Author: Leslie Omaro

The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and The Salvation Army (TSA) have formalized a new partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding financial literacy, financial inclusion and economic empowerment initiatives across Papua New Guinea.

The partnership will leverage The Salvation Army’s extensive network of churches, schools, community programmes and social services to deliver financial literacy training and connect underserved communities with formal financial services.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel described the agreement as a significant milestone in strengthening financial inclusion through faith-based organizations.

“Seeing the history of how The Salvation Army was established in 1956 and the work that you have done in empowering communities right across the country is beyond measure,” Mr Samuel said.

“For us, this MoU is an opportunity to not only impact lives but to create lasting change through the community programmes that you already deliver.”

Mr Samuel highlighted the strong link between financial wellbeing and social development, noting that many social and family challenges stem from poor financial decision-making.

“We feel that having conversations about social issues and gender issues often leads back to financial issues. Financial literacy is not just about training people how to save money; it is about changing mindsets and helping people build a healthier relationship with money,” he said.

He added that CEFI is working closely with the Department of Education to integrate financial literacy into the national curriculum from Preparatory to Grade 12, ensuring young Papua New Guineans develop lifelong financial management skills.

“We are committed to empowering communities and look forward to working with The Salvation Army. Together, we can equip teachers, church members and community leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to improve financial wellbeing across the country,” Mr Samuel said.

Representing The Salvation Army, Major Michelle Oliver reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the partnership and outlined preparations already underway to support the programme.

She announced that 30 participants have been identified to attend the upcoming Training of Trainers programme scheduled for the last week of June, with women making up more than half of the participants.

“We’ve got 30 people who will be in attendance, 17 of those are women, so we have certainly exceeded the 50 per cent target,” Major Oliver said.

The participants include representatives from women’s refuges, restorative justice programmes, literacy initiatives, churches and community organizations from across Papua New Guinea, as well as one participant from Solomon Islands.

Major Oliver said trained facilitators would also support financial literacy education in Salvation Army schools and communities throughout the country.

The Salvation Army Territorial Commander, Colonel Chris Goa, welcomed the partnership and thanked CEFI for its confidence in the organization.

“Thank you very much for trusting us and wanting to be partners with us,” Colonel Goa said.

“Our aim is to let our work speak for itself. We want our partners to be happy with what we are planning to do so that this relationship continues to grow.”

Under the MoU, CEFI will provide Training of Trainers programmes, mentoring and technical support, while The Salvation Army will identify and mobilize participants and facilitate community outreach activities. The partnership aims to train 30 financial literacy trainers and reach at least 1,000 beneficiaries through community-based financial literacy programmes.

The collaboration will also promote savings, responsible financial management, access to banking services, digital payments and entrepreneurship, particularly among rural households, farmers, informal sector workers and micro, small and medium enterprises.

The agreement reflects both organizations shared commitment to strengthening financial capability, promoting responsible stewardship and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable and underserved communities throughout Papua New Guinea.

Ends.

Image Captions:

Image 1: Colonel Chris Goa of the Salvation Army (second from left) and CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel (second from right) display the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) documents following the official signing ceremony. Witnessing the occasion are CEFI Senior Trainer Sebastian Mugup (far right) and Major Michelle Oliver of the Salvation Army.

Image 2: Colonel Chris Goa of the Salvation Army (second from left) and CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel (second from right) formally sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), witnessed by CEFI Senior Trainer Sebastian Mugup (far right) and Major Michelle Oliver of the Salvation Army.

Image 3: Colonel Chris Goa of the Salvation Army (second from left) and CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel (second from right) exchange signatures during the MoU signing ceremony, with CEFI Senior Trainer Sebastian Mugup (far right) and Major Michelle Oliver observing proceedings.

Image 4: Prior to the official MoU signing, Colonel Chris Goa of the Salvation Army (far left), CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel, and Major Michelle Oliver engage in discussions ahead of the formal proceedings.

About CEFI

CEFI was established under the Association Incorporation Act and officially launched on the 24^th of April 2013. CEFI was endorsed by PNG’s National Executive Council (NEC) as the industry apex organization for coordinating, advocating and moniotoring 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

WhatsApp : 79736883

Email: lomaro@thecefi.org

Twenty-three financial literacy trainers from across Papua New Guinea graduated from the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion’s (CEFI) inaugural Digital Financial Literacy Trainers of Trainers (DFLT TOT) Programme, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and prepare communities for an increasingly digital economy.

The mini graduation ceremony concluded a week-long training programme that brought together financial literacy trainers from across the country to enhance their digital financial literacy skills, improve financial capability, and expand outreach into communities through a structured training-of-trainers in Digital Financial Literacy Model.

The programme included 23 participants, comprising 12 women and 11 men, representing the National Capital District, Western Highlands, Morobe, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Jiwaka, Milne Bay, Central, Eastern Highlands, Simbu, East New Britain, New Ireland, East Sepik and Madang provinces.

Speaking at the graduation, Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring and CEFI Board Member, Mr. Sanja Papea, emphasized the importance of digital financial literacy in supporting Papua New Guinea’s development aspirations.

He congratulated participants for successfully completing the intensive training and encouraged them to apply their newly acquired knowledge within their communities.

“Digital financial literacy is one of the major contemporary areas as our economy continues to progress. The knowledge, tools and skills you have gained this week will help not only yourselves, but also the people you will train and inspire,” Mr Papea said.

He described the training as a social investment that would create positive change across communities and contribute towards the Government’s broader development agenda and Vision 2050.

“Every small contribution you make can have a significant impact on someone’s life and ultimately contribute to nation-building,” he added.

Bhavan Srivastava, Director of FinValue Advisors, described the training as a major milestone in CEFI’s financial literacy journey and highlighted the collaborative effort behind the development of the digital financial literacy curriculum.

She explained that extensive consultations with stakeholders across Papua New Guinea helped shape a digital financial literacy training module tailored to local needs and realities.

“This is indeed a very big milestone for CEFI. Financial literacy has evolved, and we are now ready to launch digital financial literacy training programmes that will support Papua New Guinea’s journey towards becoming a digital economy,” Mrs Srivastava said.

He praised the participants for their contributions throughout the training and reminded them of their role as ambassadors of financial inclusion.

“You are the people who will bring change. Financial inclusion is not only about access to services; it is about ensuring people can participate safely and confidently in the digital world.”

Delivering the keynote address, George Kulisi, Director of Programme Development at the Department for Community Development and Religion and CEFI Board Member, encouraged graduates to lead by example and begin sharing their knowledge with their families, organizations and communities.

“You are ambassadors. Whatever you have learned this week must start with you first, then your family, your network and your communities,” Mr Kulisi said.

He stressed that participants should not allow the training to become merely another qualification on their curriculum vitae, but instead use it as a practical tool to empower others.

Mr Kulisi also highlighted the importance of digital literacy within the Government’s forthcoming National Informal Economy Policy, noting that digital skills and emerging technologies would play an increasingly important role in Papua New Guinea’s economic development.

Speaking on behalf of the male participants, Jimmy Rick Raphael described the opportunity to attend the training as both an honour and a responsibility.

“It was a privilege for the 23 of us to be selected for this training. Digital financial literacy is the future, and we will become agents of change for the majority of Papua New Guineans,” he said.

Mr Raphael noted that despite previous experience in financial literacy training, the programme provided new insights into digital financial services, online transactions and consumer protection.

Representing the female participants, Freda Korarome said the training introduced participants to a rapidly evolving digital landscape and challenged them to expand their knowledge beyond traditional financial literacy.

“Digital financial literacy was a new space for many of us. We learned there was so much more in that space than we previously understood,” she said.

Ms Korarome encouraged CEFI and its partners to continue supporting trainers through follow-up engagement, capacity-building initiatives and resources. She also called for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in future training programmes.

Closing the ceremony, CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel thanked participants, development partners and trainers for their contributions to the successful delivery of the programme.

Mr Samuel highlighted the DFLT programme as a key achievement under Papua New Guinea’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy and outlined several reforms being pursued by the Bank of Papua New Guinea and CEFI to support digital financial services, consumer protection and financial education.

“We have now developed the digital financial literacy programme and are also developing a digital tool to support its rollout. This is a major milestone for CEFI and aligns with the broader reforms taking place within the financial sector,” Mr Samuel said.

He announced plans for CEFI to establish formal partnerships with the newly trained master trainers, enabling them to act as CEFI’s representatives in their respective provinces and communities.

“You will become CEFI agents in empowering communities. Together, we can expand our reach and accelerate financial inclusion throughout Papua New Guinea,” he said.

The graduation marks the beginning of a national rollout of digital financial literacy training, with the newly certified trainers expected to deliver programmes at national, provincial and community levels, helping more Papua New Guineans confidently and safely participate in the digital economy.

Ends.

Image Captions:

Image 1: Training participants and guest speakers gather for a commemorative group photograph following the graduation ceremony.

Image 2: CEFI Acting Executive Director, Peter Samuel (left), presents a certificate to Jacklyn Wilson of Career Link PNG during the graduation ceremony.

Image 3: Director of Programme Development at the Department for Community Development and Religion and CEFI Board Member, George Kulisi (left), awards a certificate to Manasi Badira of Credit and Data Bureau.

Image 4: George Kulisi (left), Director of Programme Development at the Department for Community Development and Religion and CEFI Board Member, presents a certificate to Angela Mong of Cliffy Consultants.

Image 5: CEFI Acting Executive Director, Peter Samuel (left), presents Steven Shon Whallan of Sepik Project Organisation with his certificate.

Image 6: George Kulisi, Director of Programme Development at the Department for Community Development and Religion and CEFI Board Member, congratulates Romano Vendenberg of Build Bougainville Foundation Incorporated while presenting his certificate.

Image 7: Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring and CEFI Board Member, Sanja Papea (left), presents Nathan John with his certificate.

Image 8: Freda Korarome of Cottage Livelihood Consultancy delivers an address on behalf of the female participants during the Training of Trainers in Digital Financial Literacy graduation ceremony.

Image 9: Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring and CEFI Board Member, Sanja Papea (left), awards a certificate to Harold Wuris.

Image 10: Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring and CEFI Board Member, Sanja Papea, delivers the opening remarks at the Training of Trainers in Digital Financial Literacy graduation ceremony.

Image 11: FinValue Advisors Director, Bhavan Srivastava, shares remarks during the Training of Trainers in Digital Financial Literacy graduation ceremony.

Image 12: Director of Programme Development at the Department for Community Development and Religion and CEFI Board Member, George Kulisi, delivers the keynote address at the Training of Trainers in Digital Financial Literacy graduation ceremony.

Image 13: Representing the male participants, Jimmy Rick Raphael delivers a speech during the Training of Trainers in Digital Financial Literacy graduation ceremony.

Image 14: CEFI Acting Executive Director, Peter Samuel, delivers the closing remarks to conclude the Training of Trainers in Digital Financial Literacy graduation ceremony.

About CEFI

CEFI was established under the Association Incorporation Act and officially launched on the 24^th 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: 7464 5678

Email: lomaro@thecefi.org

Bank of Papua New Guinea

Media Release

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 27 May 2026

The 2026 Green Finance Summit opened today, Wednesday 27 May 2026 at the Hilton Hotel, hosted by the Bank of Papua New Guinea and the Green Finance Centre.

Governor Elizabeth Genia opened the summit calling for collaboration to drive investment to build a resilient and sustainable Papua New Guinea under the theme of ‘Greening PNG’s Financial System’. The summit creates a platform for workable, practical solutions to move capital and challenge conventional assumptions to create a tangible green financial system in Papua New Guinea.

The two-day summit features a strong line up of keynote presentations, panels discussions and interactive workshops that will provide a high-level platform to unlock green finance opportunities, accelerate climate-resilient investment, and advance practical action on green growth in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The summit convened approximately 250 participants from across government agencies, financial institutions, development partners, private sector organisations, investors, and regional central banks. Senior representatives from national agencies, commercial banks, multilateral institutions and development organisations will join leaders from PNG and the wider Pacific to exchange practical insights, showcase progress, and explore innovative green finance instruments that can accelerate climate-resilient and sustainable finance in PNG.

Aligned with Papua New Guinea’s Inclusive Green Finance Policy and its implementation roadmap, the 2026 summit builds on the momentum of the inaugural 2025 Green Finance Summit and reflects the country’s growing commitment to strengthening its green finance architecture. As PNG prepares for higher standards of sustainability reporting and seeks to mobilise greater private capital for climate-resilient development, the summit will serve as a timely platform for policy dialogue, technical exchange and partnership-building that supports practical market implementation.

This year, we move the conversation forward – 2026 is not about introducing ideas; it is about implementation said Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Elizabeth Genia,

“Papua New Guinea remains committed to building strong policy frameworks that encourage green investment, strengthen financial sector resilience, and create pathways for sustainable growth.” “The Green Finance Summit 2026 is an opportunity to bring together partners, financial institutions and policymakers to move from ambition to implementation and ensure that green finance delivers practical outcomes for our people, our economy and our climate future.”

Key highlights of the summit will include the launch of PNG’s Inclusive Green Finance Taxonomy Version 2, Standards for Green Loan Classification and Reporting, the Environmental Risk Policy Guidelines for

Head Office: ToRobert Haus, Douglas Street, Port Moresby NCD | PO Box 121 Port Moresby NCD Tel: +675 322 7200 | Email: info@bankpng.gov.pg | www.bankpng.gov.pg

Financial Institutions and the Green Finance Academy. This will be alongside discussions on green lending, impact investment, digital finance and financial inclusion.

Papua New Guinea has been commended for the progress it has made in establishing its green finance policy framework by the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI).

Dr Ma Jun, Keynote speaker at the Green Finance Summit 2026, and Chairman of CASI said: “I am deeply impressed by the remarkable progress Papua New Guinea has achieved in establishing its green finance policy framework.”

“I believe PNG can serve as an excellent role model for island nations across the Asia-Pacific. As a global platform for capacity building and knowledge sharing, CASI stands ready to partner with the Bank of Papua New Guinea and the Green Finance Centre to strengthen sustainable finance and investment capacity in PNG and other economies throughout the region”.

Chief Secretary to the Government of Papua New Guinea, Ivan Pomaleu, OBE, on behalf of the Prime Minister Hon James Marape commended the Bank of Papua New Guinea and Green Finance Centre for bringing together such an important platform for strengthening sustainable development agenda,

“These reforms are critical because sustainable finance is not simply about climate discussions. It is about jobs. It is about agriculture. It is about energy access. It is about infrastructure. It is about financial inclusion. And most importantly, it is about improving lives of Papua New Guineans.”

The summit is coordinated by the Green Finance Centre in collaboration with Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). Through these partnerships, the summit is expected to strengthen market confidence, reduce greenwashing risks, and support the growth of credible green finance solutions that contribute to a more resilient and sustainable financial system in PNG.

Ends/ Background

About Green Finance Centre

The Green Finance Centre (GFC) is a department under the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG). Its primary role is to transform Papua New Guinea’s financial sector into one that is inclusive, climate resilient and promotes green economic growth. It serves as the entity responsible for implementing the Inclusive and Green Finance Policy (IGFP) and all future initiatives related to green finance in Papua New Guinea.

The Green Finance Centre was officially launched on 25th March 2024 by Chief Secretary to the Government of Papua New Guinea Mr. Ivan Pomaleu OBE, Conservation Environment & Climate Change Minister Hon Simo Kilepa MP, and the Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea Mrs. Elizabeth Genia.

Currently, the Green Finance Centre is the secretariat to the Inclusive Green Finance Project steering committee, that is chaired by BPNG. Other members of the steering committee include the Centre of Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), the Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA), the Department of Treasury, the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)(Observer), New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)(observer) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD)(observer).

More than 1,000 students in Madang Province have gained valuable financial literacy knowledge through the successful completion of the Young Mind Savings Campaign (YMSC), a three-day awareness programme aimed at promoting savings habits and responsible money management among school-aged children.

The campaign, held from 20–22 May 2026, brought together schools, financial institutions, government agencies and community stakeholders to encourage students to understand the importance of saving money and opening bank accounts from an early age.

The programme was conducted at Sagalau Demonstration Primary School, Holy Spirit Primary School and Kusbau Primary School. Students from Good Shepherd Secondary School also attended the afternoon session at Sagalau Primary School. Granget Primary School and Tusbab Secondary School were unable to participate due to ongoing school assessments.

The Young Mind Savings Campaign, launched in 2024, began with successful pilot programmes in Milne Bay and West New Britain provinces, resulting in more than 300 student bank accounts being opened. In August 2025, CEFI partnered with the East New Britain Provincial Government to reach 3,000 students across six schools, resulting in 500 new accounts being opened with support from financial institutions and government agencies.

The campaign continued to expand in October 2025 to Kerema District, where 3,800 students across six schools participated and 430 accounts were opened. In March 2026, a total of 2,073 bank accounts were opened during the campaign in Western Highlands Province.

The Madang programme was delivered through a partnership between the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and the Madang Provincial Government, with support from the Bank of Papua New Guinea, the Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea and participating financial institutions including Bank South Pacific, TISA Bank, Kina Bank, Women’s Micro Bank, MiBank, NASFUND, NCSL, Nambawan Super, Nambawan Savings and Loan Society, and National Development Bank.

CEFI Executive Director Peter Samuel thanked stakeholders and participating institutions for their continued support in educating school-aged children about savings and financial responsibility.

“The purpose of the Young Mind Savings Campaign is to raise awareness and educate school students about the importance of opening and owning a bank account, as well as building a culture of saving for their future,” Mr Samuel said.

He said the continued collaboration between CEFI, financial institutions and stakeholders was helping empower students with financial knowledge while encouraging a stronger savings culture for a more secure future.

Madang Provincial Government Executive Director for Commerce, Imason Bekue, said the provincial government was proud to partner with CEFI in delivering an important educational programme aimed at preparing young people for the future.

He said the Young Mind Savings Campaign was part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between CEFI and the Madang Provincial Government in 2024, making Madang the sixth province in Papua New Guinea to implement the initiative.

Mr Bekue said the programme aligned with the Government’s Medium Term Development Plan IV and the Madang Provincial Integrated Development Plan.

“The theme of this programme reflects the importance of preparing the future generation to participate in the country’s development agenda and make informed decisions for a better future,” he said.

Speaking during the closing programme at Kusbau Primary School, Director of Economic Services Peter Sagerom acknowledged the commitment shown by teachers, students and stakeholders throughout the campaign.

“We are still learning, but we must learn how to save money. It will take time, but surely we will get there for the good of our future generations,” Mr Sagerom said.

He noted that financial education was becoming increasingly important as Papua New Guinea’s education system gradually integrates financial literacy into schools. He also highlighted ongoing challenges, including teacher training, infrastructure limitations in rural schools and the need to adapt lessons to Papua New Guinea’s diverse cultural and economic environment.

Provincial Education Director Alphonse Igag described financial literacy as an essential life skill that had been missing from the education system for many years. He said the campaign would help students develop responsible money management habits from an early age while also benefiting teachers and parents.

“We are working towards establishing financial literacy, which has been missing for the last fifty years. No wonder very few people are able to manage money properly,” Mr Igag said.

Mr Igag thanked CEFI and its partners for bringing the programme to Madang and expressed confidence that the initiative would help build a financially informed generation in the years ahead.

Kusbau Primary School Headmistress Mrs ToWillie welcomed the initiative and commended financial institutions for delivering financial education directly to schools and communities.

“Your presence shows your commitment to educating our young people about financial literacy, savings and responsibility in money management,” she said.

Sagalau Demonstration Primary School Head Teacher Francis Piska described the campaign as an important opportunity for students to learn the value of saving money and develop responsible financial habits from an early age.

“It is a privilege and blessing to have you all here at Sagalau Demonstration Primary School,” Mr Piska said.

The Young Mind Savings Campaign continues to strengthen financial education efforts across Papua New Guinea by encouraging children and young people to develop positive saving habits and financial responsibility for the future.

Ends.

Image Captions:

Image 1: Sagalau Demonstration Primary School Students, CEFI Staff and Stakeholders pose for a group photo.

Image 2: Sagalau Demonstration Primary  School Students assisted by TISA Bank Officers to open bank accounts.

Image 3: NCSL Staff doing awareness to Sagalau Demonstration Primary School Students on NCSL Products and Servcies.

Image 4: Holy Spirit Primary School Students, CEFI Staff and Stakeholders pose for a group photo.

Image 5: Bank of Papua New Guinea Currency Staff interacting with Holy Spirit Primary School Students.

Image 6: Holy Spirit Primary School Students opening bank accounts at the BSP Booth.

Image 7: Kusbau Primary School Students, CEFI Staff and Stakeholders pose for a group photo.

Image 8: Nambawan Savings and Loans Society Officer Goodness Geyame doing awareness to Kusbau Primary School Students about Nambawan Savings and Loans Society products and services.

Image 9:  Sylvia Lunga from Kina Bank doing awareness to Kusbau Primary School Students about Kina Banks products and services.

About CEFI

CEFI was established under the Association Incorporation Act and officially launched on the 24^th of April 2013. CEFI was endorsed by PNG’s National Executive Council (NEC) as the industry apex organization for coordinating, advocating and moniotoring 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: 7464 5678

Email: lomaro@thecefi.org

The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) has announced significant achievements in its 2024 Annual Report, themed “A Year of Progress, A Future of Promise,” highlighting a year of growth, strengthened partnerships, and expanded impact across Papua New Guinea.

Acting Executive Director, Mr. Peter Samuel, described 2024 as a transformative year driven by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to advancing financial inclusion.

“The year 2024 has been one of remarkable growth, renewed partnerships, and tangible impact across Papua New Guinea’s financial inclusion landscape,” Mr. Samuel said.

A key milestone was the successful hosting of the inaugural Financial Inclusion Policy Forum and Excellence Awards in November, which brought together leaders from government, private sector, and development partners including abroad. The event recognised excellence across seven categories and reinforced CEFI’s role as a catalyst for inclusive financial growth in the country.

Partnerships remained central to progress, with nine Memoranda of Understanding signed in 2024. Notable collaborations included engagements with key foundations and provincial governments, enhancing outreach and tailoring financial inclusion initiatives to local communities.

CEFI also reached a historic milestone in education, developing a nationwide Financial Education Curriculum for schools from Preparatory to Grade 12 in partnership with the Department of Education. This initiative produced 53 curriculum resources, strengthening long-term financial literacy.

Another major highlight was the launch of the PNG Green Finance Centre in March, marking a strategic shift towards integrating financial inclusion with environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

“Through inclusive green finance, Papua New Guinea is charting a path where economic empowerment and environmental responsibility go hand in hand,” Mr. Samuel stated.

Financial literacy efforts continued to expand, with 959 individuals who were certified as CEFI trainers in 2024, including most women. Nationally, bank account ownership rose to over 4.3 million, with more than 1.5 million accounts held by women, this demonstrates the demand for financial services and also indicates the tremendous job CEFI is doing with all the licenced commercial banks in its various outreach programs.

Programmes such as the Young Minds Savings Campaign and the Market for Village Farmers Project further extended impact, supporting students, farmers, and rural communities through financial education, improved access to services, and increased participation in agribusiness.

“The progress achieved in 2024 is a testament to what can be accomplished through vision, collaboration, and perseverance,” Mr. Samuel added.

CEFI reaffirmed its commitment to building a financially inclusive, sustainable, and resilient Papua New Guinea, ensuring all citizens have the opportunity to participate in economic growth.

Ends.

Visit the CEFI website to download the E- Copy – https://www.thecefi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/FINAL-WEBSITE-APPROVED-CEFI-Annual-Report.21.04.26.pdf

Image Captions:

Image 1: A key milestone was the successful hosting of the inaugural Financial Inclusion Policy Forum and Excellence Awards in November, uniting leaders from government, private sector, and development partners.

Image 2: Partnerships remained central, with nine Memoranda of Understanding signed in 2024, strengthening collaboration with foundations and provincial governments to expand outreach and tailor financial inclusion initiatives locally.

Image 3: CEFI achieved a historic milestone by developing a nationwide Financial Education Curriculum for Preparatory to Grade 12, producing 53 resources to strengthen long-term financial literacy.

Image 4: Another highlight was the March launch of the PNG Green Finance Centre, signalling a strategic shift towards integrating financial inclusion with environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Image 5: Programmes such as the Young Minds Savings Campaign and Market for Village Farmers Project expanded impact, supporting students, farmers, and rural communities through financial education and improved access.

About CEFI

CEFI was established under the Association Incorporation Act and officially launched on the 24^th of April 2013. CEFI was endorsed by PNG’s National Executive Council (NEC) as the industry apex organization for coordinating, advocating and moniotoring 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: 7464 5678

Email: lomaro@thecefi.org