Month: June 2026

The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), in partnership with Business Link Pacific (BLP), marked World Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day 2026 by bringing together business leaders, development partners, financial institutions and entrepreneurs to strengthen collaboration and expand opportunities for Papua New Guinea’s MSME sector.

The event celebrated this year’s global theme, “Connect, Collaborate, Prosper,” highlighting the importance of partnerships in building resilient businesses and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Opening the event, CEFI Acting Manager for Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development, Mr Sebastian Mugup, described MSMEs as the backbone of Papua New Guinea’s economy, recognizing their contribution to employment, innovation and community development. He emphasized that stronger partnerships between businesses, financial institutions and development organizations were essential to creating a more inclusive and resilient economy.

“No business succeeds in isolation. SMEs thrive when they are connected to markets, financial institutions, business networks and opportunities,” Mr Mugup said.

Delivering the keynote address, Her Excellency Ms Georgina Roberts, New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to supporting private sector development through Business Link Pacific. She highlighted the critical role MSMEs play in driving economic growth, particularly in rural communities, and encouraged continued collaboration to create opportunities for women, youth and aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Government creates an enabling environment, but it is the private sector that drives the economy,” Ms Roberts said.

Business Link Pacific Director Mr Steve Knapp reflected on the programme’s growth since commencing operations in Papua New Guinea in 2017, noting that BLP has expanded access to quality business advisory services, investment grants and finance for hundreds of local businesses. He said partnerships remain the foundation of the programme’s success.

“When we work in partnership and support each other with ideas and encouragement, we can achieve so much more than when we work alone,” Mr Knapp said.

Women’s Micro Bank Chief Executive Officer Mr Gunanidhi Das highlighted the bank’s partnership with Business Link Pacific in expanding financial access for entrepreneurs, particularly women and informal sector businesses. He said the collaboration had strengthened lending capacity, lowered borrowing costs and enabled thousands of Papua New Guineans to participate in the formal financial system.

“Access to finance should not be a privilege. It should be an opportunity available to every aspiring entrepreneur,” Mr Das said.

Representing Kina Bank, SME Business Banking Adviser Mr Joseph Agi acknowledged Business Link Pacific’s recognition of the bank’s contribution to SME financing.

He said the partnership had strengthened Kina Bank’s ability to provide not only financial products but also access to expert business advisory services that support sustainable enterprise growth.

“By combining access to finance with knowledge and capability building, we can create greater opportunities for businesses to thrive and contribute to Papua New Guinea’s economic development,” Mr Agi said.

The event also featured presentations from financial institutions and insurance providers, providing MSMEs with practical information on business finance, insurance, business advisory services and financial products designed to support business growth and resilience.

Ends.

Image Captions

Image 1: Mr Sebastian Mugup, Manager – Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development Unit, delivers the opening remarks during the World MSME Day celebration.

Image 2: Participants, including Business Link Pacific (BLP) representatives, women-owned MSMEs and representatives from financial institutions, listen attentively during the World MSME Day event.

Image 3: Guests from Business Link Pacific, women-led MSMEs and the financial sector participate in the World MSME Day programme.

Image 4: Her Excellency Ms Georgina Roberts, New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, delivers the keynote address at the World MSME Day celebration.

Image 5: Her Excellency Ms Georgina Roberts, New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, engages the audience during her keynote address at the World MSME Day event.

Image 6: Attendees representing Business Link Pacific, women entrepreneurs and financial institutions gather for the World MSME Day celebration.

Image 7: Mr Steve Knapp, Director of Business Link Pacific, addresses participants during the World MSME Day programme.

Image 8: Mr Steve Knapp, Director of Business Link Pacific, presents the Financial Institution Alliance Award to Kina Bank SME Business Banking Adviser, Mr Joseph Agi.

Image 9: Mr Steve Knapp, Director of Business Link Pacific, presents the Financial Institution Alliance Award to Women’s Micro Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gunanidhi Das.

Image 10: Women’s Micro Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gunanidhi Das, shares his remarks with invited guests during the celebration.

Image 11: Kina Bank SME Business Banking Adviser, Mr Joseph Agi, speaks on the importance of supporting MSMEs through accessible financial services.

Image 12: From left: Her Excellency Ms Georgina Roberts, New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea; Mr Andoin Sevua, Manager – Finance and Administration, CEFI; Mrs Kopi-Like Gammon, Owner of KLG & Co Business Consultants; and Mr Steve Knapp, Director of Business Link Pacific, join together to cut the official World MSME Day cake.

Image 13: Invited guests, including Business Link Pacific executives and event partners, pose for a commemorative group photograph following the official programme.

Image 14: Representatives from insurance providers deliver presentations showcasing insurance products and services before participants engage in networking opportunities.

Image 15: Delegates interact with insurance providers during a networking session following presentations on insurance products and services.

Image 16: Participants exchange ideas and build professional connections while exploring insurance solutions presented by industry representatives.

About CEFI

CEFI was established under the Association Incorporation Act and officially launched on the 24^th of April 2013. CEFI was endorsed by PNG’s National Executive Council (NEC) as the industry apex organization for coordinating, advocating and monitoring all financial inclusion activities in PNG.

CEFI’s vision, mission and values focus on financial inclusion and literacy, poverty elimination and the promotion of vibrant financial institutional operation in Papua New Guinea.

Visit our website – www.thecefi.org

Media Contact:

Mr. Leslie Omaro

Communication Officer

Phone: 79736883

Email: lomaro@thecefi.org

The Wau-Waria District mark a major milestone towards advancing financial inclusion, economic empowerment and community development following the grand launching of the Women’s Micro Bank (Access Point) Kanga Security Force Limited and Cooperative Capacity Building Assets at the Wau Main Sports Oval on Friday, 19 June 2026.

The landmark event, an initiative of Wau-Waria Member of Parliament Hon. Marsh Narewec, also during the event marked the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Wau-Waria District Development Authority (DDA) and the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI). The MoU was signed by Hon. Marsh Narewec and Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea and Chairperson of the CEFI Board, Ms Elizabeth Genia.

The programme brought together leaders from the financial sector, government agencies, cooperative groups, community organisations and local residents to celebrate a shared commitment towards improving access to financial services and economic opportunities in the district.

Delivering her key address, Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Elizabeth Genia described the occasion as “much more than the launching of banking services”.

“Today is a celebration of opportunity,” Ms Genia said.

“It is about celebrating partnership and determination to build a strong financial future for families and communities in Wau-Waria.”

Ms Genia said the opening of the WMB – Branch marked the return of formal banking services to Wau after many years, providing residents with easier access to savings, credit and other financial services.

She stressed that financial inclusion should not be measured by the number of bank accounts opened, but by the positive impact it creates for families and communities.

The Governor welcomed the signing of the MoU between CEFI and the Wau-Waria DDA, noting that the partnership would support financial literacy training, business skills development, expansion of banking services and greater access to financial products for rural communities.

She also praised Women’s Micro Bank for its commitment to empowering women and underserved communities, noting that financially empowered women contribute to stronger families and more resilient communities.

Ms Genia further commended the launch of Kanga Security Force Limited and the Cooperative Capacity Building Programme, describing both initiatives as practical approaches to creating employment opportunities, improving community safety and strengthening local economic participation.

“The true success of these initiatives will be measured by how businesses grow, families save, cooperatives prosper, jobs are created and young people’s lives are transformed,” she said.

CEFI’s Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel commended Hon. Narewec for his leadership and vision in bringing financial inclusion initiatives to the district.

Mr Samuel said the partnership between CEFI and the Wau-Waria DDA reflected a shared commitment to empowering communities through financial literacy and education on money management.

“Development is not only about roads and buildings; it is also about changing the way people think and helping them improve their lives,” Mr Samuel said.

He explained that CEFI would work closely with the district to deliver financial literacy programmes, strengthen cooperatives and support the development of small and medium enterprises.

“Financial literacy is about more than money. It is about changing lives, helping people make informed decisions and creating opportunities for a better future,” he said.

Mr Samuel added that the arrival of Women’s Micro Bank in Wau would provide local communities with greater access to financial services and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the formal economy.

In his keynote address, Hon. Marsh Narewec welcomed distinguished guests and thanked key partners for supporting the district’s development vision.

He described the establishment of Women’s Micro Bank as a milestone achievement for Wau-Waria, particularly for women, youth and rural communities who previously had limited access to financial services.

“For too long, banking has felt out of reach for our communities. Today, that distance has become shorter,” Mr Narewec said.

The Member also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting programmes that create opportunities for local people and improve livelihoods throughout the district.

As part of the celebrations, the Wau-Waria DDA donated four vehicles, one each to Women’s Micro Bank, Kanga Security Force Limited and two women’s cooperative group. Rice milling machines were also presented to local cooperatives to support local economic activities and income generation.

Women’s Micro Bank Chief Executive Officer Gunanidhi Das described the opening of the WMB Wau Branch as a significant milestone in Papua New Guinea’s financial inclusion journey.

He thanked Hon. Narewec for recognising that true development involves economic empowerment as well as infrastructure development.

“Financial inclusion is not just about opening bank accounts. It is about creating opportunity, dignity and resilience,” Mr Das said.

Mr Das noted that Wau holds a special place in Papua New Guinea’s microfinance history and said the establishment of a Women’s Micro Bank presence in the district represented a continuation of efforts to bring financial services closer to rural communities.

He revealed that more than 1,100 customer accounts had already been opened in the district, with savings exceeding K500,000. More than 400 people had also received financial literacy training through the bank’s outreach programmes.

Mr Das further highlighted the bank’s partnerships with CEFI, community groups, churches and cooperatives, which continue to promote savings, responsible borrowing and entrepreneurship.

Registrar of Cooperative Societies Wale Budda Molume welcomed the launch of the Cooperative Capacity Building Programme and reaffirmed the important role cooperatives play in community development.

Mr Molume said cooperatives provide a pathway for local people to participate directly in economic activities, manage resources collectively and generate sustainable income.

He commended Hon. Narewec for championing initiatives that promote economic empowerment and pledged continued support for cooperative development throughout the district.

Mr Molume also acknowledged the contribution of Kanga Security Force Limited in supporting community safety and creating opportunities for local youth.

The event concluded with the official signing of the MoU between CEFI and the Wau-Waria DDA, followed by ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Women’s Micro Bank Wau Branch, Kanga Security Force Limited and the cooperatives established in Wau Waria District.

The partnership is expected to strengthen financial inclusion efforts across Wau-Waria District through financial literacy training, enterprise development, cooperative strengthening and improved access to financial services, supporting the district’s vision of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Ends.

Image Captions

Image 1: Ms Elizabeth Genia, Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea, is escorted by Wau-Waria Member of Parliament Hon. Marsh Narewec, accompanied by distinguished guests, as they proceed to the official dais for the commencement of the launch programme.

Image 2: Security personnel of the newly launched Kanga Security Force Limited stand in formation during the ceremonial parade.

Image 3: Ms Elizabeth Genia, Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea, and Wau-Waria MP Hon. Marsh Narewec prepare to cut the ribbon marking the official opening of the Women’s Micro Bank Access Point.

Image 4: Ms Elizabeth Genia and Hon. Marsh Narewec officially open the Women’s Micro Bank Wau Branch by cutting the ceremonial ribbon in Wau-Waria District, Morobe Province.

Image 5: Ms Elizabeth Genia and Hon. Marsh Narewec proudly display a commemorative plaque marking the official launch of the Women’s Micro Bank Branch, Wau Urban Youth Association, Kanga Security Force Limited, and the Cooperative Capacity Building Programme.

Image 6: Ms Elizabeth Genia and Hon. Marsh Narewec pose for a group photograph with invited guests and staff of the Women’s Micro Bank Wau Branch.

Image 7: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Wau-Waria District Development Authority (DDA) and the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) is formally signed by Hon. Marsh Narewec and Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor and CEFI Board Chairperson, Ms Elizabeth Genia. The signing is witnessed by CEFI Acting Executive Director, Mr Peter Samuel.

Image 8: Hon. Marsh Narewec and Ms Elizabeth Genia exchange a handshake following the signing of the MoU, symbolising the partnership between the Wau-Waria DDA and CEFI. The occasion is witnessed by CEFI Acting Executive Director, Mr Peter Samuel.

Image 9: Ms Elizabeth Genia and Hon. Marsh Narewec officially launch the Women’s Micro Bank vehicle, Kanga Security Force Limited, and Cooperative Capacity Building assets through a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Also present are CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel (far left) and Registrar of Cooperative Societies Mr Wale Budda Molume (far right).

Image 10: Ms Elizabeth Genia and Hon. Marsh Narewec perform the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially launch the Women’s Micro Bank vehicle, Kanga Security Force Limited, and Cooperative Capacity Building assets.

Image 11: Ms Elizabeth Genia, accompanied by her husband Kilroy Genia (left), observes the launch proceedings alongside Women’s Micro Bank Limited Chief Executive Officer Mr Gunanidhi Das, CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel, Assistant Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea Mrs Sabina Deklin, and Women’s Micro Bank Director Mr Noel Norikul.

Image 12: Hon. Marsh Narewec presents vehicle keys to a representative of Kanga Security Force Limited, while Registrar of Cooperative Societies Mr Wale Budda Molume looks on.

Image 13: Hon. Marsh Narewec hands over vehicle keys to representatives of a women’s cooperative group, witnessed by Registrar of Cooperative Societies Mr Wale Budda Molume.

Image 14: Rice milling machines were presented to local cooperatives as part of the celebrations to strengthen community-based economic activities and income-generating opportunities.

Image 15: As part of the event, the Wau-Waria DDA donated four vehicles—one each to the Women’s Micro Bank and Kanga Security Force Limited, and two to women’s cooperative groups.

Image 16: Ms Elizabeth Genia delivers the keynote address during the grand launch of the Women’s Micro Bank Access Point, Kanga Security Force Limited, and Cooperative Capacity Building Assets at Wau Main Sports Oval on 19 June 2026.

Image 17: Hon. Marsh Narewec addresses attendees during the grand launch of the Women’s Micro Bank Access Point, Kanga Security Force Limited, and Cooperative Capacity Building Assets at Wau Main Sports Oval on 19 June 2026.

Image 18: CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel delivers his remarks at the official launch ceremony held at Wau Main Sports Oval on 19 June 2026.

Image 19: Women’s Micro Bank Chief Executive Officer Mr Gunanidhi Das speaks during the launch of the Women’s Micro Bank Access Point, Kanga Security Force Limited, and Cooperative Capacity Building Assets.

Image 20: Registrar of Cooperative Societies Mr Wale Budda Molume addresses guests and stakeholders at the launch event held at Wau Main Sports Oval on 19 June 2026.

Image 21: Wau-Waria DDA Chief Executive Officer Mr John Orebut delivers the welcome address at the grand launch ceremony.

Image 22: Women’s Micro Bank Director Mr Noel Norikul shares his remarks during the official launch programme at Wau Main Sports Oval.

Image 23: Wau Urban Women’s Association (Wau-UWA) Chairlady Ms Moika Kelly addresses participants during the launch celebrations.

Image 24: Youth representative Mr Joseph Nimagi delivers his remarks during the official launch of the Women’s Micro Bank Access Point, Kanga Security Force Limited, and Cooperative Capacity Building Assets.

Image 25: Watut tribal leader Mr Joseph Yawing shares his remarks during the grand launch event at Wau Main Sports Oval on 19 June 2026.

About CEFI

CEFI was established under the Association Incorporation Act and officially launched on the 24^th of April 2013. CEFI was endorsed by PNG’s National Executive Council (NEC) as the industry apex organization for coordinating, advocating and monitoring all financial inclusion activities in PNG.

CEFI’s vision, mission and values focus on financial inclusion and literacy, poverty elimination and the promotion of vibrant financial institutional operation in Papua New Guinea.

Visit our website – www.thecefi.org

Media Contact:

Mr. Leslie Omaro

Communication Officer

Phone: 79736883

Email: lomaro@thecefi.org

The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and The Salvation Army (TSA) have formalized a new partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding financial literacy, financial inclusion and economic empowerment initiatives across Papua New Guinea.

The partnership will leverage The Salvation Army’s extensive network of churches, schools, community programmes and social services to deliver financial literacy training and connect underserved communities with formal financial services.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel described the agreement as a significant milestone in strengthening financial inclusion through faith-based organizations.

“Seeing the history of how The Salvation Army was established in 1956 and the work that you have done in empowering communities right across the country is beyond measure,” Mr Samuel said.

“For us, this MoU is an opportunity to not only impact lives but to create lasting change through the community programmes that you already deliver.”

Mr Samuel highlighted the strong link between financial wellbeing and social development, noting that many social and family challenges stem from poor financial decision-making.

“We feel that having conversations about social issues and gender issues often leads back to financial issues. Financial literacy is not just about training people how to save money; it is about changing mindsets and helping people build a healthier relationship with money,” he said.

He added that CEFI is working closely with the Department of Education to integrate financial literacy into the national curriculum from Preparatory to Grade 12, ensuring young Papua New Guineans develop lifelong financial management skills.

“We are committed to empowering communities and look forward to working with The Salvation Army. Together, we can equip teachers, church members and community leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to improve financial wellbeing across the country,” Mr Samuel said.

Representing The Salvation Army, Major Michelle Oliver reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the partnership and outlined preparations already underway to support the programme.

She announced that 30 participants have been identified to attend the upcoming Training of Trainers programme scheduled for the last week of June, with women making up more than half of the participants.

“We’ve got 30 people who will be in attendance, 17 of those are women, so we have certainly exceeded the 50 per cent target,” Major Oliver said.

The participants include representatives from women’s refuges, restorative justice programmes, literacy initiatives, churches and community organizations from across Papua New Guinea, as well as one participant from Solomon Islands.

Major Oliver said trained facilitators would also support financial literacy education in Salvation Army schools and communities throughout the country.

The Salvation Army Territorial Commander, Colonel Chris Goa, welcomed the partnership and thanked CEFI for its confidence in the organization.

“Thank you very much for trusting us and wanting to be partners with us,” Colonel Goa said.

“Our aim is to let our work speak for itself. We want our partners to be happy with what we are planning to do so that this relationship continues to grow.”

Under the MoU, CEFI will provide Training of Trainers programmes, mentoring and technical support, while The Salvation Army will identify and mobilize participants and facilitate community outreach activities. The partnership aims to train 30 financial literacy trainers and reach at least 1,000 beneficiaries through community-based financial literacy programmes.

The collaboration will also promote savings, responsible financial management, access to banking services, digital payments and entrepreneurship, particularly among rural households, farmers, informal sector workers and micro, small and medium enterprises.

The agreement reflects both organizations shared commitment to strengthening financial capability, promoting responsible stewardship and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable and underserved communities throughout Papua New Guinea.

Ends.

Image Captions:

Image 1: Colonel Chris Goa of the Salvation Army (second from left) and CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel (second from right) display the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) documents following the official signing ceremony. Witnessing the occasion are CEFI Senior Trainer Sebastian Mugup (far right) and Major Michelle Oliver of the Salvation Army.

Image 2: Colonel Chris Goa of the Salvation Army (second from left) and CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel (second from right) formally sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), witnessed by CEFI Senior Trainer Sebastian Mugup (far right) and Major Michelle Oliver of the Salvation Army.

Image 3: Colonel Chris Goa of the Salvation Army (second from left) and CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel (second from right) exchange signatures during the MoU signing ceremony, with CEFI Senior Trainer Sebastian Mugup (far right) and Major Michelle Oliver observing proceedings.

Image 4: Prior to the official MoU signing, Colonel Chris Goa of the Salvation Army (far left), CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel, and Major Michelle Oliver engage in discussions ahead of the formal proceedings.

About CEFI

CEFI was established under the Association Incorporation Act and officially launched on the 24^th of April 2013. CEFI was endorsed by PNG’s National Executive Council (NEC) as the industry apex organization for coordinating, advocating and moniotoring all financial inclusion activities in PNG.

CEFI’s vision, mission and values focus on financial inclusion and literacy, poverty elimination and the promotion of vibrant financial institutional operation in Papua New Guinea.

Visit our website – www.thecefi.org

Media Contact:

Mr. Leslie Omaro

Communication Officer

WhatsApp : 79736883

Email: lomaro@thecefi.org

Twenty-three financial literacy trainers from across Papua New Guinea graduated from the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion’s (CEFI) inaugural Digital Financial Literacy Trainers of Trainers (DFLT TOT) Programme, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and prepare communities for an increasingly digital economy.

The mini graduation ceremony concluded a week-long training programme that brought together financial literacy trainers from across the country to enhance their digital financial literacy skills, improve financial capability, and expand outreach into communities through a structured training-of-trainers in Digital Financial Literacy Model.

The programme included 23 participants, comprising 12 women and 11 men, representing the National Capital District, Western Highlands, Morobe, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Jiwaka, Milne Bay, Central, Eastern Highlands, Simbu, East New Britain, New Ireland, East Sepik and Madang provinces.

Speaking at the graduation,  First Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring and CEFI Board Member, Mr. Sanja Pepae, emphasized the importance of digital financial literacy in supporting Papua New Guinea’s development aspirations.

He congratulated participants for successfully completing the intensive training and encouraged them to apply their newly acquired knowledge within their communities.

“Digital financial literacy is one of the major contemporary areas as our economy continues to progress. The knowledge, tools and skills you have gained this week will help not only yourselves, but also the people you will train and inspire,” Mr Papea said.

He described the training as a social investment that would create positive change across communities and contribute towards the Government’s broader development agenda and Vision 2050.

“Every small contribution you make can have a significant impact on someone’s life and ultimately contribute to nation-building,” he added.

Bhavan Srivastava, Director of FinValue Advisors, described the training as a major milestone in CEFI’s financial literacy journey and highlighted the collaborative effort behind the development of the digital financial literacy curriculum.

She explained that extensive consultations with stakeholders across Papua New Guinea helped shape a digital financial literacy training module tailored to local needs and realities.

“This is indeed a very big milestone for CEFI. Financial literacy has evolved, and we are now ready to launch digital financial literacy training programmes that will support Papua New Guinea’s journey towards becoming a digital economy,” Mrs Srivastava said.

He praised the participants for their contributions throughout the training and reminded them of their role as ambassadors of financial inclusion.

“You are the people who will bring change. Financial inclusion is not only about access to services; it is about ensuring people can participate safely and confidently in the digital world.”

Delivering the keynote address, George Kulisi, Director of Programme Development at the Department for Community Development and Religion and CEFI Board Member, encouraged graduates to lead by example and begin sharing their knowledge with their families, organizations and communities.

“You are ambassadors. Whatever you have learned this week must start with you first, then your family, your network and your communities,” Mr Kulisi said.

He stressed that participants should not allow the training to become merely another qualification on their curriculum vitae, but instead use it as a practical tool to empower others.

Mr Kulisi also highlighted the importance of digital literacy within the Government’s forthcoming National Informal Economy Policy, noting that digital skills and emerging technologies would play an increasingly important role in Papua New Guinea’s economic development.

Speaking on behalf of the male participants, Jimmy Rick Raphael described the opportunity to attend the training as both an honour and a responsibility.

“It was a privilege for the 23 of us to be selected for this training. Digital financial literacy is the future, and we will become agents of change for the majority of Papua New Guineans,” he said.

Mr Raphael noted that despite previous experience in financial literacy training, the programme provided new insights into digital financial services, online transactions and consumer protection.

Representing the female participants, Freda Korarome said the training introduced participants to a rapidly evolving digital landscape and challenged them to expand their knowledge beyond traditional financial literacy.

“Digital financial literacy was a new space for many of us. We learned there was so much more in that space than we previously understood,” she said.

Ms Korarome encouraged CEFI and its partners to continue supporting trainers through follow-up engagement, capacity-building initiatives and resources. She also called for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in future training programmes.

Closing the ceremony, CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel thanked participants, development partners and trainers for their contributions to the successful delivery of the programme.

Mr Samuel highlighted the DFLT programme as a key achievement under Papua New Guinea’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy and outlined several reforms being pursued by the Bank of Papua New Guinea and CEFI to support digital financial services, consumer protection and financial education.

“We have now developed the digital financial literacy programme and are also developing a digital tool to support its rollout. This is a major milestone for CEFI and aligns with the broader reforms taking place within the financial sector,” Mr Samuel said.

He announced plans for CEFI to establish formal partnerships with the newly trained master trainers, enabling them to act as CEFI’s representatives in their respective provinces and communities.

“You will become CEFI agents in empowering communities. Together, we can expand our reach and accelerate financial inclusion throughout Papua New Guinea,” he said.

The graduation marks the beginning of a national rollout of digital financial literacy training, with the newly certified trainers expected to deliver programmes at national, provincial and community levels, helping more Papua New Guineans confidently and safely participate in the digital economy.

Ends.

Image Captions:

Image 1: Training participants and guest speakers gather for a commemorative group photograph following the graduation ceremony.

Image 2: CEFI Acting Executive Director, Peter Samuel (left), presents a certificate to Jacklyn Wilson of Career Link PNG during the graduation ceremony.

Image 3: Director of Programme Development at the Department for Community Development and Religion and CEFI Board Member, George Kulisi (left), awards a certificate to Manasi Badira of Credit and Data Bureau.

Image 4: George Kulisi (left), Director of Programme Development at the Department for Community Development and Religion and CEFI Board Member, presents a certificate to Angela Mong of Cliffy Consultants.

Image 5: CEFI Acting Executive Director, Peter Samuel (left), presents Steven Shon Whallan of Sepik Project Organisation with his certificate.

Image 6: George Kulisi, Director of Programme Development at the Department for Community Development and Religion and CEFI Board Member, congratulates Romano Vendenberg of Build Bougainville Foundation Incorporated while presenting his certificate.

Image 7: Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring and CEFI Board Member, Sanja Papea (left), presents Nathan John with his certificate.

Image 8: Freda Korarome of Cottage Livelihood Consultancy delivers an address on behalf of the female participants during the Training of Trainers in Digital Financial Literacy graduation ceremony.

Image 9: Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring and CEFI Board Member, Sanja Papea (left), awards a certificate to Harold Wuris.

Image 10: Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring and CEFI Board Member, Sanja Papea, delivers the opening remarks at the Training of Trainers in Digital Financial Literacy graduation ceremony.

Image 11: FinValue Advisors Director, Bhavan Srivastava, shares remarks during the Training of Trainers in Digital Financial Literacy graduation ceremony.

Image 12: Director of Programme Development at the Department for Community Development and Religion and CEFI Board Member, George Kulisi, delivers the keynote address at the Training of Trainers in Digital Financial Literacy graduation ceremony.

Image 13: Representing the male participants, Jimmy Rick Raphael delivers a speech during the Training of Trainers in Digital Financial Literacy graduation ceremony.

Image 14: CEFI Acting Executive Director, Peter Samuel, delivers the closing remarks to conclude the Training of Trainers in Digital Financial Literacy graduation ceremony.

About CEFI

CEFI was established under the Association Incorporation Act and officially launched on the 24^th of April 2013. CEFI was endorsed by PNG’s National Executive Council (NEC) as the industry apex organization for coordinating, advocating and monitoring all financial inclusion activities in PNG.

CEFI’s vision, mission and values focus on financial inclusion and literacy, poverty elimination and the promotion of vibrant financial institutional operation in Papua New Guinea.

Visit our website – www.thecefi.org

Media Contact:

Mr. Leslie Omaro

Communication Officer

Phone: 7464 5678

Email: lomaro@thecefi.org