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Month: July 2026
The Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), Ms Elizabeth Genia, has called on Papua New Guineans to embrace responsible financial management and make full use of formal financial services, describing financial literacy as a foundation for stronger families, resilient communities and a more prosperous nation.
Ms Genia made the remarks during the combined Retail Financial Literacy Training graduation ceremony held on Thursday, 9 July 2026, at the United Church in Kurere Asiaro Village, where 239 participants (105 women) from Kurere Asiaro and Mogubo villages graduated after successfully completing two days (7-8 July) of Retail Financial Literacy Training.
The graduation marked the successful conclusion of the Currency Awareness and Financial Inclusion Programme, held from Tuesday 7 July to Thursday 9 July 2026, in Amazon Bay, Abau District, Central Province.
Organised by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) with support from Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), the programme combined Currency Awareness, Financial Inclusion Awareness, Retail Financial Literacy Training, bank account opening services and financial product promotion.
Participating financial institutions included MiBank, Women’s Micro Bank and TISA Bank.
“TISA Bank is proud to support the Currency Awareness and Financial Inclusion Program led by CEFI and BPNG. During our visit to Amazon Bay, we have been opening new accounts and identifying potential banking agents so we can bring banking services closer to the people.” – Ei Thu Thu Myint Myat-Head of Agency Banking, TISA Bank
“It has been a privilege for MiBank to be part of this financial inclusion outreach. MiBank has already identified a local banking agent for Amazon Bay. We will complete the necessary training and onboarding so the agent can begin providing banking services to the community. This will make it easier for people to save their money safely and access banking services closer to home.” – Jackson Tasi-Team Leader- Customer Service, MiBank
“Our mission is to take banking services to the doorsteps of people who have previously been excluded from the formal financial system. The response from the people of Amazon Bay has been encouraging. We have already opened new accounts, and many more people have expressed interest after learning about the products and services available to them.” – Quinten Thomas – Project Loan Officer, Women’s Micro Bank
The programme was delivered across three locations: Magarida Primary and High School, Magarida Marketplace and Kurere Asiaro Village. Running concurrently with the awareness programme were two Retail Financial Literacy Training sessions conducted by CEFI at Mogubo Village and Kurere Asiaro Village.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Governor Ms. Elizabeth Genia, CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel, Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Goroka and owner of Eisa Inn, Dr Gairo Onagi, Amazon Bay LLG President Mr Gideon Dauge, together with team leaders from the participating financial institutions, Mr Jackson Tasi of MiBank, Mr Quinten Thomas of Women’s Micro Bank and Ms Ei Thu Thu Myint Myat of TISA Bank.
Delivering the keynote address, the BPNG Governor encouraged the graduates to continue applying the financial knowledge they had gained beyond the classroom and into their everyday lives.
She said financial literacy was about far more than earning an income, explaining that it equips individuals and families with the knowledge to plan ahead, save regularly, make informed financial decisions and prepare for future expenses and emergencies.
“Financial inclusion is about giving every Papua New Guinean the opportunity to access safe, affordable and responsible financial services,” she said.
Governor Genia urged participants to take advantage of the banking services introduced during the programme, including savings accounts and digital financial services, while also using them responsibly by protecting their personal identification numbers (PINs), understanding banking fees and maintaining proper financial records.
She also reminded participants of the importance of respecting Papua New Guinea’s national currency by keeping banknotes clean and free from damage.
“The Kina and Toea belong to every Papua New Guinean. Looking after our currency is one way we demonstrate respect for our country and for one another,” she said.
Governor Genia reaffirmed BPNG’s commitment to extending financial services to rural and remote communities through the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, noting that strong partnerships between government agencies, financial institutions and local communities were essential in ensuring no one was left behind.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the training and challenged them to transform the knowledge they had acquired into practical action.
Mr Samuel said the graduation represented the beginning of a lifelong journey towards financial independence rather than the end of a training programme.
He encouraged participants to practise budgeting, save consistently, spend wisely and make informed financial decisions that would strengthen their households and improve their quality of life.
“Financial knowledge only creates value when it is put into practice,” he said.
Mr Samuel urged graduates to use the banking services introduced during the programme and reminded them that opening a bank account was only the first step towards building long-term financial security.
He thanked the Bank of Papua New Guinea, Dr Gairo Onagi, local community leaders, the United Church and the participating financial institutions for their support in delivering the programme, reaffirming CEFI’s commitment to expanding financial literacy and financial inclusion to rural communities throughout Papua New Guinea.
He also encouraged graduates to become ambassadors for financial literacy by sharing their knowledge with their families and communities, helping others adopt positive financial habits and build stronger local economies.
Former Vice-Chancellor and owner of Eisa Inn Dr Gairo Onagi, described the occasion as a proud milestone for the communities of Kurere Asiaro and Mogubo.
He said the participants had invested their time and effort to learn valuable financial skills that would assist them in making informed decisions about earning, saving and managing money.
Dr Onagi encouraged the graduates to continue applying the lessons they had learned and to share that knowledge with their families, children and neighbors so that financial literacy would continue to spread throughout the community.
He thanked the Bank of Papua New Guinea, CEFI, the participating financial institutions and all partners for bringing the programme to Amazon Bay, saying their commitment was creating meaningful opportunities for rural communities to improve their livelihoods and achieve greater financial security.
Amazon Bay LLG President Mr Gideon Dauge also congratulated the graduates and challenged them to begin practising the financial disciplines they had learned immediately.
He encouraged participants to develop consistent saving habits, separate business profits from personal spending and use the resources available within their communities, particularly their customary land, to establish sustainable income-generating activities.
Drawing on the biblical story of the Prodigal Son, Mr Dauge reminded graduates that success comes from learning from mistakes, making better decisions and taking responsibility for their future.
He also encouraged participants to begin using the piggy banks distributed during the programme, expressing confidence that regular saving would help improve their financial wellbeing over time.
Mr Dauge thanked the Bank of Papua New Guinea, CEFI and the participating financial institutions for bringing financial literacy and financial inclusion services to one of the country’s remote communities, describing the programme as a valuable opportunity that would have lasting benefits for the people of Amazon Bay.
The successful completion of the programme highlighted the growing partnership between BPNG, CEFI and the financial sector in expanding financial capability and access to financial services throughout Papua New Guinea.
By equipping communities with practical financial knowledge while simultaneously providing access to banking products and services, the initiative is expected to strengthen household financial resilience, promote responsible money management and contribute to inclusive economic development across rural Papua New Guinea.
Ends.
Image 1: Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia delivers the keynote address during the combined Retail Financial Literacy Training graduation ceremony at Kurere Asiaro United Church.
Image 2: Governor Elizabeth Genia addresses graduands, community leaders and invited guests during the graduation ceremony at Kurere Asiaro United Church.
Image 3: CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel delivers his opening remarks during the commencement of the Retail Financial Literacy Training at Mogubo Village.
Image 4: Dr Gairo Onagi welcomes participants during the opening of the two-day Retail Financial Literacy Training.
Image 5: Amazon Bay LLG President Mr Gideon Dauge encourages students from Magarida Primary School and Magarida High School to develop a culture of saving and responsible financial management.
Image 6: Participants collaborate in a group presentation during the Retail Financial Literacy Training at Kurere Asiaro Village.
Image 7: Graduands listen attentively as Governor Elizabeth Genia delivers her keynote address.
Image 8: Community members gather at Kurere Asiaro Village to witness the Retail Financial Literacy Training graduation ceremony.
Image 9: Governor Elizabeth Genia presents a certificate to a graduating participant during the graduation ceremony.
Image 10: Governor Elizabeth Genia congratulates a graduate after presenting a certificate of completion.
Image 11: CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel presents a certificate to a graduating participant.
Image 12: Mr Peter Samuel congratulates a graduate during the certificate presentation.
Image 13: Mr Quinten Thomas, Project Loan Officer, Women’s Micro Bank, presents a certificate to a graduating participant.
Image 14: Mr Quinten Thomas, Project Loan Officer, Women’s Micro Bank, presents a certificate to a female graduate.
Image 15: Mr Jackson Tasi, Team Leader – Customer Service, MiBank, presents a certificate to a female graduate.
Image 16: Mr Jackson Tasi, Team Leader – Customer Service, MiBank, presents a certificate to a graduating participant.
Image 17: Ms Ei Thu Thu Myint Myat, Head of Agency Banking, TISA Bank, presents a certificate to a female graduate.
Image 18: Ms Ei Thu Thu Myint Myat, Head of Agency Banking, TISA Bank, presents a certificate to a graduating participant.
Image 19: Graduates pose for a commemorative group photograph with (seated, from left to right) Dr Gairo Onagi, former Vice-Chancellor and owner of Eisa Inn; CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel; CEFI Senior Training Officer Mr Sebastian Mugup; and CEFI trainers Mr Manasi Badira, Ms Vivian Erico, Mr Jackson Tasi (MiBank) and Mr Quinten Thomas (Women’s Micro Bank) following the graduation ceremony at Kurere Asiaro Village.
Image 20: Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia addresses residents from Magarida, Mailu Island, Loupomu Island and Laluoro Island during the opening of the Currency Awareness and Financial Inclusion Programme at Magarida Marketplace, Amazon Bay.
Image 21: Governor Elizabeth Genia engages with participants from across the Amazon Bay area during the opening of the Currency Awareness and Financial Inclusion Programme at Magarida Marketplace.
Image 22: Mr Delson Opos, Senior Analyst, Compliance Unit, Currency Governance Department, educates students from Magarida Primary School and Magarida High School on the features and security elements of Papua New Guinea’s Kina and Toea currency.
Image 23: The Bank of Papua New Guinea Currency Team conducts a Currency Awareness session for students at Magarida Primary School and Magarida High School.
Image 24: MiBank Team Leader Mr Jackson Tasi delivers a financial awareness presentation to students at Magarida Primary School and Magarida High School.
Image 25: Mr Quinten Thomas, Project Loan Officer, Women’s Micro Bank, assists a community member to complete an account opening application.
Image 26: A community member completes an application form to open a new bank account during the financial inclusion outreach programme.
Image 27: MiBank, TISA Bank and Women’s Micro Bank showcase their financial products and services at Magarida Marketplace, providing account opening services and financial awareness to communities from Mailu Island, Loupomu Island and Laluoro Island.
Image 28: TISA Bank staff assist community members with opening new bank accounts at Kurere Asiaro Village.
Image 29: TISA Bank officers provide account opening services to residents at Magarida Marketplace.
Image 30: Female participants deliver a group presentation during the Retail Financial Literacy Training at Mogubo Village.
Image 31: (From left to right) Mr Delson Opos, Senior Analyst, Compliance Unit, Currency Governance Department; Mr Franck Abba, Manager, Processing Unit, Currency Department; Dr Gairo Onagi, former Vice-Chancellor and owner of Eisa Inn; Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia; Ms Ei Thu Thu Myint Myat, Head of Agency Banking, TISA Bank; CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel; Mr Jackson Tasi, Team Leader – Customer Service, MiBank; and Mr Quinten Thomas, Project Loan Officer, Women’s Micro Bank, pose for a group photograph following the official opening of the Currency Awareness and Financial Inclusion Programme at Magarida Marketplace, Amazon Bay.
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
The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR), and Women’s Micro Bank (WMB) have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding financial inclusion and economic empowerment across Papua New Guinea through the signing of two Memoranda of Agreement (MoA).
DFCDR signed the MOA with CEFI and WMB today (Thursday 02nd July 2026) at APEC. Haus Port Moresby.
The agreements formalise partnerships between DFCDR and CEFI, and DFCDR and Women’s Micro Bank, creating a coordinated approach to delivering financial literacy training, improving access to financial services and supporting women, youth, persons with disabilities and vulnerable communities throughout the country.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel said the strengthened partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to creating lasting opportunities for Papua New Guineans through financial inclusion.
Mr Samuel explained that CEFI was established to complement the Bank of Papua New Guinea’s broader vision of extending financial services beyond the formal banking sector and ensuring more Papua New Guineans can participate in the country’s financial system.
“Financial inclusion is about changing mindsets. We want people to develop a healthy relationship with money by encouraging saving before spending, building financial resilience and creating opportunities for long-term investment,” he said.
Mr Samuel highlighted the significant progress achieved under Papua New Guinea’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy, noting that the number of bank accounts has grown from approximately 800,000 to almost five million nationwide.
Financial service access points, including bank branches, ATMs and agents, have also increased to more than 20,000, while almost two million people are now using internet and mobile banking services.
He said these achievements were only possible through strong partnerships with organisations such as DFCDR, whose extensive presence throughout the country enables financial literacy programmes to reach communities at the grassroots level.
“The Department has become one of our strongest partners because it provides the critical last-mile connection to communities across Papua New Guinea. Together, we are creating opportunities that improve lives through financial education and inclusion,” Mr Samuel said.
DFCDR Secretary Mr Jerry Ubase described the signing as a significant milestone that aligns with the Government’s commitment to empowering communities through education, entrepreneurship and economic participation.
He said the partnership would enable CEFI to deliver financial literacy training through the Department’s nationwide network, while Women’s Micro Bank would provide accessible banking services and financial products to participants who complete the training.
“Our objective is to ensure that financial literacy reaches women, girls, boys and young people throughout Papua New Guinea. Financial education gives people the confidence and knowledge to start businesses, generate income and create employment within their own communities,” Mr Ubase said.
He said the initiative also supports the Government’s Medium Term Development Plan IV target of creating one million jobs by helping individuals establish sustainable small businesses rather than relying solely on formal employment opportunities.
Mr Ubase noted that many women operating in the informal sector continue to face barriers in accessing banking services.
Through the partnership, Women’s Micro Bank will help more women safely save their income, access financial services and obtain small business loans to grow their enterprises.
“We want to empower our people economically while also addressing many of the social challenges facing our communities. Strong partnerships like this allow us to deliver practical solutions that improve people’s livelihoods,” he said.
Women’s Micro Bank Chief Executive Officer Mr Gunanidhi Das welcomed the agreement, describing it as an important step towards ensuring financial services become accessible to every Papua New Guinean, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities.
“We believe that opening a bank account should not be a privilege reserved for people in urban centres. It should be the birthright of every Papua New Guinean, and access to credit should be available to every aspiring entrepreneur,” Mr Das said.
He commended CEFI for its Training of Trainers programme, which has helped build a nationwide network of qualified financial literacy trainers, including 26 Women’s Micro Bank staff members who now deliver financial education throughout the country.
Mr Das said financial literacy provides communities with the knowledge to manage money effectively, while Women’s Micro Bank ensures they have immediate access to practical financial services such as savings accounts and affordable loan products.
He revealed that since launching its specialised SME lending programme earlier this year, the bank has approved nearly 1,500 loans for women and families, many of whom had never previously owned a bank account. The bank is also partnering with markets, churches, community organisations and training institutions to deliver banking services directly to informal sector participants.
“Training creates knowledge, but people also need access to financial products so they can put that knowledge into practice. That is where our partnership with CEFI and the Department becomes so important,” he said.
Under the agreements, the Department for Community Development and Religion will provide K800,000 to support CEFI’s financial literacy Training of Trainers and retail training programmes. A further K200,000 has been allocated to Women’s Micro Bank as seed funding to support new account openings and provide loans, particularly for women, vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities.
The strengthened collaboration reflects the shared commitment of all three organisations to expanding financial inclusion, promoting entrepreneurship and improving economic opportunities for communities throughout Papua New Guinea.
Ends.
Image 1: CEFI Acting Executive Director, Mr Peter Samuel, and Department of Community Development and Religion (DFCDR) Secretary, Mr Jerry Ubase, sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).
Image 2: CEFI Acting Executive Director, Mr Peter Samuel, and DFCDR Secretary, Mr Jerry Ubase, shake hands following the signing of the MoA, reaffirming the strong partnership between the two organisations.
Image 3: Women’s Micro Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gunanidhi Das, and DFCDR Secretary, Mr Jerry Ubase, sign the Memorandum of Agreement.
Image 4: Women’s Micro Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gunanidhi Das, and DFCDR Secretary, Mr Jerry Ubase, shake hands after signing the MoA, marking the beginning of a strengthened partnership between the two organisations.
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
The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), in partnership with The Salvation Army has successfully concluded a five-day Financial Literacy Training of Trainers (ToT) programme, equipping 29 participants including 16 females with the knowledge and practical skills to promote budgeting, savings and sound financial management within their communities.
At a mini graduation ceremony held on Friday, 26 June 2026, at The Salvation Army Headquarters, participants were presented with their certificates, officially recognising them as CEFI-certified trainers.
The programme forms part of CEFI’s ongoing commitment to strengthening financial literacy and advancing financial inclusion across Papua New Guinea by developing a network of community-based trainers capable of delivering practical financial education at the grassroots level.
Participants travelled from various parts of Papua New Guinea, with representatives also attending from the Solomon Islands.
Following the completion of the training, the newly certified trainers will return to their respective Salvation Army churches and community locations to deliver financial literacy training to church members, youth groups, women’s groups, persons living with disabilities, and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Delivering the keynote address, CEFI Acting Manager for Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development, Mr Sebastian Mugup, congratulated the participants on completing the programme and challenged them to become agents of change within their communities.
“These are simple financial tools, but they are very powerful tools. They will change your life, your family, your community and the organisation you represent,” Mr Mugup said.
Mr Mugup emphasised that the value of the training would ultimately be measured by how effectively participants shared their knowledge with others.
He encouraged the graduates to begin by applying the lessons in their own lives before teaching family members, church congregations and the wider community.
He noted that the programme supports the Government of Papua New Guinea’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023–2027, the National Financial Literacy Strategy, the SME Policy, and Vision 2050, all of which seek to build a financially empowered, economically active and inclusive nation.
Responding on behalf of the participants, Captain Saki A’o of The Salvation Army expressed appreciation to CEFI, the facilitators and organisers for providing the training free of charge and equipping participants with practical financial knowledge.
“I am confident that I now understand finance, and when I return home, I will first make changes in my own life before sharing this financial literacy knowledge with others,” Captain A’o said.
He thanked the trainers for their dedication, patience and commitment throughout the intensive five-day programme and affirmed that participants were committed to using their new skills to empower the people and communities they serve.
In his closing remarks, Colonel Chris Goa of The Salvation Army reminded graduates that their responsibility extended beyond receiving certificates and called on them to faithfully pass on the knowledge they had gained.
“The true success of this training will not be measured by the certificates you receive, but by the lives you will influence tomorrow and, in the years, ahead,” Colonel Goa said.
Drawing on 2 Timothy 2:2, Colonel Goa encouraged participants to train other reliable people who would, in turn, continue teaching others, creating a lasting multiplier effect across communities.
The Training of Trainers model is designed to ensure that financial education reaches hundreds more Papua New Guineans through local churches and community networks.
By building the capacity of trusted community leaders, CEFI and The Salvation Army are helping to strengthen financial capability, promote responsible money management and support inclusive economic development throughout Papua New Guinea.
Ends.
Image Captions
Image 1: Participants of The Salvation Army Financial Literacy Training of Trainers programme gather for the mini graduation ceremony.
Image 2: CEFI Acting Manager for Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development, Mr Sebastian Mugup, delivers the keynote address during the mini graduation ceremony.
Image 3: Mr Sebastian Mugup highlights the importance of financial literacy while addressing participants at the graduation ceremony.
Image 4: Captain Saki A’o of The Salvation Army delivers remarks on behalf of the training participants.
Image 5: Captain Saki A’o shares reflections and appreciation on behalf of the graduating participants.
Image 37: Colonel Chris Goa of The Salvation Army delivers the closing address at the mini graduation ceremony.
Image 38: Colonel Chris Goa commends the participants during his closing remarks at the conclusion of the programme.
Image 39: From left: CEFI Acting Manager for Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development, Mr Sebastian Mugup, Major Michelle Oliver of The Salvation Army, and Colonel Chris Goa of The Salvation Army cut the celebratory cake with participants, marking the successful completion of the week-long Financial Literacy Training of Trainers programme.
Images 6–36: Participants proudly receive their certificates after successfully completing the Financial Literacy Training of Trainers programme.
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