AGP Executive Report

Digital Regulation: NICTA is drafting three new Papua New Guinea Bills to modernise the digital ruleset—covering data governance and protection, digital identity, and emerging technologies—after stakeholder consultations showed the current framework still leans heavily on traditional telecoms. Mobile Connectivity: PNG has cleared the way for commercial 5G, with NICTA confirming spectrum availability in the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz bands and signalling operators can start rolling out when ready. Public Finance Tech: Papua New Guinea has signed a three-year K26m deal with TechnologyOne to support and expand its nationwide Integrated Financial Management System, including cybersecurity, cloud services, and an AI “plain language and voice” interface for financial records. Conservation Research: The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program is partnering with PNG University of Technology to run field-based research in the YUS Conservation Area, with training and community involvement built in. Health & Biosecurity Research: Scientists have mapped insect-specific viruses in Papua New Guinea Culex mosquitoes, finding hundreds of insect-only viral species and dozens of new viral genomes. Energy & LNG: TotalEnergies is selling 9.1% of Papua LNG to partners and handing operatorship to ExxonMobil, as the project moves closer to a final investment decision. Climate Risk: El Niño is strengthening across the Pacific, with warnings that drought, wildfire smoke, and water and food stress could intensify into 2027—relevant for PNG’s planning and resilience.

5G Rollout: Papua New Guinea’s telecom regulator NICTA has cleared the way for commercial 5G, confirming spectrum availability in the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz bands and giving operators regulatory certainty to start deployments. Public Finance Tech: PNG has signed a three-year K26m deal with TechnologyOne to support and optimise its nationwide Integrated Financial Management System, with plans for AI-assisted “plain language” interactions and upgrades to cash receipting and project tracking. Energy Project Update: TotalEnergies will sell a 9.1% stake in Papua LNG and hand operatorship to ExxonMobil PNG Antelope as the project moves toward a final investment decision, with reported EPC tender completion and major cost savings. Digital TV Upgrade: Digicel Pacific has selected Techtel to deliver a new digital TV head-end platform for PNG, replacing existing infrastructure and supporting both free-to-air and encrypted pay services. Climate & Air Quality: Scientists say haze over Palau is linked to smoke transported thousands of miles from fires across Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, with El Niño expected to intensify wildfire and climate impacts. Biodiversity Discoveries: Researchers report insect-specific viruses in PNG Culex mosquitoes and a new walking shark species found off Papua New Guinea. Culture & Knowledge: A new “A Tale of Central Province” collection preserves student-documented legends, while PNG UNRE’s Naiyas Neson is set to present low-cost peanut-based tilapia feed research at a regional nature conservation conference.

Digital Government & Finance: Papua New Guinea has signed a three-year K26m deal with TechnologyOne to support and optimise its nationwide Integrated Financial Management System, now live across all 22 provinces and linked to national agencies, districts and local-level governments. The next phase adds an AI “plain language and voice” assistant for financial records, unified cash receipting, project tracking and cybersecurity support. Telecoms: PNG has cleared the way for commercial 5G, with NICTA confirming spectrum availability in the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz bands for qualified operators, following trials and regulatory checks. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A warning is raised that expanding road connectivity under Connect PNG could worsen security risks if policing and governance don’t keep up, turning highways into corridors for crime and trafficking. Health & Research: Scientists report a large survey of insect-specific viruses in Papua New Guinea Culex mosquitoes, mapping hundreds of viral species and building a baseline for future work. Biodiversity: A new walking shark species has been identified off PNG, and a rare “spinach pipefish” has been rediscovered in the Sepik. Energy (Regional Tech Impact): TotalEnergies will sell 9.1% of Papua LNG and hand operatorship to ExxonMobil as the project moves toward a final investment decision.

Papua LNG shake-up: TotalEnergies says it will sell a 9.1% stake in Papua New Guinea’s Papua LNG joint venture to partners and hand operatorship to ExxonMobil PNG Antelope, as the project nears a final investment decision in Q4 2026. TotalEnergies also points to EPC tender completion, amended gas agreement with the PNG government, and nearly $4bn in savings since 2024. 5G unlock for PNG: The telecom regulator NICTA has cleared the way for commercial 5G by making 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum available for licensing, giving operators regulatory certainty to roll out next-gen services (with coverage expected to ramp up over time). TV upgrade for Digicel Pacific: Digicel Pacific has selected Techtel to deliver a new digital TV head-end platform in PNG, replacing existing infrastructure and supporting both free-to-air and encrypted pay TV. New PNG species finds: Scientists have named a new nocturnal groundsnake from New Guinea after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, and divers report a newly described walking shark species off PNG with a very small known range. Health and science in PNG: A study maps insect-specific viruses in PNG Culex mosquitoes, while PNG UNRE student Naiyas Neson heads to a regional nature conservation conference in Nouméa with a low-cost peanut-based tilapia feed project.

5G Rollout: PNG’s regulator NICTA has cleared the way for commercial 5G, opening spectrum in the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz bands for licensing so operators can start deploying next-gen services (with rollout timing still up to companies). Digital Identity & Elections: PNG is pushing ahead with digital ID for public servants, while election-focused reporting argues biometrics should verify voters but not replace the secret ballot. Health & Biosecurity Research: A new study maps insect-specific viruses in PNG Culex mosquitoes, finding hundreds of viral species and dozens of insect-only virus types—useful for understanding local mosquito ecosystems. Marine Science Discovery: Divers have identified a new walking shark species off PNG, with a very small known range and likely conservation risk. Conservation & Food Tech: A PNG UNRE student will present research in Nouméa on low-cost peanut-based feed for Nile tilapia fingerlings. Climate Pressure in the Region: Pacific communities are bracing for a strong El Niño, with warnings about drought, heavier rain in other areas, and stress on water, food and children’s health. Tech for Outreach: A church in Port Moresby has launched an online radio station to reach remote communities using internet broadcasting. Nature & Culture Tech Events: Air Niugini backs the Hiri Hanenamo quest with a cruise prize, while IBS University prepares PNG Global Connect 2027 on climate resilience and AI.

5G Rollout: Papua New Guinea’s telecom regulator has cleared the way for commercial 5G, confirming spectrum is ready for licensing in the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz bands—giving operators the regulatory certainty to plan deployments, though coverage won’t be instant nationwide. Digital Inclusion: At the Alliance for Financial Inclusion forum in Port Moresby, PNG leaders stressed that access alone isn’t enough—financial services must be safe and trusted, with digital tools helping reach rural communities. Governance & Tech Skills: A PNG leadership programme for State-owned enterprise directors and NICTA staff returned after governance training in Australia, focusing on board effectiveness, risk oversight and inclusive leadership. Biodiversity Discovery: Researchers report a new walking shark species off PNG, with a very small known range and conservation concerns. Science & Community Tech: PNG’s online radio push continues, with Revival Centres launching “Voice of Revival” to reach remote communities using technology. Research Funding Boost: IBS University named Daltron PNG as Gold Sponsor for PNG Global Connect 2027, a climate resilience and AI-focused research conference in Port Moresby.

Digital Connectivity: PNG’s telecom regulator has cleared the way for 5G by making 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum available for licensing, aiming to speed up next-generation mobile rollout. Digital Identity & Elections: A push is growing for biometric voter verification to reduce multiple voting and impersonation, while keeping the secret ballot and focusing on policing and justice to tackle election violence. Financial Inclusion: PNG’s central bank and BSP are stressing that inclusion isn’t just about accounts—it needs safe, trusted services people can actually use, with digital payments and mobile banking highlighted as key tools. Governance & Capacity Building: Kumul Consolidated Holdings and the Australian government brought PNG State-owned enterprise and NICTA leaders back after governance training in Australia, with mentoring to follow. Research & Innovation: IBS University announced major sponsorship for PNG Global Connect 2027, a Port Moresby conference focused on climate resilience, AI, innovation and inclusive growth. Science in PNG: Researchers and local fishers have rediscovered the rare Spinach Pipefish in the Sepik after decades, showing how community knowledge can unlock biodiversity surprises.

5G Rollout: Papua New Guinea’s telecom regulator (NICTA) has cleared spectrum in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands for licensing, a key step toward wider next-gen mobile services. Digital ID & Elections: PNG is also beginning a first large-scale digital ID rollout for public servants, while separate reporting argues biometrics should support voter verification without replacing the secret ballot. Financial Inclusion: Bank South Pacific and the Bank of Papua New Guinea used the AFI Global Policy Forum in Port Moresby to stress that digital payments can expand access, but only a safe, trusted system delivers real inclusion. Governance Training: Kumul Consolidated Holdings and the Australian Institute of Company Directors ran a leadership programme for PNG SOE and NICTA leaders, focusing on board effectiveness and risk oversight. Culture + Tech in Travel: Air Niugini is backing the Hiri Hanenamo quest with a winners’ cruise across Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Science in PNG Waters: Researchers have rediscovered the rare Spinach Pipefish in the Sepik River after decades, with local knowledge helping confirm the species. Health Focus: NCDPHA in Port Moresby is pushing lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care to tackle rising non-communicable diseases.

5G Rollout: PNG has cleared the way for 5G mobile services after NICTA confirmed spectrum in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands is now available for licensing, a milestone for next-gen networks and investment. Digital ID Push: PNG is moving ahead with its first large-scale digital ID rollout for public servants, with a December 31 deadline and agency data-prep steps aimed at tackling duplicate and “ghost” payroll records. Biometrics for Elections: A new policy argument says biometrics could strengthen voter verification and the electoral roll, but should support the secret ballot rather than replace it, alongside better policing and justice. Financial Inclusion Tech: Bank South Pacific and the Bank of Papua New Guinea both stress that digital payments and mobile banking can expand inclusion, but only if services are safe, trusted, and usable during crises. Governance Training: PNG’s State-owned enterprise and NICTA leaders have returned after governance training in Australia, focused on board effectiveness, risk oversight, and inclusive leadership. Science & Nature: A rare Spinach Pipefish has been rediscovered in the Sepik River after decades, with local knowledge helping researchers confirm the species. Health & Prevention: Port Moresby’s NCDPHA is promoting lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care to tackle rising non-communicable diseases. Culture & Media: Air Niugini is sponsoring the Hiri Hanenamo quest, while Revival Centres of PNG launched an online radio station to reach remote communities. Earthquakes: A 5.7-magnitude quake struck Papua New Guinea, adding to a busy week of seismic activity.

5G Rollout: PNG has cleared the way for 5G by making 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum available for licensing, giving mobile operators regulatory certainty to plan and invest in next-gen networks. Digital Identity: PNG is moving ahead with its first large-scale digital ID rollout for public servants, with a December 31 deadline to issue digital IDs and plans to verify records against payroll to tackle duplicate or “ghost” entries. Financial Inclusion: At the Alliance for Financial Inclusion forum in Port Moresby, leaders stressed that access alone isn’t enough—financial systems must be safe and trusted, and digital payments are key for rural households and small businesses. Governance & Skills: State-owned enterprise and NICTA leaders returned after governance training in Australia, focused on board effectiveness, risk oversight and inclusive leadership. Aviation Training: PNG’s civil aviation regulator received commendation from Air Niugini after inspectors earned Airbus A220 certification, boosting local oversight capacity. Climate & Oceans: Pacific Forum leaders backed stronger action to protect climate-resilient coral reefs and pushed coordinated regional positions on oceans, fisheries and deep-sea minerals. Earth News: A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck PNG at shallow depth, adding to a busy week of seismic activity.

Digital ID Rollout: PNG is moving ahead with its first large-scale digital ID push for public servants, with a December 31 deadline and agency prep due by October 31 to support payroll integrity and cut “ghost employee” records. Financial Inclusion: Bank South Pacific CEO Mark Robinson says digital payments are already expanding inclusion and resilience across rural PNG and the South Pacific, while Bank of PNG governor Elizabeth Genia stresses inclusion only works when the system is safe and trusted—not just when people can open accounts. Governance Training: State-owned enterprise and NICTA leaders returned to PNG after AICD training in Brisbane and Canberra, focused on board effectiveness, risk oversight and inclusive leadership. Elections & Biometrics: A new push argues biometrics should strengthen voter verification and the electoral roll, but must not replace the secret ballot and needs stronger oversight to protect public trust. Earthquake Watch: A 5.7-magnitude quake hit PNG (depth 10 km), adding to a busy week of seismic activity. Health & Prevention: NCDPHA in Port Moresby is promoting lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care to tackle rising non-communicable diseases. Faith Tech: Revival Centres of PNG launched an online radio and TV station in Port Moresby to reach remote communities using digital broadcasting.

Climate & Disaster Watch: Papua New Guinea is bracing for the strongest El Niño on record, with Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology warning heat extremes are likely to surpass past levels, while UN updates say it could persist into early 2027 and hit communities hard. Earthquakes: A 5.7-magnitude quake struck PNG at about 2004 GMT, with the epicentre reported by GFZ at 10 km depth. Digital ID & Public Service: PNG has set a December 31 deadline for every public servant to receive a digital ID, aiming to cut duplicate and “ghost” payroll records under the One Person, One Position, One Pay policy. Elections & Biometrics: A policy push argues biometrics can strengthen voter verification and the electoral roll, but should not replace the secret ballot and must be paired with policing and oversight. Media & Connectivity: Revival Centres of PNG launched an online radio and TV station in Port Moresby, using tech to reach remote communities. Health Systems: NCDPHA is promoting lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care to tackle rising non-communicable diseases in Port Moresby. Aviation Skills: PNG’s civil aviation regulator received commendation after inspectors achieved Airbus A220 certification with Air Niugini support. Carbon & Forests: PNG is advancing carbon trading rules and jurisdictional REDD+ work, positioning rainforests as a potential future export economy.

Digital Identity Rollout: PNG has set a December 31 deadline to issue digital IDs to every public servant, with agencies preparing staff records by October 31 to support “One Person, One Position, One Pay” and cut ghost or duplicate payrolls. Public Service Aviation Skills: PNG’s civil aviation regulator (CASA) earned Air Niugini commendation after two inspectors certified on the Airbus A220, strengthening local oversight capacity for newer aircraft. Biometrics Oversight: A new governance push argues police use of facial recognition needs stronger senior oversight, clear record-keeping, proper sourcing, and accuracy checks—urging oversight boards to treat AI-enabled biometrics as a standing agenda item. Disaster & Safety Tech: A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck PNG (10 km depth), while PNG also faces infrastructure safety pressure as the revised seismic design manual flags bridges like Markham as hazardous and calls for redesigns. Health System Accountability: PNG’s Health Minister is calling for stronger Provincial Health Authorities, better leadership and supply reforms, and measurable results after 20 years of PHA reforms. Consumer Protection: The ICCC plans to place agents in every province over five years to handle complaints and monitor compliance more closely. Science & Research: Great Pacific Gold reported broad, shallow gold intercepts from its Kavasuki drill program in East New Britain, adding detail to its Wild Dog project targets. Regional Tech Diplomacy: PNG and Niue signed a framework agreement covering development and technical cooperation, including digital development among other sectors.

WW2 Repatriation: American servicemen who died in Papua New Guinea during World War II are finally being returned to families after more than 80 years, with US Defence POW/MIA investigators working alongside local PNG teams to recover remains in East New Britain and New Ireland. Pacific Tech Cooperation: PNG and Niue sign a framework agreement to expand development and technical cooperation across areas including health, education, agriculture, climate resilience, infrastructure and digital development. Broadcast & Media Tech: Revival Centres of Papua New Guinea launches its Voice of Revival digital radio and television station in Port Moresby, built with support from NICTA and technical teams from Australia, now operating for radio and camera plus podcasting. Health Accountability: PNG Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph calls for stronger Provincial Health Authorities, pushing a 120-day plan focused on leadership, medical supplies, infrastructure, workforce and pre-hospital care. Consumer Protection Rollout: ICCC says it plans to place agents in every province over the next five years to handle complaints and monitor compliance more closely. Mining & Data for Growth: Taruga Minerals reports new gold-silver exploration results in PNG’s Weioko Gold District, while Great Pacific Gold releases drill results from the Kavasuki target on its Wild Dog Project. Digital Sovereignty: Kumul Consolidated Holdings and Datatec back the Kumul Cloud Infinity push for “sovereign trust,” aiming to keep key national data and services under PNG control.

Pacific Governance & Security: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau is off to a shaky start, with multiple leaders absent and China reportedly furious over Taiwan’s representation, raising fresh questions about how outside influence can steer regional decisions. PNG Consumer Protection: PNG’s ICCC says it plans to place agents in every province over the next five years to handle complaints, monitor compliance, and strengthen enforcement closer to communities. Health System Accountability: Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph is pushing stronger Provincial Health Authorities, citing gaps in skilled births, immunisation, TB control, and reports that many health facilities remain closed, alongside a 120-day action plan. Infrastructure Safety: PNG Works and Highways officials say climate impacts and updated seismic bridge standards mean major redesigns are needed, including Markham Bridge, with JICA support flagged. Digital Sovereignty: Kumul Cloud Infinity is being positioned as a “sovereign trust” move to keep key PNG data and services under local control. Science in PNG: The Spinach Pipefish has been rediscovered in the Sepik after more than 40 years, with local communities helping locate the species. Mining Tech Update: Great Pacific Gold reports broad, shallow gold intercepts from diamond drilling at Kavasuki on its Wild Dog Project in East New Britain.

Mining & Geology: Great Pacific Gold says its maiden diamond drilling at Kavasuki on PNG’s Wild Dog Project returned multiple broad, shallow gold hits, including 58.90m @ 2.43 g/t Au and 38.40m @ 2.07 g/t Au, with higher-grade pockets also reported—setting up a near-surface targeting push. Health Systems: PNG Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph is calling for stronger Provincial Health Authorities, tighter accountability, and a 120-day plan after noting gaps like low routine immunisation, high TB rates, and hundreds of closed health facilities. Consumer Protection: The ICCC plans to place agents in every PNG province under a five-year plan, using provincial partnerships to handle complaints and monitor compliance more closely. Transport Safety: PNG Works and Highways flags Markham Bridge as a safety hazard after a revised seismic design manual, pointing to earthquake impacts and higher traffic loads tied to the Wafi-Golpu corridor. Digital Sovereignty: Kumul Consolidated Holdings and Datatec are pushing “Sovereign Cloud Infinity” to keep key national data and services under PNG control. Regional Tech & Policy: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is off to a shaky start over missing leaders and China-Taiwan tensions, while WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu.