Author: Leslie Omaro

The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and the Western Pacific University (WPU) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote entrepreneurship, fintech, financial literacy, and microfinance education in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The MoU between CEFI and WPU signifies a collaborative effort to advance education, particularly in the realms of entrepreneurship and microfinance, fostering mutual growth and development. The MoU outlines several areas of collaboration, including:

• Support WPU with the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub programs
• Set up of the Fintech Hub with support from WPU
• Curriculum Development and Implementation
• Monitoring and Evaluation of Program Impact
• Industry linkages and Stakeholder engagement

The MoU was officially signed on Friday, April 11, in Mt. Hagen by CEFI’s Acting Executive Director, Mr. Peter Samuel, and WPU President, Dr. Janet Rangou (PhD). This strategic partnership signifies a shared commitment to building human capacity, promoting innovation, and equipping students with practical skills to drive economic growth and financial empowerment across the country.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Peter Samuel expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.

“We’re very excited about this collaboration and truly appreciate WPU’s innovative spirit. Attending the graduation today gave us confidence that we are partnering with an institution that shares our mission to empower our people. We look forward to the opportunities this partnership will create.”

In response, Dr. Janet Rangou highlighted the value of the partnership for student development, saying:

“We hope this collaboration will allow us to equip our students with lifelong, practical skills that will serve them and their communities long after graduation.”

Earlier in the day, Mr. Samuel and his team attended Western Pacific University’s inaugural graduation ceremony at its campus in Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province. A total of 99 students graduated in various disciplines, including Certificate in Higher Education, Bachelor of Arts in International Business Management, Bachelor of Science in Computer Networks, and Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming. The event also celebrated the official opening of the WPU’s state-of the art e-Library.

The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Peter O’Neill, Member for Ialibu-Pangia and former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. He spoke passionately about the university’s journey since its conception in 2012, noting that its founding idea emerged from the need to bring higher education closer to remote communities.

“This university is a national institution that has grown through both local and international support. It’s not just for the Southern Highlands but for the entire country,” said Mr. O’Neill.

Echoing this sentiment, Southern Highlands Governor Hon. William Powi described the graduation as a historic milestone for the province and the nation.

“While the graduating class may be small, their success marks the beginning of a legacy of educational transformation,” he said. The Governor also announced K68, 000.00 in tuition support and a K1 million contribution toward university infrastructure and services, with potential future investments in student facilities and postal services.

Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Hon. Kinoka Feo, also addressed the ceremony, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding higher education in PNG. He highlighted increased budget allocations, the expansion of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), and the PESA initiative as examples of national efforts to ensure quality education and accessibility for all.

Minister Feo also acknowledged the contributions of key figures in the establishment of WPU, and the Department of Higher Education, along with other stakeholders who guided the institution through official government processes.

In her remarks, Dr. Janet Rangou paid tribute to several individuals instrumental in WPU’s journey, including the late Sir Peter Barter, Professor Father Jan Czuba, and the former PNG Prime Minister and current Ialibu-Pangia Member Hon. Peter O’Neill , thanking them for their vision, support, and belief in the power of education. She emphasized WPU’s ongoing mission to become a university of choice in PNG and beyond, committed to lasting societal impact.

Dr. Rangou concluded by expressing gratitude to students, staff, partners, and the WPU community, underscoring their collective role in shaping a more educated and inclusive future for Papua New Guinea.

 

Ends.

Image Captions:

Image 1.   CEFI Acting Director Mr. Peter Samuel (left) and WPU President Dr. Janet Rangou (PhD) signing the MoU Documents  at the Mc Royal Hotel in Mt Hagen. Witnessing the signing are, (left standing) Ms. Jill Pijui, Manager Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development (CEFI) and Dr. Emmauel Aquino (PhD), Vice President University Advancement (WPU)

Image 2. CEFI Acting Director Mr. Peter Samuel and WPU President Dr. Janet Rangou (PhD) shake hands to signify the beginning of CEFI and WPU’s collaboration and partnership.

Image 3. CEFI Acting Director Mr. Peter Samuel and WPU President Dr. Janet Rangou sharing their words of thank you acknowledgement towards the success of the MoU signing.

Image 4: (from L-R) Mr. Peter Samuel, CEFI Acting Director, Ms. Jill Pijui, Manager Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development (CEFI) and Dr. Emmauel Aquino (PhD), Vice President University Advancement (WPU) at the WPU graduation ceremony.

Image 5:  Delilah Tumbo receiving her Academic Excellence Award (Silver Award) from Minister for Highher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Member for Unggai Bena Hon. Kinoka Feo during WPU’s Inaugural Graduation Ceremony in Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province. Delilah graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming scoring the highest GPA of 4.28 thus earning her the Silver Award.

Image 6: Koani Guba receiving his Certificate in High Education Foundation Studies from DHERST Secretary Father Jan Czuba WPU’s Inaugural Graduation Ceremony in Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province.

Image 7: The first graduates of Western Pacific University at the inaugural graduation ceremony at held at the university’s campus in Ialilbu, Southern Highlands province.

Image 8: (from L-R) Southern Highlands MPs and Minister’s with Southern Highlands Governor Hon. Willian Powi and Chinese Ambassador to PNG Yang Xiaoguang cutting the ribbon to the K16 million digital library at the WPU on Friday 11^th April.

Image 9: Minister for Highher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Member for Unggai Bena Hon. Kinoka Feo & Chinese Ambassador to PNG Yang Xiaoguang unveiling a plaque to officially mark the opening of the K16 million digital library at the WPU on Friday 11^th April.

 

For further information on the work of CEFI please contact CEFI Communications Team: +675 3225300, email: lomaro@thecefi.org  or visit www.thecefi.org

 

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea March 25, 2025- The Green Finance Summit 2025 marked a strong set of commitments and partnerships, reinforcing the country’s green finance agenda and accelerating its position as a leader in sustainable finance across the Pacific region.

This summit was hosted by the Green Finance Centre (GFC), under the auspicious of the Central Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), brought together senior government officials from the Treasury, Energy, Agriculture, Labor, Forestry, and Environment Ministries in PNG, along with leaders from Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Asia Development Bank (ADB), International Finance Corporation (IFC) member of the World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund (IMF), New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), United National Development Program (UNDP), United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and Bank South Pacific (BSP), Kina Bank, ANZ PNG, MiBank, Mama Bank and more.

Significant announcements and agreements were made throughout the day, as AFD committed to supporting the development of green finance instruments, such as the Green Refinancing Facility (GRF) and Green Guarantee Facility (GGF) to mobilize capital and de-risk green investments. The commitment was strengthened by an agreement from ADB to inject USD 20 million into both facilities while working with AFD, UNCDF, GFC, and BPNG. These partners will connect with local financial institutions to co-develop a pipeline of green and blue loans, forming the backbone of blended green finance and unlocking finance for Micro Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) in PNG.

BPNG Governor Ms. Elizabeth Genia (middle) pictured with BPNG Chairman Mr. David Toua (left) and Honorable Minister for Energy Mr. Thomas Opa (right) at the Green Finance Summit held in Port Moresby.

Image Caption: BPNG Governor Ms. Elizabeth Genia (middle) pictured with BPNG Chairman Mr. David Toua (left) and Honorable Minister for Energy Mr. Thomas Opa (right) at the Green Finance Summit held in Port Moresby.

Read more on the Green Finance Centre Website – https://www.gfcpng.com/green-finance-summit-2025-accelerates-the-investment-and-partnerships-for-a-sustainable-future-in-png/

 

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea March 24, 2025- The Green Finance Centre (GFC), under the auspicious of the Central Bank of Papua New Guinea is hosting its Inaugural Green Finance Summit to unlock green finance opportunities, foster green investment, and support inclusive growth across key national priorities such as agriculture, sustainable land use and marine resources, renewable energy, women-led enterprises, and small and medium-sized businesses. The summit brings together senior government officials from Treasury, Energy, Agriculture, Labor, Forestry, and Environment Ministries in PNG, along with leaders from the financial sector, development partners, and private sector stakeholders in the country, the Pacific region, and international donor partners.

Image Caption:(L-R): Mr. Ivan Pomaleu, Chief Secretary to the Government, Ms Elizabeth Genia, Governor, Bank of PNG, Ms. Virginie Bleitrach, AFD Regional Director Pacific Ocean and Mr. George Awap, Assistant Governor – Financial System Development and Innovation- Bank of PNG at the opening session of the Green Finance Summit 2025.

Read more of this article on the Green Finance Centre Website – https://www.gfcpng.com/inaugural-green-finance-summit-2025-accelerating-climate-finance-in-png-and-the-pacific/

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – On Friday, March 7, the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) celebrated International Women’s Day with a special milestone, the graduation of 25 participants from its Financial Literacy (FL) Training of Trainers (ToT) program. This celebration aligned with the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerating Action,” emphasizing the need to equip more individuals, especially women with the financial literacy skills to train others.

The five (5) days FL ToT program, conducted from March 3 to March 7, was designed to train individuals not only to improve their own personal financial management skills but also to become financial literacy trainers within their respective communities and organizations.

Among the graduates, 10 were women, reinforcing CEFI’s commitment to bridging the financial literacy gap for women and marginalized groups. The participants represented various organizations, including Commerce and Industry (East Sepik), Niugini Health Link (Western Highlands), Tuhava Town Management Limited (Central Province), Rhodes PNG Limited, Ipili National Limited, Taragai Enterprise Limited, PNG Eco Solutions, and Women’s Microbank Limited, while six participants were self-sponsored.

Held at the CEFI Training Room, the graduation ceremony was a moment of celebration, marked by a cake-cutting and a photo session with CEFI staff and participants. In his keynote address, CEFI’s Acting Executive Director, Mr. Peter Samuel, highlighted the significance of empowering women as financial literacy trainers.

“Instead of having separate events, we chose to combine this graduation with International Women’s Day because empowering women in financial literacy is a key step in accelerating economic empowerment,” said Mr. Samuel. “Women play a crucial role in building strong families and communities, yet their contributions are often overlooked. Today, we celebrate their achievements and their potential as change-makers in the space of financial literacy and financial inclusion.”

He challenged the newly trained participants to apply their knowledge by training others in their communities. “Now that you have completed this training, the real work begins. How will you take what you’ve learned and implement it? How will you teach others about budgeting, saving, and responsible financial decision-making? This program is about more than just learning, it is about becoming trainers and advocates for financial inclusion.”

Representing the graduates, Sharon Woruba emphasized how fitting it was that the training concluded on International Women’s Day. “CEFI has done tremendous work in promoting financial inclusion, particularly for women. The theme, ‘Accelerating Action,’ perfectly aligns with CEFI’s mission, providing financial literacy that enables women and girls to take charge of their economic future,” she said.

Other graduates shared their personal transformation through the training as well:

• Rita Kari, from Manda village in Western Highlands Province, admitted that before the training, she lacked awareness of her financial habits. “This program made me realize the importance of financial discipline, setting savings goals, and making informed spending decisions. I now understand how to train others to do the same,” she shared.
• Ezekiel Lakain, a security officer from Enga Province, was inspired to share his new knowledge with his family. “I have learned so much about budgeting and saving, and I am eager to train my family and community on how to make better financial decisions,” he said.
• Solomon Peni, a Youth Empowerment Project Officer from Western Highlands, recognized how his own financial behaviour had changed. “This training opened my eyes to the importance of financial planning. I am now more mindful of my spending and ready to teach others how to manage their money wisely,” he stated.

The FL ToT program’s core objective is to ‘’Building a Nationwide Network of Financial Literacy Trainers ‘’ by developing a network of skilled trainers who can deliver financial literacy training in their respective organizations and communities. By focusing on savings, budgeting, and responsible personal financial management skills, the program ensures that participants do not just gain knowledge for personal use, but become advocates for financial inclusion, particularly for women, youth, and rural populations.

Through this initiative, CEFI is accelerating action toward financial empowerment for all, ensuring that more Papua New Guineans, especially women and girls, gain the financial skills needed to build resilient, sustainable livelihoods.

 

 

 

Ends.

 

For further information on the work of CEFI please contact CEFI Communications Team: +675 3225300, email: lomaro@thecefi.org  or visit www.thecefi.org

 

 

Image Captions:

Image 1.   CEFI’s Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel speaking to the participants during the mini graduation.

Image 2. CEFI’s Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel presenting female participant Lina Wingawi, her certificate at the graduation ceremony.

Image 3. CEFI’s Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel is joined by female participants in cutting the IWD cake.

Image 4: CEFI’s Finance and Admin Manager, Mr. Andon Sevua (left) presenting twenty-four old Ezekiel Lakain his certificate at the graduation ceremony

Image 5: NFIS Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement Manager Mr.Danny Koka presenting Sharon Woruba her certificate at the graduation ceremony

Image 6:  CEFI Staff and management with FL ToT participants pose for a group photo following the presentation of certificates

Image 7: CEFI and BPNG staff were involved in mini IWD activities. Pictured here staff enjoying morning tea as part of the IWD celebration activities.

 

The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), through its Conservation and Environment Protection Program, have partnered to enhance financial literacy for Smallholder farmers in the New Britain Islands.

A ten-day Training Needs Analysis (TNA) exercise was successfully conducted respectively in East New Britain province from February 3-7 and West New Britain province from February 10-14.

The TNA marks the beginning of a comprehensive six-month of 8 key project activities. This initiative aims to enhance financial literacy and financial inclusion by supporting sustainable integrated land use practices across New Britain Island. Under this program, CEFI is responsible for delivering tailored financial literacy training, facilitating bank account openings for smallholder farmers, and establishing Agent Banking Networks in two provinces. The goal is to empower smallholder cocoa farmers in East New Britain Province and smallholder oil palm farmers in West New Britain Province with essential personal financial management skills. This effort aims to bolster economic resilience within family households and ensure the sustainability of their agricultural enterprises within their respective communities.

The initial five-day TNA was conducted in Kokopo, targeting farmers from Inland Baining in the Gazelle District and Central Pomio in the Pomio District. A total of 24 participants, evenly split between the two districts, took part in the assessment. The objective was to identify their learning needs and determine the necessity skills for customized training on savings, budgeting, and agricultural financial management.

Key findings from the assessment revealed low financial literacy levels and limited access to formal financial services in these rural areas. Participants expressed the urgent need for practical training in essential financial practices such as income tracking, household budgeting, and savings planning. To bridge these gaps, CEFI will design targeted training programs that directly address the specific needs identified during the TNA exercise.

Many of the participants, emphasized the importance of financial literacy in empowering communities: “Equipping farmers with essential financial knowledge is crucial for fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing their ability to manage and grow their incomes. This partnership with CEFI and financial institutions ensures that rural communities are not left behind in the journey toward financial inclusion.”

The second five-day TNA was conducted in Bialla Rural LLG, Silanga community wards (1 to 13) in Nakanai District in West New Britain province, engaging 36 participants aged between 20 to 60 years old. This initiative is a key component of UNDP’s six-month program focused on establishing sustainable integrated land use planning systems across New Britain Island.

The assessment revealed critical gaps in financial literacy, with participants demonstrating limited knowledge of essential financial skills such as saving, budgeting, and managing agricultural income. This lack of knowledge, combined with restricted access to formal financial services, underscores the need for targeted financial literacy programs to empower local farmers.

“Financial literacy is vital for the sustainability of agricultural livelihoods. Through this initiative, we aim to equip farmers with practical financial skills that will not only enhance their ability to manage their income but also strengthen their economic resilience,” said a representative from CEFI.

During the TNA, visits were made to various financial institutions to explore and strengthen partnerships aimed at facilitating bank account openings and establishing Agent Banking Networks in the communities where financial literacy training will be delivered. These collaborations are designed to enhance farmers’ access to formal financial services and promote long-term financial sustainability.

This initiative seeks to build strategic partnerships with financial institutions to improve financial service accessibility for farmers. By enabling them to securely manage their agricultural income, cultivate a savings culture, and effectively handle farm expenses, these partnerships create opportunities for future financial growth within their communities.

The upcoming financial literacy training, shaped by the TNA findings, will equip farmers with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions. Training modules will cover essential topics such as savings plans, household budgeting, and income diversification strategies, tailored to the specific needs of each community.

By strengthening farmers’ financial literacy, the program contributes to long-term environmental conservation and enhances community resilience.

Ends.

For further information on the work of CEFI please contact CEFI Communications Team: +675 3225300, email: lomaro@thecefi.org  or visit www.thecefi.org

Image Captions:

Image 1.   CEFI’s Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development Team conducting TNA for smallholder farmers in East New Britain province.

Image 2. CEFI’s Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development Manager Ms. Jill Pijui, conducting a TNA exercise with smallholder farmers in East New Britain province.

Image 3. Senior Trainer Mr. Sebastian Mungup talking with two smallholder farmers from East New Britain province during the TNA exercise in Kokopo.

Image 4: CEFI’s Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development Manager Ms. Jill Pijui and Senior Trainer Sebastian Mungup speaking with East New Britain Savings and Loans CEO  Ms. Lavinia Taraika and MSU Manager , Lopa Alua.

Image 5: CEFI’s Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development Team pose for a group photo with staff from Kada Poroman Microfinance Ltd.

Image 6: CEFI’s Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development Admin Officer Ms. Adelle Auhava assisting a smallholder farmer during the TNA exercise in West New Britain province.

Image 7: Smallholder farmers during the TNA exercise in West New Britain province.

Image 8: CEFI’s Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development Team  and ENBSL Team pose for a group photo. (L-R) Standing: Jack Tewe (CFO), Eluda Malmal (Lending Manager), Paul Tamate (CEFI Trainer), Sebastian Mugup (CEFI Senior Trainer), Lopa Alua (MSU Manager), Peter Wartovo (BDO).
Seated (L-R) Jessica Kuambu (SM Manager), Jill Piljui (CEFI – Senior Trainer), Lavinia Taraika (CEO), Adelle Auhava (Admin Officer).

Image 9: Senior Trainer Mr. Sebastian Mungup taking with two smallholder farmers from West New Britain province.

Image 10: CEFI’s Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development team pose for a group photo with smallholder farmers in West New Britain province.

Image 11: CEFI’s Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development team pose for a group photo with East New Britain Savings and Loan Society team.

Image 12: CEFI’s Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development team (L-R), Daisy Moses, Sebastian Mungup, Paul Tamate and Adelle Auhava pose for a group photo MiBank-Kimbe Branch Manager Jeanellia Siroro (3rd from left-middle).