AGP Executive Report

Digital ID Rollout: Papua New Guinea has begun its first large-scale digital ID rollout for public servants, with a December 31 deadline and payroll-verified records aimed at cutting ghost employees and improving accountability. Public-Sector Tech Governance: A new push for biometric oversight highlights why police use of facial recognition needs strong senior control, clear records, accuracy checks, and public trust. Aviation Skills: PNG’s civil aviation regulator earned Air Niugini-backed certification training for Airbus A220 inspectors, reinforcing the country’s push to build local regulatory capability. Energy & Investment Diplomacy: PM Marape met the US Deputy Secretary to discuss energy security and investment, while visa-bond charges remain a concern for travellers. Off-Grid Power: A report spotlights PNG mini hydropower lessons, using Kudjip Nazarene Hospital as a case study for community ownership and long-term sustainability. Mining & Exploration: South Pacific Metals extended the Megabe mineralised strike beyond 300m; Great Pacific Gold reported broad shallow gold at Kavasuki; Taruga Minerals found new gold-silver signals at Wenasia and Sipupu. Security & Business Risk: Police are investigating a major Port Moresby robbery involving 25 gold bars and K315,000 cash from a security convoy. Consumer Protection: ICCC plans to place agents in every province over five years to strengthen market monitoring and complaint handling. Community & Culture: Steamships announced a gold sponsorship for the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival, tying corporate support to Motu Koita community links.

Armed Robbery: Police in Port Moresby are investigating one of PNG’s biggest heists after gunmen intercepted a security convoy and stole 25 gold bars (including 20 from Porgera) plus K1 million cash. PNG–Niue Cooperation: PM James Marape and Niue PM Dalton Tagelagi signed a framework deal to deepen development and technical cooperation across trade, health, agriculture, climate resilience and skills mobility. Energy Access & Renewables: A new review highlights how off-grid mini hydropower can be made more sustainable, using Kudjip Nazarene Hospital’s long-running system as a case study. Local Power Restored: Lights are back on at the Mt Hagen main market after electrical maintenance, with further work planned for security and water/sanitation. Gold Exploration Push: Geopacific Resources reported fresh high-grade gold drilling at Woodlark, while Taruga Minerals traced gold-silver mineralisation at Wenasia and Sipupu, and Great Pacific Gold released broad shallow intercepts at Kavasuki. Consumer Protection: The ICCC says it will expand into every province via agents under its 2026–2030 corporate plan to boost market monitoring and complaint handling. PNG Film Spotlight: The premiere of “Black Python” in Port Moresby drew calls for more funding and support to grow a sustainable local film industry. Sports Tourism: Tourism minister Belden Namah welcomed Jarome Luai and international golfers for the PNG Open, pitching it as a boost for sports tourism.

Pacific Diplomacy Shock: The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau opened with major absences and fresh claims of China-linked interference, with Taiwan’s presence also drawing anger and “highly suspicious” questions from New Zealand. Bougainville Decision Pressure: PNG MPs are being urged to slow down before ratifying Bougainville’s 2019 independence vote, with calls for deeper review of what independence would mean for PNG and the region. Consumer Protection Push: PNG’s ICCC says it will expand to a permanent regulatory presence in every province under its 2026–2030 plan, using provincial agents to handle complaints and monitor compliance. Financial Safety Move: Westpac PNG signed the PNG Empower Finance Code, aiming to curb financial abuse and improve safer, more inclusive services. Mining Drilling Updates: South Pacific Metals extended the Megabe mineralised strike at its Osena project to over 300 metres, while Great Pacific Gold reported broad, shallow gold intercepts at Kavasuki on its Wild Dog project. Energy Deal Watch: PNG’s revised Papua LNG gas agreement sets a 15 December “drop-dead” deadline for FID and signals possible operator changes, with conditional incentives tied to LNG price outcomes. Maritime Capability: JJ Ship Equip Agencies highlights the need for stronger in-country maritime support services to reduce downtime and build PNG’s shipping resilience. Infrastructure Safety: PNG’s revised seismic bridge design guidance flags hazards including Markham Bridge, with JICA support discussed for redesign after earthquake impacts. Tourism & Sports: PNG welcomed Jarome Luai and international golfers for the PNG Open, pitching sports tourism as a growing industry.

Pacific Diplomacy Tensions: The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau is off to a shaky start, with five leaders absent and China reportedly “furious” over Taiwan’s presence, while Australia and New Zealand flag possible foreign interference. Consumer Protection Push: PNG’s ICCC says it will expand to a regulatory presence in every province under its 2026–2030 plan, using provincial agents to handle complaints and monitor compliance. Labour Mobility Reality Check: A commentary urges PNG to measure labour mobility by worker protections and fair treatment, after reports of unsafe conditions and a death of a PNG construction worker in Australia. Energy & LNG Watch: PNG’s revised Papua LNG gas agreement is explained, including a 15 December “drop-dead” FID deadline, possible ExxonMobil operator shift, and conditional state incentives tied to LNG prices. Infrastructure Safety: PNG’s revised seismic bridge design manual flags Markham Bridge and other structures as hazardous, with redesign and reconstruction plans discussed for routes tied to major mining traffic. Sports Tourism Boost: Tourism Minister Belden Namah welcomes Jarome Luai and international golfers for the PNG Open, pitching it as a growing sports tourism draw. Maritime Capability: JJ Ship Equip Agencies highlights building local maritime capability to reduce downtime and speed up technical support inside PNG. Hidden Valley Benefits: The revised CDA for the Hidden Valley Mining Project is signed, clearing the way for landowners and communities in Morobe to access development benefits. Financial Abuse Safeguards: Nasfund co-signs the PNG Empower Finance Code with BPNG and other institutions to tackle coercion and misuse, especially as digital channels grow. Mining Enforcement: Police in Lae detain 12 Asian nationals over alleged illegal mining activity without permits in Watut, with deportation expected. Sovereign Digital Agenda: Kumul Cloud Infinity is promoted as a “sovereign trust” move to keep key national data and services under PNG control.

Pacific Islands Forum fallout: Australia’s PM Albanese stayed quiet on whether Beijing drove key Pacific leader absences from Palau’s PIF, as Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and Kiribati (plus Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale) skipped talks amid growing “interference” fears. Consumer & competition regulation: PNG’s Independent Consumer and Competition Commission launched its 2026-2030 corporate plan, aiming to expand enforcement, boost product safety monitoring, and strengthen provincial coverage. Mining community benefits: Harmony Gold’s Hidden Valley Mining Project cleared a major step with a revised Community Development Agreement signed to unlock landowner and community benefits in Morobe. Energy supply pressure: PNG’s Petroleum and Energy Minister declared a 30-day fuel emergency, directing the Bank of PNG to maintain FX for authorised dealers while Puma Energy must keep supply moving. Digital sovereignty: Kumul Cloud Infinity plans push “sovereign trust” for PNG data and services under local control. Casino push: PNG moved closer to launching its first land-based casino, Pacific Pearl in Port Moresby, with staffing ads underway pending licensing. Agriculture under El Niño: Bougainville was placed on drought alert, while coffee farmers in the Highlands urged faster water support to protect production. Health security: PNG completed its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with WHO, strengthening preparedness across health, agriculture, environment, security and finance.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders gather Aug 30–Sept 1 under “Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity,” but several key Pacific PMs are missing, while climate and security are expected to dominate talks. Fuel crisis response: PNG’s Petroleum and Energy Minister Kerenga Kua declares a 30-day state of emergency over fuel shortages, directing the Bank of PNG to maintain FX for authorised dealers and requiring Puma Energy to keep supply moving. Mining and land benefits: The revised Hidden Valley CDA is signed, clearing the way for community benefits tied to Harmony Gold’s gold operation in Morobe. Drought alerts for Bougainville: ABG places Bougainville on drought alert amid El Niño risk, flagging threats to water, gardens, food security and remote logistics. Agriculture push for exports: The US points to agritech and harmonised food safety rules to boost PNG agri-exports at APEC. Finance safeguards: Nasfund co-signs the PNG Empower Finance Code with BPNG and other institutions to tackle financial abuse and digital exploitation. Health and industry support: Angau Hospital receives 36 ventilators (K1.8m) and Pacific Lime & Cement nears production with new bridges and road access for the Kido community. Gold project upgrade: Metso wins about €10m to supply processing tech packages for Simberi Gold expansion. Illegal mining crackdown: 12 Asian nationals detained in Watut, Bulolo, over alleged unauthorised mining; deportation expected.

Hidden Valley CDA Signed: PNG’s revised Community Development Agreement for the Hidden Valley Mining Project is now formally signed, clearing the way for Morobe landowners and communities to access benefits from the gold operation. Financial Abuse Protection: Nasfund co-signs the PNG Empower Finance Code with BPNG and 14 institutions, aiming to curb financial abuse and coercion as digital channels expand. Fuel Crisis Emergency: Petroleum and Energy Minister Kerenga Kua declares a 30-day state of emergency over fuel shortages, directing BPNG to maintain FX for authorised dealers while requiring uninterrupted fuel supply. Bougainville Drought Alert: The ABG places Bougainville on drought alert due to El Niño-linked below-normal rainfall risk, with focus on water, food gardens and remote island logistics. First Lime & Cement Project Nears Production: State takes a stake as Pacific Lime and Cement’s bridges and site works progress, with first lime production targeted for early 2027. Health Security Upgrade: PNG completes its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO, setting up a national health security action plan. Agri-Trade Festival Momentum: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicks off in Goroka, backed by trade and standards consultations to boost market access for farmers. Avian Flu Watch: WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) spread from animals to humans. Care for Critical Patients: Angau Hospital in Lae receives 36 ventilators worth K1.8m to strengthen emergency and ICU capacity.

Health Security Upgrade: Papua New Guinea completed its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with WHO, assessing capacities under IHR 2005 and setting up a path to a prioritized, costed national health security action plan. Hospital Capacity Boost: Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae received 36 new ventilators worth about K1.8 million, aimed at emergency, ICU, nursery and acute wards, with possible rollout to district hospitals. Agriculture Under El Niño: Coffee farmers in the lower highlands say dry conditions are stopping berries from ripening; they’re calling for better water access and stronger support from district, LLG and provincial authorities. Trade & Farming Push: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka (28–30 Aug), with government agencies backing farmers and processors, plus consultations on standards and trade opportunities. Energy Deal Momentum: Papua LNG signed three landmark agreements to support a Final Investment Decision by 15 Dec 2026, including a temporary risk-sharing price stabilisation mechanism. Finance Integrity: Nasfund co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code with BPNG to tackle financial abuse risks rising with digital and “faceless” interactions. Brand & Sports Industry: Trukai named rugby league rising star Cooper Bai as brand ambassador, while Pepsi also announced Jarome Luai’s PNG ambassador role—both tied to youth and community programs. Maritime & Logistics Safety: PNG and Australia’s joint survey mission produced new navigational data off Morobe, improving charts and supporting safer commercial shipping.

Pacific Policy & Climate: Leaders head to the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau with Australia likely facing fresh pressure on emissions and fossil fuel expansion, as PNG and other island states push for climate action tied to development and control of resources. Public Health Preparedness: WHO urges Pacific countries, including PNG, to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) and strengthen One Health coordination as detections spread in Australia and New Zealand. Finance & Consumer Protection: Nasfund co-signs the PNG Empower Finance Code with Bank of PNG to tackle financial abuse risks growing with digital and “faceless” interactions. Agribusiness & Trade: PNG’s 70th Agriculture and Trade Festival kicks off in Goroka, with government agencies backing farmers and processors and consultations on standards, trade opportunities and market access. Energy & Infrastructure: PNG signs revised Papua LNG agreements aimed at a Final Investment Decision by 15 Dec 2026, while PNG Power is described by PM Marape as in “terminal” condition needing structural reforms. Maritime & Logistics: PNG and Australia complete a joint survey mission to improve charting of previously unmapped waters off Morobe, supporting safer shipping and trade. Branding & Youth Sport: Trukai names rugby league rising star Cooper Bai as brand ambassador, while Pepsi backs Jarome Luai under major PNG partnerships. Mining & Legal Risk: A Pacific report warns deep-sea mining policy changes could trigger investor-state disputes, with PNG flagged among exposed countries.

El Niño Shock on PNG Business: PNG stakeholders are being pushed to act as El Niño-driven drought and water stress bite, with calls for faster village assessments and clearer emergency plans to protect food and water supplies. Agribusiness & Trade Push: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka (28–30 Aug), bringing farmers, processors, SMEs and government agencies together, with the Department of International Trade and Investment backing the event and consultations on standards and market access. Banking Reform for Inclusion: Bank of PNG set out a financial reform agenda aimed at stability and investment confidence, targeting inflation control, banking regulation, payments and foreign exchange, and strengthening non-mineral growth. Health Security Readiness: PNG completed its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO support, mapping strengths and gaps to shape a prioritized, costed national health security action plan. Energy Deal Momentum: Papua LNG signed three landmark agreements to keep the project on track toward a 15 Dec 2026 Final Investment Decision, including a temporary risk-sharing price mechanism. Power Utility Under Pressure: PM James Marape described PNG Power as in “terminal” condition, citing ageing assets, weak revenue collection and maintenance gaps, with reforms and partial privatization on the table. Mining Jobs & Growth: K92 Mining opened hiring for 44 roles at Kainantu Gold Mine, spanning trades, operations, processing and exploration. Branding in Food & Sport: Trukai signed rugby league rising star Cooper Bai as brand ambassador, while Pepsi named Jerome Luai under a five-year PNG partnership—both aimed at youth engagement and consumer reach. Public Safety & Courts: Port Moresby District Court convicted 70 students over city fight incitement, fining them and placing them on good-behaviour bonds. Maritime Trade Support: PNG and Australia’s joint hydrographic survey produced new navigational data off Morobe to improve charting and safer commercial shipping. Bird Flu Alert: WHO urged Pacific countries, including PNG, to prepare for avian influenza as H5N1 spreads in the region.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese heads into Pacific Islands Forum “summit season” in Palau with a fresh run of defence and policing deals, including deeper PNG ties and a regional police push. Mining & Jobs: K92 Mining is recruiting across Kainantu Gold Mine in Eastern Highlands, advertising 44 roles from trades and processing to underground operations. Agriculture & Trade: PNG’s 70th Agriculture and Trade Festival kicks off in Goroka (28–30 Aug), with government and corporate support aimed at boosting market access, downstream processing and SME participation. Central Banking Reform: Bank of PNG outlines a reform agenda focused on stability, inclusion and investment, including inflation targets and stronger financial sector oversight. Energy Investment: Papua LNG signs three agreements to keep the project on track for a Final Investment Decision by 15 Dec 2026, using a temporary risk-sharing fiscal mechanism. Deep-sea Mining Legal Risk: Pacific governments are warned that changing deep-sea mining rules could trigger costly investor-state disputes. Power Sector Pressure: PM James Marape says PNG Power is in a “terminal” condition, citing ageing infrastructure and weak revenue collection, with reforms underway. Sports Sponsorship: Jarome Luai becomes Pepsi PNG ambassador under a five-year partnership, while Trukai names Cooper Bai as brand ambassador for two years. El Niño Fallout: PNG stakeholders warn of El Niño-driven drought and water stress, with calls for faster emergency response on the ground.

Agri-Trade Push: PNG’s 70th Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka (28–30 Aug), with the Department of International Trade and Investment backing the event (K15,000) and agencies like NISIT and the National Trade Office running consultations on standards and trade opportunities. Cultural Tourism & Local Sales: The Malagan Festival returned to Kavieng after 30+ years, giving New Ireland businesses, crafts makers and food sellers a fresh tourism boost. Financial Reform: Bank of PNG outlined a reform agenda focused on stability, inclusion and investment, including inflation outlook and banking regulation priorities. Energy Deal Momentum: Papua LNG signed three agreements to keep the project on track for a Final Investment Decision by 15 Dec 2026, including a temporary risk-sharing price stabilisation mechanism and protections for landowner and government payments. Mining & Legal Risk: A Pacific report warns deep-sea mining policy shifts could trigger costly investor-state disputes, raising a “chilling effect” on environmental rule changes. Power Sector Alarm: PM Marape told Parliament PNG Power is in “terminal” condition, citing ageing infrastructure and weak revenue collection, with reforms since 2023. Industry Skills & Governance: LAWASIA’s environmental law forum stressed stronger judicial capacity for handling environmental disputes. Infrastructure Debate: Gurney Airport’s K76.8m terminal upgrade sparked calls to balance big projects with basic services like health, schools and policing. El Niño Water Warnings: Police Minister Pundari urged landowners to share water sources fairly as drought and water shortages loom. Aviation for Industry: Air Niugini handled a major 84-tonne mining cargo flight for Ok Tedi, highlighting air freight’s role in PNG supply chains. Sports Sponsorships: Pepsi and Trukai both signed PNG rugby league stars—Jarome Luai as Pepsi ambassador and Cooper Bai as Trukai ambassador—linking brand investment with youth and community programmes.

Papua LNG Deal Momentum: PNG signed three landmark agreements with ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies at Government House, aiming to trigger Final Investment Decision by Dec 15, 2026 and reshape risk-sharing after cost pressures (K18bn down to K14bn). Maritime & Trade Readiness: Australia and PNG wrapped a joint coastal charting survey off Morobe, improving navigation safety for commercial shipping and strengthening PNG maritime capability. Mining Processing Push: Metso won about €10m for Simberi Gold’s New Simberi expansion, adding Vertimill, flotation, dewatering and high-rate thickener tech. Agriculture & Food Systems: NARI and IFPRI are running fresh-produce value chain research to move garden farming toward commercial supply and improve transport, storage and processing. El Niño Water Warnings: Police Minister Sir John Pundari urged landowners to share water sources fairly as drought and water rationing risks loom. Local Industry & Jobs: Air Niugini handled a major Jacksons Airport cargo flight for Ok Tedi, showing how air freight keeps mining and supply chains moving. Sports Sponsorships: Trukai named rugby league rising star Cooper Bai as brand ambassador, while Jarome Luai’s Pepsi deal highlights growing PNG consumer-brand marketing. Tourism Infrastructure Debate: Gurney Airport’s terminal upgrade sparked calls to balance big projects with urgent basics like medicines and schools. Combat Sports Regulation: Kickboxing pioneer Nandex says a bill is being prepared for a unified PNG Combat Sports Authority. Casino Plans: Pacific Pearl in Port Moresby began advertising for staff as PNG moves toward its first casino licensing.

Mining Logistics: Air Niugini handled a major PNG mining cargo run, moving 84 tonnes of supplies for Ok Tedi via a Boeing 747 freighter through Jacksons International Airport. Agriculture & Trade: The Highlands Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka is set to expand, with 40+ corporate and government exhibitors already signed up, including machinery and agribusiness players. Food Systems Research: NARI and IFPRI are running fresh produce value chain research to map bottlenecks from farming to processing, transport and sales, aiming to shape policy and export options. El Niño Water Risk: Police Minister Sir John Pundari warned landowners not to profit from water shortages expected in 2026–27, urging community access and cooperation. Healthcare Capacity Gap: A report highlights Bulolo Hospital’s world-class equipment sitting unused due to staffing shortfalls, raising urgent questions for public health investment. Tourism Infrastructure: Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport is framed as a tourism and business gateway, but critics say benefits must reach basic services and local communities. Cocoa/Palm Value Chains: Indonesia is exploring deeper cocoa and palm ties with Malaysia and PNG to build sustainable, small-farmer-inclusive value chains. Deep-Sea Mining Sovereignty: A new report warns Pacific governments, including PNG, could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten deep-sea mining rules. Print & Local Industry: BizPrint backed by Konica Minolta installed the first AccurioPress C12010S in the Pacific, boosting local digital production capability. Land & Mining Rights Voices: Coverage continues on women-led cross-border land rights pressure against mining giants, linking community rights to accountability. Security & Mobility: Japan donated 60+ vehicles to PNG police to improve patrol reach ahead of the 2027 election.

Digital Printing Boost: BizPrint (Remington Group) has installed the Pacific’s first Konica Minolta AccurioPress C12010S in Papua New Guinea, aiming to cut reliance on offset work and expand short-run, on-demand and customised print for local businesses. Mining & Governance: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns deep-sea mining could trigger costly investor-state disputes, with Papua New Guinea among countries exposed to legal “chilling effects” if environmental rules tighten. Bougainville Deal Scrutiny: OCCRP reports Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama accepted help for his wife’s kidney surgery before signing a Panguna mine redevelopment MoU with Lloyds Metals and Energy, raising fresh questions about bypassed partner selection. Fisheries Transparency: FiTI and the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency praised international fleet transparency moves, but stressed that PNG and others must move from pledges to verifiable, stakeholder-led implementation. Tourism & Infrastructure: Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport is framed as a tourism and trade gateway, but critics say benefits must reach communities alongside health, education and policing funding. Public Safety Upgrade: Japan has donated 60+ vehicles to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to improve patrol reach ahead of the 2027 election. Energy Cooperation: A think tank says Asia-Pacific energy partnerships are progressing across renewables and infrastructure, supporting supply-chain stability and energy security. Agriculture Resilience: PNG stakeholders have endorsed an El Niño agricultural drought plan for 2026-27, focusing on preparedness, anticipatory action, response and recovery.

Deep-sea mining risk: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns that investor-state dispute rules could let foreign firms sue Pacific governments over tighter environmental or regulatory moves, with Papua New Guinea flagged among exposed countries. Bougainville mining politics: An OCCRP investigation alleges Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama accepted a surprise offer to fund his wife’s kidney surgery before signing a major Panguna mine deal, raising fresh questions about partner selection and governance. Gaming push: Pacific Pearl in Port Moresby’s Paga Hill SEZ has started staffing and is seeking licensing for what would be PNG’s first casino, with around 100 machines and 20 tables planned. Security upgrade: Japan has donated 60+ vehicles worth K12.8m to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to boost patrol reach ahead of the 2027 election. Tourism infrastructure debate: Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport terminal is framed as a tourism and trade catalyst, but critics say benefits must reach basic services like health, schools and policing. Biosecurity capability: PNG’s first specialised PCR suite is progressing in Port Moresby, strengthening local pest and disease testing for crops, livestock and trade. Mining operations continuity: Ok Tedi says it is managing dry-weather logistics with alternate routes and contingency planning while keeping operations running safely. Agriculture planning: Stakeholders have endorsed PNG’s El Niño Agricultural Drought Plan of Action 2026–27, mapping preparedness, response and recovery roles across government and partners. Local jobs and digital systems: Simberi Gold is recruiting a Data Entry Clerk to support rollout of its Borealis records system in Port Moresby. Trade and markets: A report shows Australia’s imports of Pacific agricultural products have more than tripled over five years, signalling growing export opportunities for PNG and neighbours. Industry services: BizPrint has invested in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C12010S, positioning it as a first-of-its-kind digital print capability for the Pacific region. Energy services: Verbrec secured about $16m in new energy security contracts across Australia, including work tied to Papua New Guinea clients.