The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) successfully hosted the Institutional Commitment (I-Commit) Workshop on Friday, 12 June 2026, at its office in Port Moresby. The workshop brought together financial institutions and key stakeholders to review progress, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirm commitments toward achieving the objectives of Papua New Guinea’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) 2023–2027.
This was the second I-Commit engagement, following the inaugural workshop held on 19 March 2024 at the Grand Papua Hotel. It provided a platform for participating institutions to assess progress against their commitments, discuss implementation challenges, share experiences, and identify practical solutions to accelerate financial inclusion nationwide.
Participating institutions included Bank South Pacific, Kina Bank, Kada Poroman Microfinance Limited, Women’s Micro Bank, Nationwide Microbank Limited, and National Banking Corporation.
The I-Commit initiative brings together financial institutions, payment service providers, and key stakeholders to strengthen collective efforts under the NFIS 2023–2027. It provides a structured platform to share progress, identify opportunities, and develop collaborative approaches aimed at expanding access to affordable and appropriate financial services, particularly for underserved communities.
Through this initiative, institutions have committed to supporting key national targets, including the creation of 2 million additional bank accounts, the establishment of 1,500 financial access points, and the training of 400,000 people in financial literacy. These commitments also focus on promoting account ownership, expanding digital financial services, and developing innovative solutions to reach unbanked populations across Papua New Guinea.
Opening the workshop, Assistant Governor for the Financial System Development and Innovation Group at the Bank of Papua New Guinea, George Awap, emphasised the importance of practical and achievable commitments that deliver real outcomes.
“Commitments must be practical and achievable. Financial inclusion is not just about making promises; it is about delivering results that improve access to financial services and create opportunities for our people,” Mr Awap said.
He noted the progress made in financial inclusion over the years, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration to reach communities still excluded from the formal financial system.
“Financial inclusion is a long-term journey. We must continue working together to bank the unbanked and ensure that our targets reflect the realities of the evolving financial sector,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel said the workshop plays an important accountability role under the NFIS, enabling institutions to collectively review progress and identify areas for improvement.
“The workshop is not only about reviewing numbers. It is about understanding the challenges behind those numbers, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and ensuring that our efforts continue to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives,” Mr Samuel said.
He also acknowledged the importance of quality data in supporting policy and investment decisions.
“Financial inclusion data is increasingly being used by provincial governments, national agencies, and development partners to guide planning and investment decisions. Your continued support in providing quality data remains critical,” he said.
Mr Samuel further stressed the importance of moving beyond access to financial services and focusing on financial capability.
“We must ensure that people not only open accounts but also understand how to use financial services effectively. Financial literacy and digital financial literacy are critical to achieving this goal,” he said.
Senior Data Analyst Ruruva Ane provided an overview of the I-Commit initiative and presented progress updates against institutional targets. He reported strong progress in expanding financial access points, while noting the need to accelerate growth in account ownership and active usage.
Representing participating institutions, Women’s Micro Bank Project Manager Prabhas Ranjan shared experiences on reaching underserved communities through branch expansion, agency banking, financial literacy training, and innovative financial products.
He emphasised that access to banking services, access to finance, and capacity building remain central to the institution’s mission.
“Financial education is critical because it empowers customers to make informed decisions and utilise financial services to improve their livelihoods,” Mr Ranjan said.
CEFI Senior Training Officer Paul Tamate highlighted the importance of financial literacy in achieving sustainable financial inclusion. He encouraged institutions to strengthen customer education and community outreach to improve financial capability and promote responsible use of financial services.
The workshop concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to collaborate in achieving the NFIS 2023–2027 targets and expanding access to inclusive, affordable, and appropriate financial services for all Papua New Guineans.
Ends.
Image Captions
Image 1: CEFI’s NFIS Implementation Coordinator, Albert Mokis Ahabh, provides participating financial institution representatives with background information on the I-Commit Workshop, setting the scene for the discussions ahead.
Image 2: CEFI staff, including Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel, pose for a group photograph with representatives from participating financial institutions during the I-Commit Workshop.
Image 3: Assistant Governor for the Financial System Development and Innovation Group at the Bank of Papua New Guinea, George Awap, delivers the opening address at the I-Commit Workshop.
Image 4: Representatives from participating financial institutions attentively listen as George Awap, Assistant Governor for the Financial System Development and Innovation Group at the Bank of Papua New Guinea, delivers his opening remarks.
Image 5: CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel outlines the objectives of the workshop during his welcome address.
Image 6: Participants follow the welcome presentation by Peter Samuel, who highlights the purpose and expected outcomes of the I-Commit Workshop.
Image 7: Representatives from participating financial institutions listen as CEFI Senior Data Analyst Ruruva Ane presents an overview of the I-Commit Initiative and its performance targets.
Image 8: CEFI Senior Data Analyst Ruruva Ane delivers a presentation on the I-Commit Initiative, highlighting key targets and implementation priorities.
Image 9: Representing participating institutions, Prabhas Ranjan, Project Manager at Women’s Micro Bank, provides an update on institutional progress and achievements under the I-Commit Initiative.
Image 10: CEFI Senior Training Officer Paul Tamate presents on financial literacy initiatives and community engagement activities to representatives from participating financial institutions.
Image 11: Paul Tamate shares insights into CEFI’s financial literacy programmes and community outreach efforts during his presentation.
Image 12: CEFI Manager for NFIS Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement, Danny Koka, delivers the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to representatives from participating financial institutions for their contribution to the I-Commit Workshop.
About CEFI
CEFI was established under the Association Incorporation Act and officially launched on the 24th 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
