Women’s Micro Bank (Mama Bank) officially expanded its financial inclusion network into the Western Highlands Province on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, with the grand opening of its new Mt Hagen City branch. The milestone launch marks Mama Bank’s second full-service branch in the Highlands region—following its branch in Tari, Hela Province—bringing the bank’s total footprint across Papua New Guinea to 22 full-service branches and access points.

Strategically located upstairs in Wamp Nga Haus, the new facility is positioned to provide accessible financial services to local mothers, grassroots farmers, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and informal sector entrepreneurs who historically face barriers accessing traditional commercial banking.

The launch was further strengthened by an immediate K1 million funding injection from the Dei District Development Authority (DDA). Under a newly signed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) executed at the opening, the DDA's K1 million capital backing will unlock up to K3 million in specialized SME credit facilities specifically for the people of Dei District.

The high-profile opening ceremony at Queens Park was attended by senior government and financial leaders, including Commerce and Industry Minister Hon. Wake Goi, Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa, Dei MP Desmond Kipa, Mama Bank Chairlady Dr. Elizabeth Kopel, Mama Bank CEO Gunanidhi Das, Registrar of Cooperative Societies Wale Budda Molumi, and senior executives from the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG).

"The launching of this facility is a seed being planted for our people," stated Dei MP Desmond Kipa, noting that his district already boasts 80 registered cooperative societies alongside thousands of informal vendors.

"Politicians do not carry free cash around to dish out. I strongly encourage our people to work the land, market your produce, save with Mama Bank, and utilize this credit facility to grow your long-term wealth."

Mama Bank Chairlady Dr. Elizabeth Kopel and CEO Gunanidhi Das emphasized that the heavy presence of state and provincial leadership underscores the critical national importance of grassroots banking.

The bank reiterated its commitment to offering a welcoming, alternative financial platform designed to transition informal businesses into the formal economy, driving economic empowerment across the Western Highlands and neighboring provinces.