More than 600 people have received financial literacy training and more than 1,000 bank accounts have been opened during two financial inclusion outreach programmes in Amazon Bay LLG, as the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and its partners continue efforts to bring formal financial services closer to rural communities.
The latest Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme, conducted from 17 to 21 August 2026 in Amazon Bay LLG, Abau District, Central Province, was delivered by CEFI with the support of the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), MiBank, TISA Bank and Women’s Micro Bank.
A major milestone of the programme was the launch of banking agents at Kurere Asiaro Village on Tuesday, 18 August, providing communities with greater access to banking services without having to travel long distances to major centres.
Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia officially launched the banking agents following a programme at Magarida Junior High School.
Tony Mwayawa was appointed to operate as an agent for both MiBank and TISA Bank, allowing customers to access services from the two financial institutions through the same local agent. Alpha Andrew was also recognised as a banking agent for Women’s Micro Bank, further expanding access to formal financial services in the area.
Governor Genia described the establishment of banking agents as an important step towards ensuring that rural communities are included in Papua New Guinea’s formal financial system.
“The partnership that we have today is critical to this success,” Ms Genia said, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the central bank, financial institutions, financial inclusion stakeholders and communities.
She said banking agents would allow people to deposit, withdraw, send and receive money closer to where they live, reducing the need to travel considerable distances to access financial services.
“You have an agency now. Bring that money to the agent,” Ms Genia said. “This is the reason why we’ve come to the doorstep. We are here to serve the people.”
Governor Genia also emphasised that providing access to banking services must be complemented by financial education so people understand how to manage their money responsibly.
“Don’t let that money just sit there. You have to make that money grow,” she said. “The purpose of this financial inclusion literacy training awareness is to educate you how to save money, how to invest.”
She encouraged communities to use the financial literacy knowledge gained through the programme to save, invest and prepare themselves for emerging economic opportunities.
Governor Genia said improvements in infrastructure, particularly the Magi Highway, had the potential to stimulate greater economic activity and create new opportunities for people in Amazon Bay. As economic activity grows, access to appropriate financial services will become increasingly important.
She also urged communities to respect and support the newly appointed banking agents, who are required to meet regulatory requirements and will continue to be monitored.
Looking to the future, Governor Genia expressed hope that increased economic activity and demand for financial services could eventually support the establishment of a full bank in Amazon Bay.
“Together, we’ll make a positive difference,” she said.
CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel said establishing banking agents in Amazon Bay was an important response to the challenges rural communities face in accessing formal financial services.
CEFI returned to Amazon Bay after communities requested banking agents and further financial literacy training following the first Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme conducted in July 2026.
Mr Samuel said people in the area had previously been required to travel as far as Alotau and Port Moresby to conduct banking transactions, creating significant costs and difficulties for families and communities.
“Agents are like the bridge. They’re connecting you people to the formal financial services that we others benefit from across towns and cities,” Mr Samuel said.
He said the presence of banking agents would help communities access financial opportunities that had previously been difficult to reach because formal banking services were not readily available in the area.
Mr Samuel stressed, however, that providing access alone was not enough and must be supported by financial education.
“Financial services also open opportunities for your future and benefits that you would want to enjoy in the future,” he said.
Addressing students during the programme, Mr Samuel encouraged them to share the financial education messages they had received with their families and communities.
“I hope that whatever we’re doing, take some important messages home, not only for yourselves, but your parents as well as your villages back home,” he said.
Mr Samuel also acknowledged Governor Genia for travelling to Amazon Bay, describing her presence as a demonstration of leadership, humility and commitment to rural communities.
During her keynote address, Governor Genia also shared her personal journey with students, reflecting on her humble beginnings in the Amazon Bay area and encouraging young people not to allow their location or circumstances to restrict their ambitions.
She recalled growing up on a rubber plantation at Cape Rodney and progressing through her education before eventually becoming Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea.
“Don’t let the situation, how remote you are in Amazon Bay, deter you,” she told students, stressing the importance of education, hard work, respect and personal responsibility.
“If a girl can reach the top, I’m sure you can do it as well.”
Her message reinforced one of the programme’s central objectives — empowering young people and communities not only through access to financial services, but also through knowledge and education that can improve their future economic wellbeing.
Financial Literacy Training formed a major component of the August programme, with training conducted at Mailu Island, Aroana Village and Borebo Village.
The training provided participants with practical knowledge in saving, budgeting, responsible money management and the use of formal financial services.
Through the training, CEFI aims to equip individuals and families with the knowledge and skills required to make informed financial decisions, manage household income responsibly and participate more confidently in Papua New Guinea’s formal financial system.
The financial literacy activities were complemented by bank account opening and banking product awareness conducted by MiBank, TISA Bank and Women’s Micro Bank.
The programme therefore allowed participants to move from learning about the importance of saving and formal financial services to having the opportunity to open accounts and begin using those services.
The August programme began on Monday, 17 August, with activities at Bailebo Primary School involving CEFI, the BPNG Currency Awareness Team, MiBank, TISA Bank and Women’s Micro Bank.
BPNG conducted currency awareness sessions to educate students and community members about Papua New Guinea’s currency, including the proper care and handling of banknotes.
MiBank, TISA Bank and Women’s Micro Bank provided bank account opening and banking product awareness services, allowing community members to engage directly with financial institutions.
Students were also introduced to financial education messages designed to encourage saving and responsible money-management habits from an early age.
The banking agent launch on 18 August was witnessed by community leaders and stakeholders, including Amazon Bay LLG President Mr Gideon Dauge, Eisa Inc. owner Dr Gairo Onagi, CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel, representatives of participating financial institutions and members of the Kurere Asiaro community.
As part of the programme, Governor Genia presented Starlink kits to Dr Onagi, Mr Dauge and Magarida Junior High School.
CEFI also supported local schools, with Mr Samuel presenting sporting equipment to Magarida Junior High School and Magarida Primary School.
Following the official banking agent launch, MiBank, TISA Bank and Women’s Micro Bank continued bank account opening and banking product awareness activities at Magarida Junior High School for students, teachers and members of surrounding communities.
The August programme marked the second time CEFI, BPNG and participating financial institutions had taken the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme to Amazon Bay LLG in 2026.
The first programme was conducted from 7 to 10 July 2026 and demonstrated strong community demand for financial education and access to formal financial services.
The return visit expanded the initiative to additional communities and responded to requests for banking agents and further financial literacy training.
Across the two programmes, more than 600 people received financial literacy training, more than 1,000 bank accounts were opened and banking agents were established to provide communities with ongoing access to formal financial services.
The programme combines Financial Literacy Training, Currency Awareness, Bank Account Opening, Banking Product Awareness and Agency Banking to address some of the major barriers that prevent rural and underserved communities from participating fully in the formal financial system.
CEFI, with the support of BPNG, MiBank, TISA Bank and Women’s Micro Bank, remains committed to advancing financial inclusion and ensuring that financial education and appropriate financial services reach Papua New Guineans wherever they live.
Ends.
BANKING AGENT LAUNCH – KURERE ASIARO
**Image 1:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the MiBank and TISA Bank agency services at Kurere Asiaro in Amazon Bay LLG, Abau District, Central Province.
**Image 2:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia cuts the ribbon to officially launch the MiBank and TISA Bank agency services at Kurere Asiaro. Witnessing the milestone occasion are CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel, Amazon Bay LLG President Mr Gideon Dauge, Eisa Inc. owner Dr Gairo Onagi, MiBank and TISA Bank agent Mr Tony Mwayawa, Women’s Micro Bank agent Alpha Andrew, representatives of participating financial institutions and members of the Kurere Asiaro community.
**Image 3:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia joins CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel, Amazon Bay LLG President Mr Gideon Dauge, Eisa Inc. owner Dr Gairo Onagi, banking agents Mr Tony Mwayawa and Alpha Andrew, representatives of participating financial institutions and members of the Kurere Asiaro community for a commemorative group photograph following the official launch of the banking agents.
**Image 3A:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia addresses guests and community members during the official launch of banking agent services at Kurere Asiaro.
**Image 3B:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia, CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel, Amazon Bay LLG President Mr Gideon Dauge, Eisa Inc. owner Dr Gairo Onagi, banking agents Mr Tony Mwayawa and Alpha Andrew, representatives of participating financial institutions and community members gather for a group photograph following the successful launch of the banking agents.
**Image 3C:** Government, community and financial sector representatives join Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia for a commemorative photograph following the launch of banking agent services at Kurere Asiaro.
FINANCIAL LITERACY TRAINING AND GRADUATION – MAILU ISLAND
**Image 4:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia, CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel and Amazon Bay LLG President Mr Gideon Dauge join Financial Literacy Training participants for a commemorative group photograph on Mailu Island.
**Image 5:** CEFI Senior Trainer Mr Sebastian Mugup delivers an engaging Financial Literacy Training session to participants on Mailu Island in Amazon Bay LLG, Abau District, Central Province.
**Image 6:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia presents a certificate to a female participant during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony on Mailu Island, recognising her successful completion of the programme.
**Image 7:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia congratulates a male participant as she presents his certificate during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony on Mailu Island.
**Image 8:** CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel presents a certificate to a male participant during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony on Mailu Island in Amazon Bay LLG.
**Image 9:** CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel congratulates a male participant and presents him with his certificate during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony on Mailu Island, Abau District, Central Province.
**Image 10:** Amazon Bay LLG President Mr Gideon Dauge presents a certificate to a Financial Literacy Training participant during the mini-graduation ceremony on Mailu Island, recognising the participant’s successful completion of the training.
**Image 11:** Bank account opening on Mailu Island.
FINANCIAL LITERACY GRADUATION AND BANKING SERVICES – AROANA VILLAGE
**Image 12:** CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel presents a certificate to a male participant during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony at Aroana Village in Amazon Bay LLG, Abau District.
**Image 13:** CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel congratulates a female participant as he presents her with a certificate during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony at Aroana Village.
**Image 14:** TISA Bank Head of Agency Banking Ei Thu Thu Myint Myat presents a certificate to a male participant during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony at Aroana Village in Amazon Bay LLG.
**Image 15:** Mr Frank Ababa, Manager Processing Unit, Currency Department, Bank of Papua New Guinea, presents a certificate to a female participant during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony at Aroana Village.
**Image 16:** Women’s Micro Bank Team Leader Quitin Thomas presents a certificate to a male participant during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony at Aroana Village.
**Image 17:** MiBank Team Leader Jackson Tasi congratulates a male participant and presents him with his certificate during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony at Aroana Village.
**Image 18:** CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel and Bank of Papua New Guinea Currency Department Processing Unit Manager Mr Frank Ababa join representatives of participating financial institutions and Financial Literacy Training participants for a celebratory group photograph following the mini-graduation ceremony at Aroana Village, Amazon Bay LLG.
**Image 19:** Financial institution representatives assist community members with opening bank accounts at Aroana Village, extending access to formal financial services as part of the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme.
**Image 20:** Community members at Aroana Village access on-site bank account opening services, bringing essential financial services closer to people in the remote communities of Amazon Bay LLG.
FINANCIAL LITERACY GRADUATION – BOREBO VILLAGE
**Image 21:** CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel presents a certificate to a female participant during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony at Borebo Village in Amazon Bay LLG.
**Image 22:** Mr Frank Ababa, Manager Processing Unit, Currency Department, Bank of Papua New Guinea, congratulates a female participant and presents her with a certificate during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony at Borebo Village.
**Image 23:** TISA Bank Head of Agency Banking Ei Thu Thu Myint Myat presents a certificate to a female participant during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony at Borebo Village.
**Image 24:** CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel congratulates a male participant as he presents his certificate during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony at Borebo Village.
**Image 25:** MiBank Officer Raka Vele presents a certificate to a female participant during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony at Borebo Village in Amazon Bay LLG.
**Image 26:** TISA Bank Head of Agency Banking Ei Thu Thu Myint Myat presents a certificate to a male participant during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony at Aroana Village.
**Image 27:** Women’s Micro Bank Team Leader Quitin Thomas congratulates a male participant and presents him with his certificate during the Financial Literacy Training mini-graduation ceremony at Borebo Village.
**Image 28:** CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel addresses Financial Literacy Training participants during the mini-graduation ceremony at Borebo Village, highlighting the importance of financial knowledge and participation in the formal financial system.
BEILEBO COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL AWARENESS
**Image 29:** TISA Bank officers assist members of the Beilebo community with opening bank accounts, providing residents with direct access to formal banking services.
**Image 30:** Mr Frank Ababa, Manager Processing Unit, Currency Department, Bank of Papua New Guinea, conducts an informative currency awareness session at Beilebo Primary School as part of the wider programme involving CEFI, the BPNG Currency Awareness Team, MiBank, TISA Bank and Women’s Micro Bank.
MAGARIDA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL – FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND CURRENCY AWARENESS
**Image 32:** Eisa Inc. owner and School Board Chair Dr Gairo Onagi addresses students of Magarida Junior High School during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme in Amazon Bay LLG, Abau District, Central Province.
**Image 33:** CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel engages with students of Magarida Junior High School during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme, encouraging young people to develop sound financial habits and strengthen their understanding of formal financial services.
**Image 34:** CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel speaks to students of Magarida Junior High School during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme in Amazon Bay LLG.
**Image 35:** Official guests at the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme at Magarida Junior High School: from left, CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel, Amazon Bay LLG President Mr Gideon Dauge, Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia and Eisa Inc. owner and School Board Chair Dr Gairo Onagi.
**Image 36:** MiBank Team Leader Mr Jackson Tasi speaks to students of Magarida Junior High School, sharing information on banking products and services during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme.
**Image 37:** TISA Bank Head of Agency Banking Ei Thu Thu Myint Myat engages with students of Magarida Junior High School during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme in Amazon Bay LLG.
**Image 38:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia addresses students of Magarida Junior High School during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme, reinforcing the importance of financial knowledge and responsible money management.
**Image 39:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia engages with students of Magarida Junior High School during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme in Amazon Bay LLG, Abau District, Central Province.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND PRESENTATIONS
**Image 40:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia presents a Starlink internet package to Eisa Inc. owner and School Board Chair Dr Gairo Onagi during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme at Magarida Junior High School.
**Image 41:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia and CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel present a Starlink internet package to Deputy School Headmaster Mr John during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme in Amazon Bay LLG.
**Image 42:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia and CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel present a Starlink internet package to Amazon Bay LLG President Mr Gideon Dauge during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme.
**Image 43:** CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel presents sporting equipment to a male student during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme in Amazon Bay LLG, demonstrating CEFI’s support for the local school community.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND BANKING SERVICES
**Image 44:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia joins TISA Bank staff for a commemorative photograph during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme in Amazon Bay LLG.
**Image 45:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia joins Women’s Micro Bank staff and banking agent Alpha Andrew for a group photograph during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme in Amazon Bay LLG.
**Image 46:** Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia shares a brief conversation with Women’s Micro Bank staff and banking agent Alpha Andrew during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme.
**Image 47:** MiBank officers assist community members with opening bank accounts during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme, helping extend formal banking services to communities in Amazon Bay LLG.
**Image 48:** TISA Bank officers provide on-site bank account opening services during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme in Amazon Bay LLG, enabling community members to gain greater access to formal financial services.
**Image 49:** TISA Bank officers guide community members through the bank account opening process during the Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme in Amazon Bay LLG.
**Image 50:** Male Financial Literacy Training participants complete bank account application forms at Aroana Village, putting their newly acquired financial knowledge into practice by taking an important step towards participating in the formal financial system.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
