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 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
