Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th Leaders Meeting runs Aug 30–Sept 1 under “B.E.L.A.U.”, but several key leaders are missing, including Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale (left to face a no-confidence motion) and others from Kiribati, Vanuatu and Samoa, while Fiji’s attendance remains uncertain. Cybercrime crackdown: RPNGC officers began PNG’s first joint cybersecurity and digital forensics course, with US Embassy and training partners, to strengthen handling of digital evidence and fight online scams and cross-border networks. Election integrity push: UNDP and the EU ran a Port Moresby election integrity workshop for media and civil society, stressing ethical reporting ahead of PNG’s 2027 polls. Fuel and El Niño pressure: PM Marape says a forthcoming supplementary budget will prioritise fuel price relief, El Niño response and 2027 election readiness, while the petroleum minister has declared a 30-day emergency to stabilise fuel supply and foreign exchange. Bougainville on Parliament’s agenda: Bougainville referendum results have reached PNG Parliament, with MPs set to debate the independence question and the need for careful consultation. Local governance and services: NCDC reopened Apo Street Market under approval for 75 vendors, and provincial disaster centres face staffing and funding gaps as officials remind provinces of their legal disaster-management duties. Sports and youth pipeline: PM Marape welcomed NRL star Jerome Luai as PNG Chiefs “Player Number 1,” linking rugby league to youth development and sports tourism.
AGP Executive Report
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Bougainville Referendum Debate: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has formally received the 2019 Bougainville independence result and related reports, with PM James Marape stressing the outcome is not self-executing and MPs must study the Melanesian Framework and consult before any vote. Opposition leader James Nomane is pushing for a clear timeline and no more delays, warning the decision is the most consequential question Parliament will ever face. Fuel Crisis Response: Petroleum and Energy Minister Kerenga Kua has declared a 30-day state of emergency over fuel shortages, directing the Bank of PNG to maintain foreign exchange for authorised dealers and ordering Puma Energy to keep supplies moving, while a Supplementary Budget is set to prioritise fuel relief, El Niño response and 2027 election preparations. Election Integrity & Finance Safeguards: UNDP and the EU launched a week-long election integrity workshop in Port Moresby for media and civil society, while Nasfund co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code with BPNG and other institutions to curb financial abuse and digital exploitation. El Niño Impacts: Bougainville has been placed on drought alert due to El Niño risk, and PNG is also rolling out disaster and drought support measures, including funding releases for provinces affected by El Niño. Health & Community Services: Angau Memorial Hospital in Morobe received 36 portable ventilators to address respiratory equipment shortages, and Simbu police led a community clean-up in Kundiawa to improve town order and safety. Local Economy & Governance: The revised Hidden Valley Mining Project Community Development Agreement has been signed, clearing the way for community benefits in Morobe, while PNG’s Parliament also moved on youth violence deterrence with convictions for students involved in city fight incitement.
Bougainville Referendum in Parliament: Opposition MP James Nomane says the 2019 independence vote is the “most consequential question” PNG MPs will ever face, urging careful national unity and consultations before any decision. Prime Minister Marape told Parliament the result is not self-executing and that MPs must study the referendum documents under Section 342, with the debate adjourned to allow more review. Health Security Upgrade: PNG has completed its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with WHO, assessing capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats, with recommendations feeding into a national action plan. El Niño Support on the Ground: Australia backed the launch of a Provincial Disaster Office capacity report, while coffee farmers in the Highlands say drought is damaging crops and are calling for better water support from district and provincial authorities. Disaster-Ready Funding: The US committed over K15 million for child nutrition in PNG ahead of El Niño. Justice and Order: Port Moresby District Court convicted 70 students over city fight incitement, fining them K200 each and placing them on good-behaviour bonds. Infrastructure and Finance: Bank of PNG set out a reform agenda for stability and inclusion; Nasfund co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code to curb financial abuse.
Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Climate and security are set to dominate the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting, with Australia again facing pressure over emissions and fossil-fuel approvals as leaders push for faster action and more control over regional resources. Bougainville referendum next step: PNG Parliament has formally received the 2019 Bougainville referendum result, with Prime Minister James Marape stressing the vote is not self-executing and MPs must follow constitutional process; Opposition leader James Nomane is demanding a clear timeline and no more delays. Court and public safety: Port Moresby District Court convicted 70 students over city fight incitement, fining them K200 each and placing them on six-month good-behaviour bonds, while police say more cases are coming. Health support: Angau Memorial Hospital in Morobe received 36 portable ventilators worth about K1.8m to ease a respiratory equipment shortage, with training and maintenance stressed. El Niño preparation: The US committed over K15m for child nutrition in PNG as El Niño impacts worsen. Finance reform: Nasfund backed the PNG Empower Finance Code to curb financial abuse, calling for stronger regional co-investment frameworks. Energy deal: Papua LNG signed revised gas agreement terms, setting a deadline for Final Investment Decision by 15 December 2026.
Bougainville Referendum Process: Opposition leader James Nomane says Parliament must set a clear timeline and hold a full debate before voting on the 2019 Bougainville independence result, after the referendum outcome (97.7% in favour) and related reports were formally tabled. Prime Minister James Marape also told MPs the decision is not self-executing and Parliament—not the Executive—must follow the constitutional process, urging careful study and consultation. Public Order in NCD: Port Moresby District Court convicted 70 students for inciting fights, fining each K200 and placing them on six-month good behaviour bonds, while police say more cases are coming. Health Support: Angau Memorial Hospital in Morobe received 36 portable ventilators (about K1.8m) to ease a respiratory equipment shortage, with Australian support. El Niño Response: The US committed over K15m to child nutrition in PNG as El Niño preparations ramp up. Finance & Governance: Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma pushed for a Pacific co-investment framework and Nasfund co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code to tackle financial abuse. Women Recognition: CPL Foundation’s Pride of PNG Women Awards spotlight long-serving PNG women’s community work ahead of the 2026 awards night. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific leaders head to the Palau summit with security, ocean resources and major-power competition expected to shape the agenda.
Bougainville Referendum Process: Opposition Leader James Nomane says Parliament must set a clear timetable for debating and voting on the 2019 Bougainville referendum result, warning the Government not to “kick the can down the road” as MPs face a decision with major consequences for PNG’s future. Parliament’s Historic Step: The referendum result, the Joint Consultation report and the Melanesian Framework were tabled in National Parliament, with Prime Minister James Marape urging MPs to study the documents carefully and keep peace at the centre of any outcome. Energy & Investment: PNG signed revised Papua LNG agreements, including a pathway to a Final Investment Decision by 15 December 2026, with a temporary, capped fiscal support mechanism aimed at protecting the State’s long-term interests. Governance & Services: PM Marape told Parliament PNG Power is in a “terminal” condition and outlined reforms, including possible provincial partnerships and partial privatisation, to restore reliable electricity. Regional Diplomacy: Australia’s push for a stronger Pacific alliance system is in focus ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ meeting in Palau, with PNG named among key partners. Public Safety: Police and festival organisers in Central Province say security plans for the 2026 Central Music, Arts and Culture Festival will include high-visibility patrols, checks on access routes, and action against dangerous behaviour.
Bougainville Referendum Process: PNG Parliament has formally received the 2019 Bougainville independence vote results (97.7% for independence) along with the Joint Consultation Report and Melanesian Framework, but MPs won’t decide for months, with PM James Marape urging lawmakers to study documents and avoid rushing. Energy & Investment: PNG signed revised Papua LNG agreements setting a clear path to a Final Investment Decision by 15 December 2026, including a temporary risk-sharing price stabilisation mechanism to protect the State’s long-term fiscal interests. Public Finance & Stability: Bank of PNG outlined a financial reform agenda focused on stability, inclusion and investment, including targets for inflation and reforms across banking regulation and payments. Electricity Crisis: PM Marape told Parliament PNG Power is in “terminal” condition, citing ageing infrastructure and weak revenue collection, as government weighs reforms, provincial partnerships and possible privatisation. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Risk: A Pacific report warns governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten deep-sea mining rules, creating a “chilling effect” on environmental protections. Trade & Agriculture: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka with government support, including a K15,000 sponsorship from the Department of International Trade and Investment. Health Preparedness: PNG completed its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO to strengthen public health emergency preparedness, with recommendations feeding into a national action plan.
Papua LNG Push: PNG signed three landmark agreements with ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies at Government House to keep the Papua LNG project on track for a Final Investment Decision by Dec 15, 2026, with a revised risk-sharing and price stabilisation structure aimed at protecting PNG’s long-term fiscal interests. Bougainville at Parliament: Parliament formally received the 2019 Bougainville referendum result showing 97.7% support for independence, but MPs were adjourned without a full decision; debate continues and a final vote is still months away, with leaders warning the process will test national unity and constitutional democracy. Disaster Readiness: PNG will launch its first national review of Provincial Disaster Offices in Port Moresby today, as officials and partners push for stronger disaster preparedness and response ahead of worsening climate impacts. El Niño Water Warnings: Police Minister Sir John Pundari urged landowners not to profit from privately held water sources during the 2026–27 El Niño period, while the Correctional Service submitted its El Niño response plans focusing on water security, inmate health and escape prevention. Local Benefits Debate: A K76.8m Gurney Airport terminal upgrade in Milne Bay has sparked a public debate over whether big infrastructure spending should come before basic services, even as leaders argue better connectivity can drive tourism and emergency access. Governance & Elections: Port Moresby Police launched a security plan for the 2027 National General Election, and the Registrar will strictly regulate political parties’ behaviour. Agriculture & Trade: The Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association is set to expand the Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka, with major government and corporate participation, while NARI and IFPRI continue fresh produce value chain research to support the shift from subsistence to commercial farming.
Bougainville Independence Vote Looms: PNG Parliament is set to consider the results of Bougainville’s 2019 independence referendum, where 97.7% voted to secede, with a writ expected to be tabled and a motion requiring a three-quarter majority—though proceedings were briefly adjourned due to lack of quorum. Political Stakes: Opposition leader James Nomane called the decision “the most consequential” for PNG’s democracy, while Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba said it is not an ordinary political question. El Niño Water Warnings: Police Minister Sir John Pundari urged landowners not to profit from water shortages, as PNG prepares for possible drought and rationing. Correctional Service Plans: The Correctional Service submitted El Niño response plans focused on water security, inmate health, and preventing mass escapes. Health System Concern: A report highlights Bulolo Hospital’s costly medical equipment sitting unused due to lack of doctors. Milne Bay Infrastructure & Land: PM Marape and Aviation Minister Douglas Tomuriesa urged landowners to register land properly and use it for tourism and small business as the upgraded Gurney Airport terminal opens. Port Moresby Security: NCD Metropolitan Police launched a security plan for 2027 National General Election, including major operations to improve public safety. Digital Push: Datec PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s sovereign cloud and AI data centre.
Bougainville Independence Vote Looms: PNG Parliament is set to consider the 2019 non-binding referendum after a writ is scheduled to be tabled, with MPs debating ratification and a three-quarter majority requirement; leaders say the decision is historic, while Parliament’s sitting was briefly delayed by lack of quorum. PM Marape’s Call for Unity: Ahead of the Bougainville debate, Marape urged prayer, reconciliation, and a “reset” of hearts, minds, and leadership, warning against threats or division. Governance and Education Moves: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, modernising its legal framework; separately, RPNGC launched its first formal financial literacy training for women linked to police. Public Safety and Election Readiness: NCD Metropolitan Police unveiled a security plan for 2027, including major operations and reminders that evictions require court orders. Tech and Investment Signals: Datec PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s sovereign cloud and AI data centre; Pacific Pearl is also preparing to open what would be PNG’s first casino in Port Moresby pending licensing. Police Support Boost: Japan donated 60 vehicles to strengthen frontline policing nationwide.
Parliament & Education: Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026 unanimously (62-0), replacing the 1997 Act to modernise governance, strengthen accountability, and give the university clearer autonomy. Elections & Policing: NCD Metropolitan Police Command rolled out a security plan for 2027, including major quarterly operations and reminders that eviction enforcement follows court orders. Frontline Support: Japan donated 60 vehicles (K12.8m grant) to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to boost mobility ahead of the 2027 election. Digital Government: Datec PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s sovereign cloud and AI data centre, with Telikom PNG and CloudSigma. Business & Regulation: Telikom received a Payment Service Provider Licence from the Bank of PNG, paving the way for nationwide digital wallet services. National Unity Message: PM Marape urged a “reset” of hearts, minds and leadership during the National Day of Prayer and Repentance. Bougainville Watch: MPs are set to debate whether to ratify Bougainville’s 2019 97.7% independence vote, with Marape warning against threats or hostility. Deep-Sea Mining Risk: A Pacific report warns investor-state dispute rules could expose PNG and other Pacific governments to costly legal claims if they tighten deep-sea mining protections. Health & Infrastructure: Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport terminal opened, with Marape urging landowners to keep customary land and use it for tourism and small business. Women & Skills: The RPNGC ran its first formal financial literacy training for 16 women linked to police families, focusing on budgeting and long-term planning.
National Leadership Reset: PM James Marape urged a PNG “reset” of hearts, minds and leadership at the National Day of Prayer and Repentance, saying change must start with people and leaders—not just policies. Bougainville Independence Vote: Parliament resumes debate on whether to ratify Bougainville’s 2019 independence referendum result (97.7%); Marape warned MPs and the public against threats or division. Parliament Agenda: MPs return to a packed sitting covering election laws, Connect PNG, infrastructure, public sector reform, Bougainville consultations and log export monitoring. El Niño Response Funding: Cabinet approved K10m for every province and K5m per district to lead drought response as drought conditions worsen, with the National Disaster Centre coordinating. Police and Election Integrity: Police Minister Sir John Pundari told RPNGC to resist political interference ahead of 2027, stressing impartial policing during campaigning, polling and counting. Frontline Policing Boost: Japan donated 60 vehicles (K12.8m grant) to improve police mobility and reach communities. Financial Inclusion: Telikom received a Bank of PNG licence to launch nationwide digital wallet services. Education Law Passed: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, replacing the 1997 Act to modernise governance. Community and Welfare: RPNGC held its first financial literacy training for 16 women and police families at Morata Barracks. Gun Amnesty: A national firearms amnesty is underway, with the grace period ending Sept 16 and more than 200 guns already surrendered. Infrastructure Debate: A discussion piece questions whether PNG should prioritise major projects like the K76.8m Gurney Airport terminal upgrade over basic services. Deep-Sea Mining Warning: A report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor lawsuits if they restrict deep-sea mining under Investor-State Dispute Settlement rules.
El Niño Response: Cabinet approved K10m for every province and K5m per district to tackle drought impacts, with the National Disaster Centre coordinating local efforts as NCD and Gulf face extreme conditions and many provinces on severe alert. Parliament Resumes: Parliament returns with election-law amendments, Connect PNG updates, Bougainville consultation reports, and log export monitoring on the agenda. Election Integrity: Political Parties Registrar Emmanuel Pok says party behaviour will be strictly regulated, while Police Minister Sir John Pundari warns officers against political interference ahead of 2027. Police Capacity: Japan handed over 60 vehicles to the RPNGC to improve patrol reach and incident response. Financial Inclusion: Telikom received a Payment Service Provider Licence to expand mobile money nationwide. Governance Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in for Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Correctional Services, and Culture and Tourism. Public Safety: Gun amnesty grace period ends Sept 16, with calls for community support. Local Hardship: Central Province and NCD report severe drought, water outages and school closures, with K5.3m allocated and more needed. Women & Families: RPNGC held its first financial literacy training for women linked to police families. Digital Education: Port Moresby Business College launched a new website as part of PNG’s education digital push.
Infrastructure & Tourism: PM Marape officially opened upgraded Gurney Airport in Milne Bay, positioning it as PNG’s first “tourism airport” and an international gateway, with ADB-backed works including a new terminal, runway upgrades and cargo facilities. Public Safety & Elections: Police Minister Sir John Pundari urged officers to resist political interference ahead of 2027, stressing the oath, discipline and impartial policing during campaigning, polling and counting. Gun Violence Push: A national gun amnesty is underway, with the grace period ending Sept 16, and Pundari calling on provinces, churches and communities to help remove illegal firearms. Health: Port Moresby General Hospital received PNG’s first Halcyon Linear Accelerator, moving the Comprehensive Cancer Centre closer to nationwide radiation treatment services. Governance & Justice: Bougainville is training magistrates and court staff as it prepares to roll out its Community Court system under the Bougainville Community Court Act 2024. Economy & Reform: Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger on commodity prices and IMF-backed reforms, but growth must reach livelihoods and services. Tech & Connectivity: Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG signed a network-sharing pact to cut costs and expand coverage, including a “bill and keep” model for cross-network calls/texts. Environment: Central Province and NCD are struggling under El Niño drought, with Central allocating K5.3m for response and warning more funding is needed. Education & Skills: Port Moresby Business College launched a new website as part of its digital transformation push, while UPNG hosted a science fair showcasing local research and solutions. Corruption Case: NFACD charged a former UPNG bursar over alleged USIS and accounting fraud, including K602,785 in transfers and de-registration of 194 students.
Telecom Reform: Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG signed a landmark co-location and network-sharing pact, including a “bill and keep” interconnection model aimed at cutting costs and expanding coverage. Justice & Governance: Bougainville is rolling out training for magistrates, clerks and peace officers as it prepares to launch its Community Court system under the Bougainville Community Court Act 2024. Health Upgrade: Port Moresby General Hospital received PNG’s first Halcyon Linear Accelerator, a major step toward nationwide cancer radiation treatment later this year. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Gurney Airport in Alotau officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade supported by the Asian Development Bank, improving safety and capacity for Milne Bay. Public Finance Oversight: The ABG renewed its partnership with PNG’s Auditor-General’s Office through an MOU to strengthen accountability and public financial management. Education & Science: UPNG hosted a two-day science fair showcasing research and innovations, with support from major sponsors. Politics Ahead of GE27: Greater Sepik ministers Richard Maru and Belden Namah signed an agreement to pool resources as they campaign for the 2027 election. Sports Governance: PNG Rugby Union interim president Vincent Karawa warned the prolonged suspension is pushing players toward rugby league. Correctional Service Funding: Enga’s Mukurumanda Correctional Institution received K4m to complete works, with an opening targeted for September.
El Niño Drought Watch (Bougainville): The ABG says there’s an 80–90% chance of below-normal rainfall across Bougainville until year-end, with Nissan Atolls and other outer-island communities flagged for drought monitoring. Power Crisis (Morobe): Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jnr says Morobe is facing daily blackouts of 4–5 hours for months, pushing businesses to buy generators and hitting health and education services. Infrastructure Openings (Aviation): Gurney Airport in Alotau officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade under CADIP II, with new terminal, runway, lighting and cargo facilities. Governance & Finance (Bougainville): ABG and PNG Auditor-General renewed a partnership to strengthen public financial management, accountability and transparency. Anti-Fraud (UPNG): NFACD charged a former UPNG bursar over alleged K602,785 fraud and cyber/database manipulation involving student registrations and fee credits. Politics Ahead of 2027: PNG Party and the newly launched Nesenel Unity Party signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement, while Richard Maru formed the Nesenel United Party. Media Policy Debate: New Ireland deputy governor Sammy Missen urged government to respect mainstream media’s watchdog role before finalising a National Media Development Policy. Economy Outlook (Westpac): PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger than expected, but reforms must still translate growth into livelihoods and services.
Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Offs: PNG has been drawn against Chinese Taipei in the preliminary phase, with matches set for the Nov 24–Dec 5, 2026 international window. Power Crisis in Morobe: Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jnr says daily blackouts of 4–5 hours have dragged on for months, forcing businesses to run generators and hitting health and education services. Aviation Upgrade: Gurney Airport in Alotau officially opens after a K76.8m upgrade backed by the Asian Development Bank, improving safety, capacity and connectivity for Milne Bay. Bougainville Governance: ABG and PNG’s Auditor-General renew a partnership to strengthen public financial management, accountability and transparency. UPNG Fraud Case: NFACD charges a former UPNG bursar over alleged K602,785 fraud and USIS database manipulation, including alleged fraudulent student registrations. New Political Alliance: PNG Party and the newly launched Nesenel Unity Party sign a Memorandum of Agreement ahead of the 2027 election. Tech & Data Sovereignty: Datec launches Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre. Media Policy Debate: New Ireland deputy governor Sammy Missen urges government to respect mainstream media’s watchdog role while drafting a National Media Development Policy.
Political Alliances: PNG Party and the newly launched Nesenel Unity Party signed a Memorandum of Agreement ahead of the 2027 election, with leaders promising stronger governance and a “God first” policy direction. Aviation & Infrastructure: Gurney Airport in Milne Bay officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade under CADIP II, aiming for full operational certification and higher safety standards. Justice & Corrections: Work has finally started on high-security fencing at Bekut Prison on Buka Island, funded through Australia’s Law and Justice Program, with new facilities planned for male, female and juvenile detainees. Media & Governance: New Ireland deputy governor Sammy Missen says PNG’s National Media Development Policy must respect mainstream media’s watchdog role and avoid restricting or “oppressing” journalists. Tech & Data Sovereignty: Datec PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, positioning onshore data storage and processing for government and business. Economy & Regional Trade: Westpac says PNG’s 2026 second-half outlook is stronger, but reforms must translate into better livelihoods; meanwhile Marape and Wale push a PNG–Solomons growth corridor to turn political ties into investment and jobs. Security & Public Safety: Police Minister Sir John Pundari announced a gun amnesty with surrender payments (K2,000–K30,000) ending Sept 16, warning illegal gun holders face life sentences after the grace period. Health & Services: KPHL reports progress on PMGH cancer and heart facilities, while ordering a review of a stalled surgical ward project. Business & Skills: CEFI and CGC signed an MoU to boost MSME financial literacy and access to finance, including referrals into credit guarantees. International Pressure on Visas: Reports from the Pacific highlight US visa bond requirements, with some visitors facing bonds up to US$27,000.
Political Alliances: Minister Belden Namah says the PNG Party and the newly launched Nesenel Unity Party have signed a Memorandum of Agreement aimed at reshaping the 2027 election landscape, with both sides stressing God-first governance and promises of transparency and accountability. Aviation & Infrastructure: Gurney Airport in Milne Bay officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade under CADIP II, targeting full operational certification and aviation safety standards. Justice & Corrections: Work has started on K6.6m high-security fencing at Bekut Prison on Buka Island, funded through Australia’s law and justice program, with new works planned for male, female and juvenile areas. Media & Governance: New Ireland deputy governor Sammy Missen urges the government to respect mainstream media’s watchdog role while drafting a National Media Development Policy, warning against restricting or “moulding” journalists. Tech & Data Sovereignty: Datec PNG and Telikom launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, positioning onshore data storage and processing for government and business. Security & Public Safety: Police Minister Sir John Pundari announced an illegal gun surrender push ending Sept 16, with life sentences for anyone caught after the grace period. Economy & Jobs: Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger on commodity prices and reforms, but growth must translate into wider household benefits. Regional Trade: PM Marape and Solomon Islands leaders are pushing a “growth corridor” to turn political ties into investment, trade and downstream jobs.
Sovereign tech push: Datec PNG and Telikom PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, built for onshore data storage and AI workloads, with resilience designed for PNG’s power realities. Infrastructure safety: PNG released a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk information and engineering requirements using newer science and Geoscience Australia support. Economy watch: Westpac says PNG’s 2026 second half looks stronger on commodity prices, resource activity and Connect PNG spending, but warns reforms must translate into better livelihoods. Regional trade drive: PM James Marape and Solomon Islands leaders are pushing a “growth corridor” after the PNG–Solomon Islands Business Investment Forum, aiming for more investment, jobs and downstream processing. Health facility progress: KPHL reports movement on PMGH’s cancer treatment and national heart centre projects, while ordering a review of a stalled surgical ward. Politics ahead of 2027: Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru left People First Party to form the Nesenel United Pati (NUP), signalling new party activity for the 2027 election. Law and order: Police Minister Sir John Pundari announced an end to the gun amnesty on Sept 16, with life sentences for illegal firearm possession after Sept 17. Local governance and justice: Enga ward councillor Steven Harris says a councillor was charged with accessory after the fact to wilful murder linked to killings in Laiagam District. Business support: CEFI and CGC signed an MoU to boost MSME financial literacy and access to finance through training and credit guarantee referrals.
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