Author: Leslie Omaro

Coinciding with International MSME Day, the inaugural Business Link Pacific (BLP) Advisory Panel Meeting was held on Monday 30th June, bringing together key stakeholders, financial institutions, development partners, and SME owners to recognize BLP’s role in advancing small and medium-sized enterprises in Papua New Guinea.

Speakers at the meeting highlighted the important role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Papua New Guinea’s economic growth and the contribution of the New Zealand-funded programme, BLP, in supporting MSME development.

His Excellency Peter Zwart, New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, delivered opening remarks describing the SME sector as a cornerstone for inclusive and broad based economic development. He emphasized that while large-scale resource extraction and public sector activities were important, it was SME that offered greatest potential to grow employment and opportunity for the majority of Papua New Guineans.

“SMEs are essential for achieving national economic goals, connecting rural communities to markets and providing viable livelihoods for women, youth and those traditionally excluded from formal employment.”

He commended BLP’s integrated approach to business advisory and financial services, encouraged continued ambition and adaptability.

Acting Executive Director of the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), Mr. Peter Samuel, delivered the closing remarks, highlighting BLP as a uniquely practical and operational model that bridges a major gap in the government’s support mechanisms for SMEs. He acknowledged that although CEFI’s traditional focus is not SME development, the success stories shared during the meeting offered a compelling case to expand their mandate.

“The journey of Richard, who turned a roadside hobby into a top-tier restaurant, demonstrates the kind of passion, perseverance, and structural support our SMEs need,” he said. Mr Samuel stressed the need for future sessions to include both success stories and those still struggling, stating that learning from both triumph and hardship would better inform policy and practice. He also encouraged financial institutions to reflect more deeply on their relationship with SME clients and their unique challenges.

The meeting also featured a testimony sharing session, where four local SME owners shared how BLP had positively impacted their businesses.

Mrs. Kopi Like-Grammon, owner of KLG & Co. Business Consultants, shared her journey as a Business Advisor since 2019. “Through BLP, I’ve supported many businesses to formalize helping them register, set up bookkeeping systems, and transition to cloud accounting,” she explained. “We’ve worked closely with institutions like CEFI and banks to ensure our clients are compliant and loan-ready. Patience and compliance are key for long-term success.”

Mr Richard Mark, founder of Abus Na Kumu, shared how a BLP grant transformed his food venture. “With close to half a million kina in BLP grant funding (used as loan equity), we went from selling food by the roadside to building one of PNG’s leading catering businesses,” he said. “BLP trusted and believed in us. Their support connected us with financial and accounting experts, and helped build a resilient and sustainable foundation.”

Mr Billy Gawi, a wood carver and designer, recounted how a K30, 000 loan from Women’s Micro Bank, facilitated through BLP funding, kept his small business afloat. “I now employ 36 young people from Port Moresby in places like Eight Mile and Kuriva. Our carvings are sold at Boroko Market and even government departments,” he said. “More than just business, we train unemployed youth, paying their wages and school fees.”

Ms. Benitta Napitalai, owner of Qweens Collection, described how BLP’s subsidy supported her bilum-making enterprise. “Our business needed an online platform to reach more markets. With BLP’s subsidy, we worked with SNS Technology to build an integrated e-commerce website. Now, we’ve attracted customers from Australia and New Zealand, creating income for women in the Eastern Highlands,” she shared.

Mr. Richard Busby, BLP’s Senior SME Banking Specialist, provided an update on BLP’s progress and future plans. He acknowledged BLP’s strong collaboration with its two key banking partners in Papua New Guinea, their instrumental role in delivering concessional and wholesale capital loan programmes to SMEs.

“We’ve seen the successful rollout of several SME loans and the upcoming launch of two new energy finance products,” he said. “These initiatives, including green and renewable energy financing, reflect BLP’s goal to unlock access to finance.”

Mr Busby also praised the in-country BLP team for their coordination and outreach, particularly in regions such as the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

From the banking sector, Mr Wong Khar Fye, General Manager for SME & Specialized Lending at Kina Bank, outlined Kina’s partnership with BLP, which began in 2021. “As a bank that started small, we understand the struggles of SMEs. Our partnership with BLP allowed us to refer clients to BLP advisors when they weren’t ready for a loan, giving them a chance to come back stronger,” he said.

Mr Fye announced that Kina Bank had supported nearly 30 SMEs with K3 million in lending and unveiled two upcoming products SME Green and SME Every Business Loan which will align with BLP’s concessional lending framework.

Also addressing the gathering was Mr. Prabhash Ranjan from Women’s Micro Bank, who highlighted the bank’s focus on women entrepreneurs, who make up 80% of their 130,000-strong customer base. “Our partnership with BLP enables us to do more than offer loans. We support clients with business advisory services, capacity building, and financial literacy,” he stated. “From catering to tourism, retail to renewable energy, the collaboration has helped businesses across PNG. We encourage SMEs to continue innovating and engaging with us.”

The meeting also featured presentations by Smitha Shanberg, BLP’s Business & Stakeholder Manager, and Gabriel Iso, Lae-based BLP Business Services Manager, who provided updates on ongoing regional outreach and capacity-building efforts across the regions.

 

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:
His Excellency Peter Zwart, New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, delivering his opening remarks at the BLP Advisory Panel Meeting.

Image 2:
Mr Peter Samuel, Acting Executive Director of the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), delivering the closing remarks.

Image 3:
(From left to right) Ms. Bolalava Vaia, His Excellency Peter Zwart, New Zealand High Commissioner, and Mr Peter Samuel, Acting Executive Director of CEFI, cutting the cake to commemorate MSME Day.

Image 4:
Mr Peter Samuel (seated second from left), Acting Executive Director of CEFI, and His Excellency Peter Zwart (seated fourth from left), New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, pictured with key stakeholders, financial institutions, development partners, SME owners, and officers from BLP and CEFI during the meeting.

Image 5:
Mr Gabriel Iso, Lae-based BLP Business Services Manager, providing updates on ongoing regional outreach and capacity-building efforts.

Image 6:
Mr Gabriel Iso, Lae-based BLP Business Services Manager, presenting on regional outreach and capacity-building initiatives.

Image 7:
Mr Wong Khar Fye, General Manager for SME & Specialised Lending at Kina Bank, outlining Kina’s partnership with BLP.

Image 8:
Mr Wong Khar Fye, General Manager for SME & Specialised Lending at Kina Bank, highlighting the bank’s ongoing collaboration with BLP.

Image 9:
Mr Prabhash Ranjan from Women’s Micro Bank highlighting the bank’s commitment to women entrepreneurs, who comprise 80% of its 130,000-strong customer base.

Image 10:
Mr Prabhash Ranjan from Women’s Micro Bank discussing the bank’s focus on supporting women-led enterprises.

Image 11:
Mrs Kopi Like-Grammon, owner of KLG & Co. Business Consultants, sharing her journey as a Business Advisor since 2019.

Image 12:
Mr Richard Mark, founder of Abus Na Kumu, explaining how a BLP grant transformed his catering and food delivery business.

Image 13:
Mr Billy Gawi, a wood carver and designer, recounting how a K30,000 loan from Women’s Micro Bank—facilitated through BLP funding—helped sustain his small business.

Image 14:
Ms Benitta Napitalai, owner of Qweens Collection, sharing how BLP’s subsidy supported her bilum-making enterprise.

Image 15:
Mr Peter Samuel, Acting Executive Director of CEFI, meeting Mrs Lucy Wabi, Founder and Managing Director of Mama’s Hardware.

Image 16:
Attendees engaged during the BLP Advisory Panel Meeting.

Image 17:
Participants of the BLP Advisory Panel Meeting in discussion.

Image 18:
A cross-section of stakeholders attending the BLP Advisory Panel Meeting.

Image 19:
Key participants interacting during the BLP Advisory Panel Meeting.

Image 20:
Group discussion underway during the BLP Advisory Panel Meeting.

The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) participated at the Women’s Economic Empowerment Expo held from 23 to 25 June in Lae, Morobe Province, demonstrating its continued commitment to empowering women through financial inclusion.

Invited as a silver-level sponsor, CEFI joined nearly 100 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and several prominent partners including the Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC), Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation (SMEC), Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), and Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), in supporting the Women SME Expo.

Organized by SMEC and Lae SME Incubator Hub managed by Tok Stret Consulting Limited, the expo aimed to promote economic opportunities for women in Morobe Province.

CEFI also took part in a panel discussion alongside other key stakeholders, contributing insights on financial inclusion, and business support programs to women-led businesses.

As part of its engagement, CEFI conducted informal stall-to-stall interviews with women entrepreneurs, many of whom operate in the informal economy and found out that women participants prioritized day-to-day business operations and income generation, many were unaware of available training programmes or did not perceive immediate benefits from them.

According to CEFI’s GESI Cordinator, Daisy Moses, who conducted the interviews, this insight pointed to a significant awareness gap and widespread misunderstanding and fear surrounding business compliance particularly in relation to registration with IPA and IRC were evident. Many women expressed concern that formalizing their businesses would result in tax obligations, deterring them from engaging with these systems.

The expo also highlighted the need for more targeted information sessions. However, CEFI has now renewed its focus on delivering more awareness initiatives to better inform women about business support programs, financial literacy, and the benefits of formalization and compliance.

CEFI’s participation in the Women’s Economic Empowerment Expo not only underlines its leadership in advancing financial inclusion for women but also opened up important conversations around bridging knowledge gaps, reducing fears around formalization (sme business), and expanding access to financial support services throughout Papua New Guinea.

Images:

The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) hosted a heartfelt farewell lunch on Thursday, 29th May 2025,  for Mr. Busa Jeremiah Wenogo, Manager for Special Projects.

In his farewell speech Mr. Wenogo thanked his colleges for their support in performing  their duties and building strong working relationship him during his time with CEFI. He paid special tribute to two of his former colleagues, in former CEFI Executive Director Mr. Saliya Ranasingh and former CEFI Consultant Mr. Augustine Birie, who were instrumental in bringing him into CEFI, and acknowledged many others who supported his journey, including colleagues from the Market for Village Farmers project and financial inclusion pioneers.

Having worked in the financial inclusion space since 2013, Busa recounted his contributions to­ key initiatives such as the Informal Economic Policy, the Financial Inclusion Capability and Competency Study, and the drafting of Papua New Guinea’s first National Financial Inclusion Strategy. He reflected on international exposure visits, including one to Fiji with then Bank of PNG Governor Mr. Loi Bakani, which inspired the blueprint for microfinance expositions.

He described his time at CEFI as deeply meaningful, having been mentored by what he called two “giants”, Mr. Birie and Mr. Ranasinghe. He praised CEFI’s Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel for his administrative leadership and said his colleagues had become “brothers and sisters, not just co-workers.”

Looking ahead, he said his new job with another organization was not an end but “a continuation” of his journey with CEFI, and he hoped to foster future collaboration. “I am lost for words,” he said. “I pray that God will bless each and every one of you in your endeavors.”

In response, Mr. Samuel expressed his sincere appreciation for Mr. Wenogo’s dedication to CEFI and the country as a whole in the financial inclusion journey, impacting people’s lives, was immeasurable.

He highlighted Mr. Wenogo’s leadership in building structure within his unit, playing an important role in overseeing training of farmers in the MVF project as well as individuals and his personal growth, including attaining a Master’s degree.

Mr Samuel encouraged him to continue advocate for CEFI. He also praised Mr. Wenogo’s humility, faith, and integrity.

Ms. Winnie Kari, a casual staff member who served for four months was farewelled as well and in closing, Mr Samuel also thanked Ms. Winnie Kari for her positivity and fresh perspective, wishing both departing colleagues success and encouraging them to remain connected with the CEFI family.

Caption: Images showing CEFI’s Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel and staff farewelling Mr. Busa Jeremiah Wenogo as well as Ms. Winnie Kari.

A mini graduation held at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) on Friday, 6th June 2025, marked the conclusion of a five-day Financial Literacy Training of Trainers (ToT) and Retail Training, sponsored by the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR) and facilitated by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI). The programme, conducted from 2^nd to 6^th June, aimed to equip participants with critical financial knowledge and practical training skills to promote financial inclusion across the country.

Number of graduates from the Financial Literacy Training of Trainers was a total of 27 participants 11 females and 16 males all officers from the UPNG student services division and Department of Community Development and Religion. As for the retail training conducted by the Department of Community Development & Religion which comprised of a team of four trainers all officers from the Department who trained over 147 students from the University itself. The group of students comprised of student leaders from association groups, the SRC and other groups who reside on campus. Topics covered in both the ToT and Retail Training include making savings plan, creating a simple budget, cash flow tracking sheets and basic money management skills. As for the ToT participants they also learnt basic training techniques such as facilitating group learning, assessing group learning and providing supportive resource materials to complement their learning sessions.

Delivering the opening remarks at the graduation ceremony, Mr Robinson Lanza, Deputy Director for Research and Community at UPNG, acknowledged the joint effort between the university, DFCDR, and CEFI in delivering the training. He praised the contribution of financial institutions including MiBank, Mama Bank, BSP and the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), and commended the trainees for their dedication.

“Financial literacy is foundational for both personal development and national progress,” Mr Lanza stated. “By empowering individuals, particularly youth, with financial knowledge, we are building a more responsible and sustainable future.”

Ms Jill Pijui, Manager for Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development at CEFI, reiterated the importance of such partnerships in advancing financial inclusion. She noted that CEFI’s mission is guided by policies from the Department of Treasury and the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, and aims to transition over two million unbanked citizens into the formal financial sector.

“Your impact starts at home,” Ms Pijui told the graduates. “Apply what you’ve learnt in your lives before you train others. The certificate only becomes meaningful when the knowledge is put into action.” She highlighted the importance of both theoretical learning such as budgeting and saving and the practical ability to train and support others in financial matters.

Mr Guninandhi Das, CEO of Women’s Microbank emphasized the role of mindset in fostering sound financial habits.

“Financial literacy starts with the mindset of savings,” Mr Das said. “It is not just about putting money away it’s about making everyday decisions that prioritize value over waste.” He encouraged graduates to form habits that promote savings and to eventually embed it as part of their culture. Mr Das further advised trainees to maintain active bank accounts and mobile numbers, underscoring their importance in accessing future financial services and building credibility.

Delivering the official closing remarks on behalf of Secretary Jerry Ubase, Mr George Kulisi, Director of Programmes at DFCDR, acknowledged the cultural norm in Papua New Guinea of giving over saving and called for a shift in mindset that supports financial responsibility.

He commended the training’s alignment with the Medium-Term Development Strategy (MTDS), specifically Priority Area 11, which promotes community empowerment, financial inclusion, and youth leadership. “The Department remains committed to building meaningful partnerships with institutions like UPNG,” Mr Kulisi stated. “We encourage graduates to apply this knowledge and lead the way in building a more financially responsible Papua New Guinea.”

Participants also took the stage to share their reflections. Mr Vencislos Edmund, speaking on behalf of the male trainees, thanked all stakeholders and expressed his determination to pass on what he had learnt.

Ms Otolose Sheekiot, representing the female trainees, emphasized the relevance of financial literacy amid current economic challenges. “This training has equipped us with life-changing skills,” she said. “As a school board member, I intend to bring this knowledge into schools and communities.”

Mr. Kuagilo Gilson, speaking on behalf of the trainees, expressed gratitude to DFCDR, CEFI, and UPNG. He highlighted the importance of financial literacy, especially tracking income, expenses, and cash flow. He encouraged investment over saving, sharing insights on financial planning and practical application of knowledge gained during the training.

 

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: A photo collage showcasing classroom training sessions, activities from the Financial Literacy Training of Trainers (FL ToT) and Retail Training, and account opening with MiBank, Women’s Micro Bank, and BSP.

Image 2: Ms Jill Pijui, Manager for Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development at CEFI, delivering a speech at the graduation ceremony.

Image 3: Mr Guninandhi Das, CEO of Women’s Micro Bank, addressing attendees at the graduation.

Image 4: Mr Vencislos Edmund speaking on behalf of the male trainees.

Image 5: Ms Otolose Sheekiot speaking on behalf of the female trainees.

Image 6: Financial Literacy ToT and Retail Trainees gathered at the graduation ceremony.

Image 7: Mr Kuagilo Gilson delivering remarks on behalf of the Retail Trainees.

Image 8: Mr Paul Tamate, Training Officer at CEFI, speaking at the graduation.

Image 9: Mr Guninandhi Das, CEO of Women’s Micro Bank, presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Nadia Rupen.

Image 10: Mr Guninandhi Das presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Vallen Naemon.

Image 11: Mr Guninandhi Das presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Cecila Wrondimi.

Image 12: Mr George Kulisi, Director of Programmes at DFCDR, presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Uraineh Warus.

Image 13: Mr George Kulisi presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Jacinta Wanto.

Image 14: Mr George Kulisi presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Robinson Lanza.

Image 15: Ms Jill Pijui presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Jayson Kil.

Image 16: Ms Jill Pijui presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Nigel Bana.

Image 17: Ms Jill Pijui presenting a Financial Literacy ToT Certificate to Josephine Serah Koimbu.

Image 18: Mr George Kulisi presenting a Financial Literacy Retail Certificate to Ambuaou Wena.

Image 19: Mr George Kulisi presenting a Financial Literacy Retail Certificate to Andrew Komena.

Image 20: Mr Guninandhi Das presenting a Financial Literacy Retail Certificate to Deborah Lailan.

Image 21: Mr Guninandhi Das presenting a Financial Literacy Retail Certificate to Dicky Moten.

Image 22: Ms Jill Pijui presenting a Financial Literacy Retail Certificate to Kaupa Poiye.

Image 23: Ms Jill Pijui presenting a Financial Literacy Retail Certificate to Naomi Tikana.

Image 24: Mr George Kulisi delivering the closing remarks at the graduation ceremony.

Image 25: Guest speakers and trainees posing for a group photograph.

Image 26: (From left to right) Mr Guninandhi Das, CEO of Women’s Micro Bank; Ms Jill Pijui, Manager for Financial Inclusion and Capacity Development at CEFI; and Mr George Kulisi, Director of Programmes at DFCDR, cutting the graduation cake.