Month: September 2025

Q & A with Gou Ava

The PNG Blue Green Initiative (PNG BGI), led by Ms Gou Ava in Ukaukana village, Central Province, is making strides in agribusiness through its solar-powered free-range chicken layer farm. From fewer than 100 chickens before 2024, the farm has grown to over 350 birds, producing nearly 1,000 eggs weekly. With support from the Business Link Pacific (BLP) Small Grant Facility, Gou expanded her operations, improved infrastructure, and now supplies both local communities and Port Moresby markets. Beyond business, the initiative empowers village youth, supports churches, and promotes community farming.

Read Gou’s full Q&A session with CEFI.

Can you briefly state the nature of your business?

PNG Blue Green Initiative is a small to medium enterprise (SME) primarily owned by Ms Gou Ava. It operates in Ukaukana Village, Kairuku Hiri District, Central Province of Papua New Guinea. The main business operation is a chicken layer farm, with approximately 350 chickens, including 100 young birds around four months old. Weekly production is close to 1,000 eggs. About 30% of the eggs are sold to local villagers, while the balance is supplied to our main customer in Port Moresby, Tapioca Delight. We began on a small scale, but with the support of BLP, we were able to upgrade the farm in early 2024.
In addition, we grow yams on a small scale and sell block ice as part of the family business initiative. Our farm is free-range and operates entirely on solar power, with water sourced from a ground well.

What was the state of your business prior to the assistance of the BLP Business Grant?

Before receiving the BLP grant in early 2024, our farm had fewer than 100 chickens. We faced challenges with accessing markets, inadequate chicken shelter and limited opportunities for expansion. Our weekly production was low, and we were unable to meet the growing demand for eggs.

In what ways did the BLP Business Support Grant/Subsidy/Small Grant Facility/Concessional Loan assist your business to grow?

We applied for the BLP small grant in 2023 and received K10,000. The funds were used to construct a proper chicken shelter and purchase 300 young layer chicks from Zenag in Lae. Part of the grant was also allocated to initial feeding costs. Although we lost around 50 chickens to illness in the beginning, after five to six months, the birds started laying eggs, and production gradually increased. This opened up opportunities in both the local market and in Port Moresby.
With extra savings from sales, we ordered 100 new layers in April 2025, expanded farm fencing, and built a temporary shelter in the village. We currently generate monthly sales of between K4,000 and K4,600.

What are some of the positive outcomes following the assistance provided by BLP?

The BLP grant enabled us to build a sustainable chicken farm in the village, ensuring a steady supply of eggs for both local and urban markets. It has also created opportunities for young people in the village to participate in farm-related activities and has allowed us to support church and community initiatives. Beyond business growth, the grant has contributed to a number of social and community benefits.

After receiving the BLP service, do you still face challenges in your business operations?

Yes, with growing demand in the village, we still require financial support to expand the farm, including the construction of additional shelters, the purchase of new layers, and improved fencing.
We have also experienced theft of chickens by outsiders, which has led to additional expenses for improved fencing and the installation of solar lighting. At present, we are working on setting up a solar-powered security camera system.

How is your business helping or benefiting ordinary Papua New Guineans?

Being located outside Port Moresby, we are able to meet the egg requirements of local villagers and supply block ice, which is essential for local tilapia fishermen. We sell eggs at K1 per egg (K12 per dozen), which is considerably cheaper than prices in both the village and Port Moresby markets, where a dozen eggs typically costs K15–K16.
We also engage local youths in farm work, provide them with allowances and training, and support village church functions and community awareness programmes. Additionally, we have purchased 1,000 hybrid cocoa seeds, which we are currently nursing. We plan to distribute 20% of the seedlings to village households to encourage backyard farming as part of our community initiative.

How do you see your business in the next five years?

In the next five years, we aim to operate a fully functional chicken layer farm with around 2,500 layers, capable of meeting 100% of local demand while supplying surplus eggs to Port Moresby. We also plan to produce at least 50% of our own chicken feed from local produce. Our goal is to employ more than 12 permanent staff and achieve higher returns on investment.
In addition, with trial projects such as cocoa farming and vegetable production, we hope to involve more village youths in farm work, share knowledge, and encourage the wider community to participate in business activities.

Impact Stories

Building a Sustainable Future: Gou Ava’s Blue Green Initiative

Post author By Leslie Omaro
Post date September 29, 2025
No Comments on Building a Sustainable Future: Gou Ava’s Blue Green Initiative

In the quiet village of Ukaukana in Central Province, Ms Gou Ava is proving that small-scale farming can grow into a thriving enterprise with the right support.

Her business, PNG Blue Green Initiative, began modestly with fewer than 100 chickens and limited market access.

Today, thanks to a Business Link Pacific (BLP) grant, her farm houses around 350 chickens, producing nearly 1,000 eggs weekly.

The K10,000 grant in 2023 enabled the construction of proper shelters and the purchase of 300 young layer chicks. Though some losses occurred early on, production soon flourished. With new sales outlets opening both in local villages and Port Moresby, monthly revenues now reach K4,000–K4,600.

Beyond profits, the farm is deeply rooted in community life. Eggs are sold at a lower price than in urban markets, providing affordable protein for villagers.

Youths are engaged in farm work, gaining both skills and allowances, while the initiative also supports church functions and communal activities. Recently, Gou has ventured into cocoa, nursing 1,000 hybrid seedlings, with plans to share 20% of them among villagers.

Challenges remain, from security concerns to financing future expansion. Yet Gou’s vision is ambitious: a fully functional chicken farm with 2,500 layers, producing local feed, and employing a dozen permanent staff within five years.

She also aims to expand cocoa and vegetable farming, creating wider opportunities for her community.

Gou’s journey reflects resilience, innovation, and a commitment to support her local community.

Image Captions:

Image 1: A thriving poultry layer farm in Ukaukana Village, Central Province, is bringing new life and opportunities to the community.

Image 2: Chicken feed made from fresh, locally grown produce ensures healthier birds and supports village farmers.

Image 3: Every day, the farm gathers fresh eggs ready to be distributed for sale.

Image 4: Carefully packed and ready for sale, these eggs provide food security and income for families.

Image 5: Beyond poultry, the team is trialling hybrid cocoa seeds, exploring new ways to grow village livelihoods.

Image 6: Construction of new shelters is underway, expanding the farm to meet growing village demand.

Image 7: Young people are being engaged in farm work, creating skills, jobs, and hope for the future.

Image 8: From farming to faith, the project also supports church and community activities, keeping village life strong.

Media Releases

Young Mind Savings Campaign Sees Strong Student Participation with over Hundred Students Opening Bank Accounts

Post author By Leslie Omaro
Post date September 25, 2025
No Comments on Young Mind Savings Campaign Sees Strong Student Participation with over Hundred Students Opening Bank Accounts

The Young Mind Savings Campaign (YMSC) in East New Britain Province concluded successfully after a three-day programme that engaged secondary and primary school students across three districts, Kokopo, Rabaul and Gazelle.

CEFI’s Acting Executive Director, Mr Peter Samuel, praised the successful conclusion of the YMSC in East New Britain Province, describing it as an important step in equipping young people with financial knowledge.

“The campaign has demonstrated the potential of financial education in shaping the future of our youth,” Mr Samuel said. “By opening their first savings accounts, students have taken a crucial step towards financial independence and responsibility.”

Mr Samuel highlighted the strong participation and enthusiasm shown by students across Kokopo Secondary, Malaguna Technical, St Martin’s Primary, Kerevat National School of Excellence, and Kerevat Primary School. “The eagerness of young people to learn and to act is encouraging,” he said.

He commended the East New Britain Provincial Government, Security Commission of PNG and the Bank of Papua New Guinea, and all financial institutions that partnered in the three-day campaign. “Financial inclusion is a shared mission, and this campaign reflects the impact of collaboration in preparing our next generation for their future,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mr Samuel reaffirmed CEFI’s commitment to expanding the YMSC into other provinces under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023–2027.

“Our way forward is clear we must reach more provinces, strengthen partnerships, and ensure every Papua New Guinean has access to a bank account and be financial included,” he said.

The YMSC was rolled out at Kokopo Secondary School, Malaguna Technical School (St. Martins Primary School students included) and concluded at Kerevat National School of Excellence (Kerevat Primary School students included). Throughout the three days, students interacted with institutions through booths, awareness talks and account opening.

The partners that participated in the campaign included the Securities Commission of PNG, the Treasury Department, Credit Guarantee Corporation, Bank of PNG – Financial Domestic Markets Division, BSP, Kina Bank, Nambawan Super, Nambawan Super Savings & Loans, Nasfund, NCSL, TISA Bank, Kada Poroman, East New Britain Savings and Loan (ENBSL), and MiBank.

Their representatives engaged with students directly, sharing knowledge, demonstrating banking services, and facilitating new account openings.

The three-day campaign from 27th to 29th August, was coordinated by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) 2023–2027. It was delivered in partnership with the East New Britain Provincial Government, supported by the Bank of Papua New Guinea, Security Commission alongside leading financial institutions.

East New Britain is the third province to host the campaign, following last year’s roll-outs in Milne Bay and West New Britain.

The campaign achieved a strong outcome, with a significant number of students opening savings accounts on site at the respective schools.

Mrs Rosemary Murure, Advisor for Commerce with the East New Britain Provincial Government, reaffirmed the province’s commitment to its partnership with CEFI, formalized through a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding.

“Financial education is important in better preparing students for the future. It is pleasing to witness students engaging with financial institutions and encouraging to know how eager the students are to open their first bank account, and to begin saving early to secure their future.”

Students were asked what they thought of the Young Mind Savings Campaign;

Richard Buckley, Grade 9 – Kokopo Secondary School, “It is a very valuable initiative that empowers young people with knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial decisions and secure their financial futures.

Grace Laiga, Grade 9 – Kokopo Secondary School, “A really good initiative that will help a lot of young people to save money and also equip them with the skills on how to be financially independent and not depending on their parents’ money.”

Ruth Haro, Grade 11 – Malaguna Technical Secondary School, “A positive initiative aimed at promoting financial literacy and encouraging savings among young people.”

Willie Walo, Grade 10 – Malaguna Technical School, “A great initiative because it focusses on teaching young people how to save their money and also help them in their financial life when they grow up.”

Tamiso Crumba, Grade 7 – Kerevat Primary School, “It is a positive initiative because it teaches young people to start saving for their future.”

Dickson Waselolo, Grade 8 – Kerevat Primary School, “Helps us to understand the idea and concept of savings and why it is important to open a bank account. It also helps us to be financially aware on how to use and manage our money.

Ends.

News Article

BPNG Strengthens Push for Financial Inclusion, Highlights Microfinance in National Development

Post author By Leslie Omaro
Post date September 10, 2025
No Comments on BPNG Strengthens Push for Financial Inclusion, Highlights Microfinance in National Development

The Deputy Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), Mr. Jeffery Yabom, has reaffirmed BPNG’s commitment to building an inclusive financial system, stressing that microfinance is vital to national development.

Mr. Yabom delivered the keynote address at the PNG Microfinance Diagnostic Validation Workshop held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Crown Hotel in Port Moresby.

The workshop, facilitated by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), brought together Financial Institutions, the Credit Guarantee Corporation, BPNG, and the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), along with the SME Corporation and other key stakeholders from the financial and development sectors.

Highlighting the importance of microfinance, Mr. Yabom noted that more than 80 percent of Papua New Guineans live in rural and remote communities with limited access to financial services. He described microfinance as a “lifeline,” enabling families to save, invest, educate their children, and grow small businesses.

Reflecting on progress since Papua New Guinea signed the Maya Declaration on Financial Inclusion in 2013, the Deputy Governor said: “At that time, fewer than one in five Papua New Guineans had access to formal financial services. Today, under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023–2027, there are more than 4.3 million bank accounts, a result of the combined efforts of BPNG, financial institutions, and development partners.”

While acknowledging this progress, Mr. Yabom cautioned that challenges remain, including the high costs of serving rural areas, weak governance in microfinance institutions, and limited product diversity. He called for expansion into new services such as micro-insurance, remittances, and SME products, while strengthening consumer protection and regulatory oversight.

He further emphasized the opportunities that exist in digital finance, women’s economic empowerment, strategic partnerships, and climate-resilient “green finance.” He noted that financial inclusion is central to PNG’s Vision 2050 and its medium-term development plans.

“BPNG will continue working closely with government, the private sector, and development partners to ensure that microfinance remains sustainable, innovative, and inclusive,” Mr. Yabom assured.

ADB consultant Mr. Jagdeep Dahiya also delivered two key presentations at the workshop.

In his first presentation, Status of Microfinance – Key Findings, Mr. Dahiya outlined how PNG’s financial sector has expanded since the Microfinance Expansion Project, which established CEFI. He reported that PNG now has over 4.3 million deposit accounts, compared to the initial target of one million in 2013. However, microfinance institutions still account for less than three percent of total financial sector assets, with services skewed toward urban areas.

He also highlighted the dominance of commercial banks in deposit mobilization, while noting that Microbanks and Savings and Loan societies have broader outreach in rural areas. Despite growth in account ownership, access to credit remains low, leaving many Papua New Guineans dependent on informal lending. He further observed that the gender gap in financial access has widened, calling for renewed efforts to advance women’s financial inclusion.

In his second presentation, Challenges and Key Recommendations, Mr. Dahiya identified major barriers, including limited regulatory incentives, low digital financial literacy, weak consumer protection, and inadequate ID systems. He also pointed to high banking fees, lack of trust in formal institutions, and poor infrastructure as obstacles to participation.

To address these issues, Mr. Dahiya recommended strengthening policy frameworks, fostering innovation in digital finance, expanding funding to microfinance institutions, and simplifying compliance processes to improve access.

He concluded that coordinated efforts across government, industry, and development partners are essential to strengthening microfinance and ensuring inclusive growth in Papua New Guinea.

The workshop concluded with an engaging Q&A session, open discussions, and valuable feedback from participants.

Ends.

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