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 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: 79736883
Email: lomaro@thecefi.org
