards its next stage of development.Community leaders said they hope constructive dialogue between landowners, government and developers will result in fair benefit-sharing arrangements while protecting customary ownership, traditional values and the long-term interests of future generations.

The United States Embassy has launched Starlink satellite internet at the American Corner in Waigani, providing visitors with free high-speed internet access and expanding opportunities for education, research and public engagement.The service was officially launched on July 2 during a ceremony attended by embassy officials and members of the public, marking another step in the United States' investment in digital connectivity across Papua New Guinea.Speaking at the launch, U.S. Embassy Foreign Assistance Chief Beata Angelica said the initiative forms part of a broader U.S. commitment to improving internet access throughout the country."This year, the United States is proud to invest US$30 million in satellite internet connectivity across Papua New Guinea—a transformative commitment that will bring high-speed, low-latency internet to hundreds of remote health facilities, schools and government offices," Angelica said.She said the investment reflects the United States' commitment to supporting infrastructure that expands access to education, information and economic opportunities.The addition of Starlink technology will allow visitors to the American Corner to access online educational resources, research study opportunities in the United States and participate in a wider range of learning activities.The upgraded internet service will also enable the embassy to livestream selected educational programs, extending its outreach beyond Port Moresby to audiences across Papua New Guinea.To showcase the new capability, the embassy hosted a public lecture titled Kinship as Method: Rethinking Ethics, Collaboration, and Knowledge Production in Anthropology, delivered simultaneously in person and online by renowned anthropologist Dr. Paige West.The lecture formed part of the embassy's "Freedom 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Liberty and Prosperity" initiative, highlighting collaboration, knowledge-sharing and academic exchange between the United States and Papua New Guinea.Dr. West is internationally recognized for her research on Papua New Guinea, particularly in environmental conservation, agriculture and Indigenous knowledge systems. Fluent in Tok Pisin and two Indigenous languages, she has spent decades working alongside local communities.In 2014, she received support through the U.S. Department of State's Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation for a US$60,000 project to preserve the Malagan carving traditions of New Ireland by supporting master carvers in training a new generation of artisans.She is also the co-founder of the PNG Institute of Biological Research and Roviana Solwara Skul, initiatives that promote collaboration between Indigenous knowledge and Western scientific research.The embassy said the launch of Starlink at the American Corner demonstrates its continued commitment to strengthening educational partnerships, improving digital access and connecting Papua New Guineans with global learning opportunities through reliable internet connectivity.

Fourteen health and education volunteers have successfully completed a week-long Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) conducted by the National Volunteer Service (NVS) at Okari Campus in Lae and are now being deployed to serve communities across Tewai-Siassi, Kabwum and Huon Gulf districts in Morobe Province.Guided by the theme, "Volunteers Strengthening Health and Education for All," the volunteers are now prepared to serve in aid posts, health clinics and schools, where they will play a vital role in improving access to essential health and education services in their respective communities.Throughout the orientation, the volunteers received training on the role and responsibilities of National Volunteer Service volunteers, professional conduct, community engagement, and the expectations of serving in rural and remote communities. Equipped with these skills, they will now work alongside local communities to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve learning outcomes, with ongoing support from the National Volunteer Service.Closing the orientation, Volunteer Management Division Director Kelly Aisi congratulated the volunteers on completing their training and encouraged them to serve with commitment and purpose."You are the change your communities have been waiting for. As you leave this place, continue to make a positive impact not only for yourselves, but for the communities and people you have chosen to serve. The National Volunteer Service stands ready to support you throughout your volunteer journey," Mr Aisi said.Volunteer Amo Andrew, from Barim Village, Ward 7, Siassi LLG in Tewai-Siassi District, expressed his gratitude to the National Volunteer Service for the opportunity to continue serving his people.("Mi hamamas long NVS kam givim mipela dispela Pre-Service Orientation na mipela i luk forward long go bek na wokim sevis long komuniti bilong mipela.")The National Volunteer Service continues to support one of its strongest volunteer networks in Morobe Province, where many dedicated volunteers have served their communities for years. Through ongoing training and mentorship, NVS remains committed to strengthening volunteerism and improving the delivery of health and education services across Papua New Guinea.

Westpac PNG brought together employees and their families from across the country in Port Moresby on 27 June 2026 for its Sporting Day and Gala Night, celebrating teamwork, wellbeing, connection and the strength of its people.The day was organised by a committee of Westpac PNG employees, reflecting the Bank’s focus on bringing its people together and supporting a strong, connected team across Head Office and branches.Under the overall theme “Champions by Day, Icons by Night”, the event combined an energetic day of sport and family activities with an evening celebration of achievement, culture and connection.The Fun Day theme was “Carnivals of Champions”, inspired by the Harry Potter franchise with a PNG fusion.Teams were named after the earth elements in Motu: Tano for Land, Ranu for Water, Lahi for Fire and Lai for Wind/Air.The day opened with a team parade and warm-up session before employees took part in competitive sports including rugby touch, futsal, volleyball and netball. Novelty games such as sack races, tug of war, egg and spoon races and a water gun fight added to the fun and encouraged participation across all teams. A dedicated kids’ area, supported by three large bouncy castles and family-friendly activities, helped make the day memorable for children and parents. External stakeholders including Nasfund, NCSL and Business for Health also joined the activities.At the Fun Day, Westpac PNG Chief Executive Andrew Cairns spoke informally to staff and families, linking the activities to the Bank’s people theme of Yumi Grow Wantaim.“The day was really about Yumi Grow Wantaim. We came together to enjoy ourselves, have some fun, compete in the right spirit and spend time with our families and colleagues. More importantly, days like this reminded us that we are one Westpac PNG team.""When we played together, laughed together and supported each other, we built the connection that helps us grow together at work as well. That was what made the day special.”The Sporting Day closed with a group cooldown session, wrapping up an energetic and inclusive program that brought employees, families and teams together from across the Bank’s national network. In the evening, employees came together for the Gala Night under the theme “Glamour and Mystery”, with a masquerade-inspired setting that recognised team achievements and individual contributions.The evening featured arrival drinks, opening remarks, team and individual awards, cultural performances, music and group dances delivered by teams from Port Moresby and the branches.Speaking at the Gala Night, Mr Cairns said the evening was an opportunity to recognise Westpac PNG’s people and the important role they play in shaping the Bank’s future.“Westpac PNG’s strength has always been built on its people. Our ability to grow, adapt and lead depends on how well we work together, how strongly we live our values and how consistently we support the customers, communities and businesses we serve across Papua New Guinea. The night was not only a celebration of achievement, but also a reminder of the responsibility we share to continue building a stronger, more connected and more resilient organisation.”Mr Cairns also thanked the organising committee for their hard work in planning, preparing and delivering both events, noting that their effort helped create a memorable weekend for employees and their families.The Sporting Day and Gala Night reinforces Westpac PNG’s focus on strengthening its culture, supporting its people and creating opportunities for employees and families to connect beyond the workplace.

The Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea now has a woman positioned as the Acting Chief Ombudsman.Prime Minister James Marape on Thursday announced that Ms. Tabitha Suwae is now the Acting Chief Ombudsman following a decision made by the Ombudsman Appointments Committee (OAC) to appoint her to the position.Ms. Suwae, who has been serving as an Ombudsman since October 2024, assumes leadership of the Ombudsman Commission in an acting capacity while the substantive position of Chief Ombudsman is advertised and filled through an open and competitive recruitment process.Prime Minister Marape congratulated Ms. Suwae on her appointment and commended outgoing Chief Ombudsman Mr Richard Pagen for his distinguished service to Papua New Guinea.“Mr. Pagen has served our country with integrity, professionalism, and courage. He has carried out his constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. ““I sincerely thank him for his dedicated service and wish him well in his future endeavours. He remains eligible to apply for the substantive position should he choose to do so.”Prime Minister Marape said Ms. Suwae’s appointment reflected the strength of leadership development within the Ombudsman Commission.A career public servant, Ms. Suwae brings 29 years of public service experience, including 24 years with the Ombudsman Commission and five years with the Office of the Public Prosecutor under the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.Before being appointed Ombudsman in October 2024, she served as the Commission’s Director of Legal Services.She is from Manus and West Sepik provinces.“I congratulate Ms. Suwae on her appointment and have every confidence that her extensive experience, professionalism and commitment to the Constitution will ensure the Ombudsman Commission continues to discharge its important responsibilities with independence and integrity.”The Ombudsman Appointments Committee had deliberately chosen to advertise the position of Chief Ombudsman to ensure the office continued to be filled through a transparent, competitive and merit-based process.

The National Volunteer Service (NVS) is exploring a strategic partnership with the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (SHPHA) to recruit and deploy health workers to underserved communities across the province.The proposed collaboration supports the National Executive Council (NEC) Decision 335 of 2025, which mandates the NVS to recruit 900 volunteers by the end of 2026 and an additional 2,900 by 2027.NVS Director of Public Relations and Marketing Julie Raka said discussions are still in the early stages, but if formalised, the partnership would focus on identifying critical health service gaps in rural and remote areas of Southern Highlands and placing trained health workers where they are needed most.She said the initiative reflects the Government's commitment to strengthening primary healthcare through community-based service delivery and expanding access to essential health services.Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Joseph Birisi welcomed the proposal, describing it as a timely and strategic initiative that aligns with the province's healthcare priorities.Dr Birisi said the partnership would also complement the nursing students who graduated recently from the Mendi School of Nursing, many of whom are now qualified health workers ready to serve in local communities.He said health workers play a vital role in delivering basic healthcare, health education and disease prevention programs, particularly in remote areas where access to medical services remains limited."The deployment of trained health workers will significantly improve our ability to reach communities that face barriers to healthcare. They serve as an important link between rural communities and the formal health system," Dr Birisi said.He added that providing health workers with the necessary training and support would strengthen maternal and child health services, improve immunisation coverage, and increase awareness of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.Dr Birisi said integrating more health workers into provincial health programs would also help ease the pressure on hospitals and health facilities while encouraging communities to take greater ownership of their health and wellbeing.He acknowledged that Papua New Guinea continues to face challenges including limited resources, workforce shortages and difficult geography, but said partnerships such as this demonstrate the value of innovative, community-focused solutions.The National Volunteer Service will continue its consultation visits across the Highlands Region, with upcoming engagements planned in Hela and Western Highlands provinces.The National Volunteer Service is a government agency under the Ministry of Defence responsible for recruiting, training and deploying volunteers to support service delivery in rural communities throughout Papua New Guinea.

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) says this year's PNG Resources Week will focus on how the country's resource sector can continue driving nation-building over the next 50 years.Speaking ahead of the event, Executive Director Richard Kassman said the theme, "PNG Resources Beyond 50," builds on last year's celebration of Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence anniversary and shifts the focus towards the country's future.Mr. Kassman said the Chamber's mission is to create understanding, generate knowledge and build relationships that empower Papua New Guinea to achieve long-term nation-building benefits from its natural resources."We exist to create the understanding, generate the knowledge and forge relationships which empower Papua New Guinea to capture sustained nation-building benefits from its natural resources," he said.He said the Chamber wants discussions around mining, petroleum and energy projects to be centred on nation-building rather than simply resource extraction.Mr. Kassman acknowledged the significant role the resource sector plays in the country's economy but stressed that the industry must remain humble while working alongside government, landowners and communities.He said the term "nation-building" should guide negotiations, policy discussions and investment decisions, encouraging both local stakeholders and international investors to contribute positively to Papua New Guinea's development.PNG Resources Week 2026 will run from July 13 to 18, combining the PNG Resource Summit, CANCONEX and the Golden Exposition into one week-long event.The Prime Minister is expected to officially open the event and setting the agenda for discussions that will examine the industry's achievements over the past five decades while exploring opportunities for the future.Throughout the week, industry leaders, government representatives and community stakeholders will discuss national content, community investment, workforce development, governance, education, sustainable development and upcoming resource projects.Mr. Kassman said the Chamber also wants the event to strengthen its partnership with the media to ensure important discussions reach Papua New Guineans across the country."We want to fill the vacuum with facts, data and research information, and we want to work closely with the media to make sure these conversations are shared with the nation," he said.

For 26-year-old Isaka Samaku, growing up in the remote village of Ambuket in East Sepik Province, a university education once seemed impossible. Today, he is a first-year Diploma in Primary Education student at Divine Word University's Wewak Campus, determined to return home as a teacher and help transform his community through education.Isaka said life in his village has long been defined by poverty, with most families relying on subsistence living and limited opportunities to improve their livelihoods."In my community, many people focus only on meeting their daily needs because education and income opportunities are limited," he said. "I want to become a teacher so I can educate our children, change mindsets, and help build a better future for my village."His journey to university has been made possible through his family's revived cocoa farming business. His parents, Rex and Brenda Samaku, rehabilitated their cocoa blocks with support from the European Union-funded EU-STREIT PNG Programme, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with Cocoa Board PNG and the Provincial Division of Agriculture and Livestock.Through the programme, the family received improved cocoa seedlings, farming tools, technical training, and support in fermentation and drying techniques, enabling them to produce higher-quality cocoa and earn better returns.After years of declining production caused by ageing cocoa trees and the cocoa pod borer outbreak, the family's five cocoa blocks have been restored. In 2025, a single sale of five bags of dried cocoa beans earned more than PGK10,000, allowing Isaka's parents to pay his first-year university tuition.Before entering university, Isaka was forced to leave secondary school several times because his family could not afford school fees. Today, he says the steady income from cocoa has given him a second chance to pursue his education.Upon completing his studies, Isaka plans to return to Ambuket, where teacher shortages remain a major challenge."Our primary school only goes up to Grade Eight, and because it is so remote, teachers often leave after only a short time," he said. "That is why I chose primary education. I want to stay in my community and help educate the next generation."Beyond supporting his own education, the Chipquay Rural Distribution Agency Limited, established with support from the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, is using income from cocoa production to assist 10 students from remote communities to attend secondary and tertiary institutions.Chairman Joshua Nimbikur said the group has also purchased land near Wewak to provide safe accommodation for students while they pursue their education away from home.The success of families like Isaka's demonstrates how improved agricultural productivity can create opportunities beyond farming by supporting education, strengthening rural livelihoods, and helping communities break the cycle of poverty.For Isaka, the message to other rural families is simple."It is through cocoa that I have come this far," he said. "If we invest in farming and education, we can create a better future for our children."

The Office of Censorship has successfully destroyed 645 prohibited items confiscated during enforcement operations conducted throughout 2025, focusing on protecting the public and enforcing the Classification of Publication (censorship) Act 1989.The destruction exercise was carried out in accordance with Section 81 of the Act and the Censorship Board’s decision under section 11 and 12 of the Act.The legislation requires confiscated prohibited items that remain unclaimed to be destroyed after the prescribed period.The destroyed items include Sex Enhancement Products (SEP), medical drugs, Dietary supplements, and sex toys in various forms, including supplements, gels, creams, sprays and oils.The 645 items were primarily items confiscated by Papua New Guinea Customs officers at the key entry points, including Post office and Jacksons International Airport.Chief Censor Jim Abani said the successful destruction exercise demonstrates the Office’s ongoing commitment to preventing prohibited and illicit items from entering and circulating within the country.“The destruction of prohibited items sends a strong message that the Offices of Censorship remains committed to enforcing the law and protecting our communities. We appreciate the continued cooperation of our partner agencies whose support is critical in safeguarding our borders and ensuring prohibited items do not reach the public”The destruction exercise was carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders’ agencies, including the PNG Customs Service and the Royal PNG Constabulary.The Office of Censorship will continue to work with its enforcement partners to monitor the importation and distribution of Prohibited materials and remind importers and the public to comply with Papua New Guinea’s Censorship Laws.