Mothers and informal sector operators across the Western Highlands Province and the wider Highlands region are being urged to utilize financial savings and micro-loans to expand their businesses.

Speaking at the recent opening of the new Women’s Micro Bank (Mama Bank) branch in Mt Hagen City, Mama Bank Chairlady Dr. Elizabeth Kopel highlighted the institution's commitment to supporting grassroots entrepreneurs.

Dr. Kopel clarified that informal businesses do not require formal documentation—such as the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) or Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) registration—to access credit. Instead, the bank aims to help small-scale businesses grow to a sustainable level before transitioning into the formal economy.

"To support our grassroots people, the account opening process has been simplified," Dr. Kopel explained. "Applicants only need an identification letter from their ward councilor or pastor, alongside their basic personal and informal business details, to get started."

Furthermore, Dr. Kopel revealed that several District Development Authorities (DDAs) and Provincial Governments have actively partnered with Mama Bank since the COVID-19 pandemic to subsidize loans and financial services for rural communities.

Dr. Kopel also extended her gratitude to Commerce and Industry Minister Wake Goi for allocating K10 million in SME funds to the Mama Bank branch network to boost economic development in the Western Highlands Province.

Mama Bank continues to pioneer financial inclusion across Papua New Guinea, providing a secure banking platform designed specifically to empower women and informal sector workers.