Category: News Article

Staff of The Leprosy Mission Papua New Guinea have been urged to take a leading role in changing communities following the successful completion of a week-long Training of Trainers programme facilitated by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI).

The training concluded with a mini graduation ceremony on Friday April 24, 2026, where 20 participants, including eight women, received certificates qualifying them as trainers in financial literacy.

Acting Executive Director of CEFI, Mr Peter Samuel, commended the participants for their commitment and dedication, noting the sacrifices made to attend the training.

“We would like to acknowledge each and every one of you for spending your entire week here and making some sacrifices,” Mr Samuel said.

He described the initiative as a milestone partnership for CEFI, highlighting its significance in expanding outreach to vulnerable communities.

“We have never partnered with an institution like this, and this is very special for us,” he said.

Mr Samuel emphasized that financial literacy was not only essential for the communities the participants would serve, but also for their own personal development.

“Financial literacy is not only for your participants, but also for yourselves… you may see areas where you fall short, even in simple things like unnecessary costs,” he said.

He further stressed the critical role the newly trained facilitators would play in restoring dignity and enabling economic participation among marginalized groups.

“You play a critical role in the transformation… bringing people to participate in the economy and feel part of the country,” he said, adding, “You are now an extension of CEFI… the challenge is on you.”

Senior Programme Manager for Preventive Health and Community Empowerment (PHACE), Mr Larson Neayambe, also acknowledged the impact of the training on staff.

“We thought that we are literate in finance, but the training has taught the staff how to be strong in financing and spending,” Mr Neayambe said.

He likened the training to “planting a seed” that would grow and benefit communities, noting that participants are expected to roll out the programme to community health volunteers and leaders across 45 communities.

Mr Neayambe also praised the partnership behind the initiative, stating that it had created an opportunity to strengthen community development efforts.

Training participant Ms Patricia Smange Maroa, speaking on behalf of the female participants, expressed appreciation to lead facilitator Paul Tamate and the organising team for their support throughout the programme.

She said the participatory approach had empowered trainees to become “better trainers, leaders and agents of change”, adding that the knowledge gained would be shared widely to promote sustainable livelihoods.

Mr Peiwa Kila, representing the male participants, described the training as a positive  experience.

He said participants had entered the programme with limited practical knowledge but would leave “more matured” and better equipped to support their families and communities.

Mr Kila emphasised the importance of applying the skills gained, noting that practical implementation would be key to improving financial management at the grassroots level.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates, marking the beginning of a broader effort to expand financial literacy across communities in Papua New Guinea.

Ends.

Image: TLM staff and CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel (seated, second from left) pose for a group photo after a mini 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 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 unveiled an awareness campaign in the form of wrapping its 15-seater bus aimed at promoting financial inclusion, with a strong focus on encouraging savings among citizens in the Nations Capital and Central Province.

The bus, now adorned with vibrant imagery and impactful messaging, carries the central theme, “Save Now For a Better Tomorrow”, alongside supporting slogans such as “Learn About Money – Build Your Future”, “Open an Account, Secure Your Future”, “Start Using CellMoni Wallet, Internet and Mobile Banking Today”, and “Financial Inclusion For Every Papua New Guinean”.

These messages are complemented by strong visuals from CEFI’s financial literacy training programmes and Young Mind Savings Awareness Campaigns, reflecting the organization’s mission to ensure all citizens can access and benefit from financial services.

In addition to its visual appeal, the bus incorporates interactive features designed to connect the public with CEFI’s services. QR codes displayed on the vehicle provide direct access to the CEFI website, while contact details, including phone numbers, email, and social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, are prominently showcased for public engagement.

CEFI Acting Executive Director, Peter Samuel, who initiated the concept, said the initiative is intended to expand outreach and strengthen financial literacy in Port Moresby which CEFI is head quartered and Central Province.

“We want Papua New Guineans to be educated and be aware of financial inclusion, and painting the bus with our key messages on savings accompanied by powerful images will play a part when they see it around the streets of Port Moresby which may impact them positively,” Mr Samuel said.

“We believe that the images and the key messages painted on the bus will tell their own story and encourage more people to be better informed about savings and what it means to use money wisely,” he added.

Mr Samuel noted that the initiative aligns well with upcoming savings awareness campaigns in Port Moresby and Central province, particularly during outreach visits to schools.

 

Ends.

Image Caption: A vibrant CEFI outreach bus, wrapped in eye-catching visuals and compelling messages, promoting financial inclusion and encouraging a culture of savings among communities in the National Capital and Central Province.

 

 

 

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

Addressing financial abuse has become increasingly important in strengthening financial inclusion and consumer protection frameworks recognizing the growing impact of financial control within personal relationships and communities, the Gender Equality, Social Inclusion (GESI) Desk of the Bank of Papua New Guinea facilitated a Financial Abuse Workshop for staff of the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) on April 07 at the CEFI Office.

The workshop was delivered by Catherine Fitzpatrick, Founder and Director of Flequity, and Ryan Burke, Consultant with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The sessions focused on strengthening institutional understanding of financial abuse and equipping financial educators with practical tools to promote financial safety and empowerment.

Opening the workshop, Ms. Fitzpatrick presented on Financial Abuse Strategy and Financial Safety by Design, emphasizing the need for financial institutions to recognize how financial products and services can be misused to exert control over individuals, particularly in family or partner relationships.

She explained that financial abuse differs from fraud or scams, noting that, “What we’re really looking at is somebody using money to control another person in a partnership or family relationship.”

Fitzpatrick highlighted the importance of integrating financial abuse awareness into financial literacy programmes, enabling individuals to identify harmful behaviors that may otherwise go unrecognized.

She stressed that institutions have a responsibility to ensure their systems promote independence and wellbeing. “You need to recognize that your products might be misused for controlling somebody else,” she said, adding that more than 80 organizations globally have incorporated financial abuse protections into customer terms and conditions.

She further explained that the Financial Safety by Design framework supports institutions to identify risks within financial products, particularly digital services such as online banking and mobile wallets, which may be exploited to monitor or restrict financial activity. The framework encourages organizations to strengthen safeguards, improve communication on acceptable use of financial services, and embed protective measures that reduce vulnerability.

Mr. Burke expanded on these discussions through his presentation on Empower Finance and the Community of Practice initiative, highlighting research findings across the Asia-Pacific region. He noted that many individuals are familiar with financially abusive behaviors but lack the terminology to identify them. “People have seen the behaviour… but nobody knew what to call it,” he said.

Burke shared findings from surveys involving more than 7,000 bank employees, revealing that 46 per cent knew someone in their community experiencing financial abuse, while 51 per cent had observed customers facing similar situations. Common behaviours included controlling household income, limiting access to bank accounts, and pressuring individuals to surrender earnings. He emphasized that “frontline bank staff see financial abuse on a very regular basis,” reinforcing the need for structured institutional responses.

He explained that the Empower Finance initiative supports financial institutions to strengthen fraud detection systems, improve customer protection measures, and build staff capacity to respond effectively. “Now we know about it, we can do something about it,” Burke said, highlighting the importance of collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, and development partners to improve outcomes for vulnerable individuals.

The workshop also included a group activity and question and answer session, providing CEFI staff with an opportunity to discuss practical approaches to integrating financial abuse awareness into financial literacy programmes. Feedback from participants was positive, with staff expressing appreciation for the relevance of the presentations and the practical tools shared to support financial safety initiatives.

In closing, Agesula Jogamup, GESI Manager at the Bank of Papua New Guinea, emphasised the importance of translating knowledge into practical community-level impact. “What do we do after this? What is our role in here?” she asked, encouraging CEFI Staff to consider how lessons from the workshop could be applied through training resources, community awareness materials, and strengthened institutional collaboration.

Mrs Jogamup acknowledged CEFI’s ongoing leadership in financial literacy and outreach programmes, noting the value of leveraging existing platforms to expand public awareness.

She further highlighted the need for continued capacity building and collaboration with partners such as IFC to ensure sustained progress in addressing financial abuse. “Interaction with communities is important,” Mrs Jogamup stated, reinforcing the role of financial educators in building trust and supporting individuals affected by financial abuse.

The workshop demonstrated the importance of partnerships between the Bank of Papua New Guinea, CEFI, and development partners in strengthening financial inclusion initiatives that prioritize safety, empowerment, and protection for vulnerable individuals.

 

Ends.

Image Captions:

 

Image 1: CEFI staff pose for a group photograph with the Bank of Papua New Guinea GESI team and workshop facilitators following the Financial Abuse Workshop on 7 April 2026.

Image 2: Opening the workshop, Ms Fitzpatrick presented on Financial Abuse Strategy and Financial Safety by Design.

Image 3: Ms Fitzpatrick delivering her presentation on Financial Abuse Strategy and Financial Safety by Design at the CEFI office on 7 April 2026.

Image 4: Catherine Fitzpatrick, Founder and Director of Flequity, delivering her presentation during the Financial Abuse Workshop at the CEFI office on 7 April 2026.

Image 5: CEFI staff member Tobias Toumne providing feedback during a group activity.

Image 6: CEFI staff member Adelle Auhava presenting her group’s feedback during a group activity and question-and-answer session.

Image 7: Ryan Burke, Consultant with the International Finance Corporation, delivering his presentation on Empower Finance and the Community of Practice during the Financial Abuse Workshop at the CEFI office on 7 April 2026.

Image 8: Ryan Burke, Consultant with the International Finance Corporation, presenting during the Financial Abuse Workshop at the CEFI office on 7 April 2026.

Image 9: Ryan Burke, Consultant with the International Finance Corporation, presenting on Empower Finance and the Community of Practice during the Financial Abuse Workshop at the CEFI office on 7 April 2026.

 

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

Representatives of the Lihir Ladolam Pit Landowners Association have received certificates in Retail Training after successfully completing a week-long training facilitated by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI).

The landowner representatives were awarded their certificates during a brief mini graduation ceremony hosted by the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) at its office in Port Moresby on Thursday, 26 March.

A total of 32 participants including 14 women attended the Financial Literacy training under MRA.

In addition to the CEFI certificates, participants also received certificates from the Papua New Guinea Institute of Directors (PNGID) and the Institute of Banking and Business Management (IBBM) after attending their respective training sessions aimed at strengthening leadership and financial management skills.

Speaking during the ceremony, CEFI Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel commended the landowners for successfully completing the programme, describing it as an important step towards improving financial discipline and strengthening landowner participation in business.

Mr. Samuel said the training was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge in retail business operations and financial management.

“Without your input and without all your support and effort, this thing won’t be possible,” Mr. Samuel said while acknowledging the support of MRA and other partners.

He further emphasized the importance of financial education, particularly for communities receiving income from resource projects.

“Many of our people have been living pay cheque to pay cheque, and we have never developed a saving culture in our society,” he said, encouraging participants to set both short-term and long-term financial goals.

Chairwoman of the Lihir Ladolam Pit Landowners Association, Monica Kuten, thanked CEFI and its partners for facilitating the training. She said the programme was vital for landowner representatives, who would share the knowledge gained with their respective groups.

“The training is very important for our representatives as they will impart the knowledge and skills learnt back to their groups,” Ms. Kuten said. She added that the training would also help improve participants’ savings and budgeting skills.

Manager Project Coordination – MRA, Pelis Vatnabar also commended participants for their commitment and dedication throughout the training.

Also present to witness and present certificates were, Mr. Judah Linus, Project Coordinator–MRA, Mrs. Cathy Kale- PNGID Treasurer and Director and Mrs. Shigu Hombunaka IBBM-Manager Corporate Training.

Ends.

Image Captions:

Image 1: Trainee participants with invited guests from CEFI, IBBM and PNGID pose for a group photograph following the graduation on 26 March at the MRA Office in Port Moresby.

Image 2: CEFI Acting Executive Director, Mr Peter Samuel, delivers his opening remarks during the graduation on 26 March at the MRA Office in Port Moresby.

Image 3:  CEFI Acting Executive Director, Mr Peter Samuel, delivers his opening remarks during the graduation on 26 March at the MRA Office in Port Moresby.

Image 4: IBBM Manager Corporate Training, Mrs Shigu Hombunaka, delivers her remarks during the graduation on 26 March at the MRA Office in Port Moresby.

Image 5: IBBM Manager Corporate Training, Mrs Shigu Hombunaka, delivers her remarks during the graduation on 26 March at the MRA Office in Port Moresby.

Image 6: PNGID Treasurer and Director, Mrs Cathy Kale, delivers her remarks during the graduation on 26 March at the MRA Office in Port Moresby.

Image 7: Chairwoman of the Lihir Ladolam Pit Landowners Association, Monica Kuten, delivers her remarks during the graduation ceremony.

Image 8: Participants listen attentively to speeches during the graduation ceremony.

Image 9: CEFI Acting Executive Director, Mr Peter Samuel, presents Mathilda Kambe with her Retail Training Certificate.

Image 10: CEFI Acting Executive Director, Mr Peter Samuel, presents Peter Kalayer Junior with his Retail Training Certificate.

Image 11: CEFI Acting Executive Director, Mr Peter Samuel, presents Monica Kuten with her Retail Training Certificate.

Image 12: Manager Project Coordination – MRA, Pelis Vatnabar, presents Hendriela Faboktaufi with her Retail Training Certificate.

Image 13: PNGID Treasurer and Director, Mrs Cathy Kale, presents Lawrence Aien with his certificate after he successfully completed the course facilitated by the institute.

Image 14: PNGID Treasurer and Director, Mrs Cathy Kale, presents Josephine Lusen with her certificate after she successfully completed the course facilitated by the institute.

Image 15: PNGID Treasurer and Director, Mrs Cathy Kale, presents Gregory Pokla with his certificate after he successfully completed the course facilitated by the institute.

Image 16: PNGID Treasurer and Director, Mrs Cathy Kale, presents Judah Linus with his certificate after he successfully completed the course facilitated by the institute.

Image 17: IBBM Manager Corporate Training, Mrs Shigu Hombunaka, presents Serah Lusem with her certificate after she successfully completed a course at IBBM.

Image 18: IBBM Manager Corporate Training, Mrs Shigu Hombunaka, presents Paul Gesmon with his certificate after he successfully completed a course at IBBM.

Image 19: IBBM Manager Corporate Training, Mrs Shigu Hombunaka, presents Nason Toksem with his certificate after he successfully completed a course at IBBM.

Image 20: IBBM Manager Corporate Training, Mrs Shigu Hombunaka, presents Judith Kapal with her certificate after she successfully completed a course at IBBM.

Image 21: Participants attended the week-long Retail Training facilitated by CEFI under the MRA programme at the CEFI Office in Port Moresby from 16–20 March 2026.

Image 22: Participants actively engaged in sessions during the week-long Retail Training delivered by CEFI under the MRA initiative at the CEFI Office in Port Moresby from 16–20 March 2026.

Image 23: Participants gained practical knowledge during the week-long Retail Training conducted by CEFI under the MRA programme at the CEFI Office in Port Moresby from 16–20 March 2026.

Image 24: Participants collaborated and shared experiences throughout the week-long Retail Training facilitated by CEFI under the MRA programme at the CEFI Office in Port Moresby from 16–20 March 2026.

Image 25: Participants took part in interactive learning activities during the week-long Retail Training facilitated by CEFI under the MRA programme at the CEFI Office in Port Moresby from 16–20 March 2026.

Image 26: Participants strengthened their retail skills through the week-long Retail Training facilitated by CEFI under the MRA programme at the CEFI Office in Port Moresby from 16–20 March 2026.

Image 27: Participants engaged in practical discussions during the week-long Retail Training facilitated by CEFI under the MRA programme at the CEFI Office in Port Moresby from 16–20 March 2026.

Image 28: Participants participated in capacity-building sessions during the week-long Retail Training facilitated by CEFI under the MRA programme at the CEFI Office in Port Moresby from 16–20 March 2026.

Image 29: Participants enhanced their understanding of retail practices during the week-long Retail Training facilitated by CEFI under the MRA programme at the CEFI Office in Port Moresby from 16–20 March 2026.

 

 

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) and The Leprosy Mission Papua New Guinea (TLM-PNG) have formalised a new partnership aimed at improving financial literacy and financial inclusion among vulnerable communities across Papua New Guinea.

The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday March 31 at the CEFI Office in Port Moresby. The agreement establishes a collaborative framework for delivering financial literacy training and related financial inclusion initiatives over the next three years.

Under the partnership, CEFI will provide financial literacy training for 25 TLM-PNG staff and key volunteers who are actively involved in community-based development programmes. The training will support projects where financial capability is essential, including the Preventive Health and Community Empowerment (PHACE) programme, Sustainable Active, Fearless and Empowered (SAFE) Communities initiative, Kominiti Assistance Package (KAP) and  Climate Change Resilience (CCR), and crab farming projects.

In addition, the programme aims to reach at least 500 community participants over the three-year period of the MoU through community-based retail financial literacy training.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel described the partnership as an important milestone for the organisation. He said the collaboration marks the first time CEFI has entered into a formal partnership with a health-focused organisation working directly with marginalised communities.

Mr. Samuel noted that CEFI has traditionally partnered with financial institutions but emphasised that financial inclusion must extend beyond the financial sector.

“For us, this is a very unique partnership because we have mainly focused on traditional partners such as financial institutions. However, our agenda and even our name speaks about financial inclusion,” he said.

He added that the concept of inclusion must recognise organisations that work with individuals who are often excluded from mainstream systems and services.

“The word inclusion should not exclude other agencies that play a critical role in supporting people who are marginalised,” Mr. Samuel stated. “Your organisation empowers groups of people who are often outcast by society or overlooked by institutions.”

Mr. Samuel also encouraged both organisations to ensure the partnership translates into meaningful action and tangible results for communities.

“Let us not just sign the MoU and put it aside,” he said. “We must share our work programmes and find ways to collaborate so that the partnership delivers real outcomes for the communities we serve.”

Senior Programme Manager for PHACE, Mr. Larson Neayambe, welcomed the partnership and expressed appreciation for CEFI’s support in strengthening the organisation’s community empowerment initiatives.

Mr. Neayambe explained that while TLM-PNG primarily focuses on health programmes related to leprosy detection, treatment and patient support, the organisation is increasingly integrating livelihood and empowerment initiatives to address poverty and social exclusion.

He noted that programmes such as the SAFE initiative aim to equip vulnerable individuals, including those affected by leprosy, with literacy skills and livelihood opportunities so they can become self-reliant.

“We want to see projects that empower people so they can sustain themselves,” he said.

Mr. Neayambe also acknowledged that TLM-PNG does not have the technical expertise to deliver financial literacy training independently, making the partnership with CEFI particularly valuable.

“We are a health organisation and we don’t have the capacity or expertise to facilitate financial literacy training,” he said. “Thank you so much for accepting us and agreeing to sign this MoU.”

Through the partnership, CEFI will also provide complementary support to strengthen financial inclusion within TLM-PNG programmes, including promoting digital personal banking and facilitating bank account openings for community participants during or immediately after financial literacy training sessions.

Both organisations expressed confidence that the collaboration will contribute to improved financial capability, stronger livelihoods, and greater social inclusion for vulnerable communities across Papua New Guinea.

Ends.

Image Captions:

 

 

Image 1: CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel delivering his opening remarks during the signing ceremony (right).

Image 2: Mr Larson Neayambu from The Leprosy Mission PNG delivering his remarks on behalf of TLM during the signing ceremony.

Image 3: Mr Larson Neayambu (right) and Mr Peter Samuel (left) participating in the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Image 4: Mr Larson Neayambu (right) and Mr Peter Samuel signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Image 5: Mr Larson Neayambu and Mr Peter Samuel pose for the official photograph following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

 

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) formally congratulates Mr. Albert Mokis Ahabh, the National Financial Inclusion Strategy Implementation Coordinator, on successfully completing his Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Management) programme at Divine Word University, Port Moresby Campus, graduating with the highest grade point average in his class.

In his congratulatory remarks, CEFI’s Acting Executive Director, Mr. Peter Samuel, stated that Mr. Albert Mokis Ahabh’s achievement serves as an inspiration to his colleagues, encouraging them to pursue further education to enhance their knowledge and build their confidence.

“CEFI remains committed to supporting the professional development of its staff. Throughout the two-year programme from 2024 to 2025, Mr. Albert Mokis Ahabh demonstrated exceptional dedication and academic excellence, culminating in his graduation on 13 March. This is indeed a remarkable achievement,” Mr. Samuel said.

He further expressed optimism about Mr. Albert Mokis Ahabh’s future contributions, stating, “We look forward to his continued involvement in financial inclusion initiatives and the positive impact he will have on the lives of our people.”

Mr. Albert Mokis Ahabh has been employed by CEFI since 2017, following his graduation with a degree from the University of Papua New Guinea, and a qualification in Microfinance from the Institute of Banking and Business Management.

Ends.

Images:

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

Two representatives from the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) returned from a regional Business Link Pacific (BLP) workshop held in Fiji, bringing back invaluable insights on enhancing the support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They were also honoured with a prestigious award during the event.

Ms. Adelle Auhava and Mrs. Daisy Moses represented CEFI at the two-day workshop, which took place from 11 to 13 March in Nadi, Fiji.

The gathering brought together 14 Business Service Managers from various Pacific island nations and seven executives from New Zealand-based BLP partners. This was the first in-person meeting of Business Service Managers since the BLP programme’s launch in 2017.

The workshop culminated in an awards ceremony recognising the contributions of private sector organisations (PSOs) and individuals advancing the BLP initiative.

CEFI was awarded for its partnership with the BLP programme, while Ms. Auhava received the Networking Award for her efforts in fostering strong collaborations among SMEs, financial institutions, and programme partners.

“Receiving this recognition underscores the vital work being done in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to support SME growth and financial inclusion,” Ms. Auhava commented after the event.

CEFI’s Acting Executive Director, Mr. Peter Samuel, congratulated Ms. Auhava and Mrs. Moses  for their exemplary representation of CEFI and PNG at the regional workshop.

“This recognition reflects the increasing role that CEFI plays in bolstering SME development and financial inclusion within the country. The insights gained from the Fiji workshop would enhance programme implementation in Papua New Guinea, providing further opportunities for local SMEs to thrive in a competitive landscape,” Mr. Samuel stated.

Mr. Samuel commended representatives from financial institutions that helped facilitate concessional loans for SMEs, stating that such partnerships are crucial for ensuring access to essential capital.

“The programme positively impacts lives by enhancing business operations and opening funding avenues for SMEs,” Mr. Samuel said.

Mr. Samuel acknowledge, Daisy for her contributions, which have notably increased the volume of SME assessments and programme activities in recent months.

The workshop’s agenda included site visits to businesses currently benefiting from the BLP programme, enabling participants to witness first-hand the financial support and advisory services being provided.

“One of the organisations we visited is a specialised financial institution exclusively supporting sugarcane growers in Fiji,” Ms. Auhava reported.

“Targeted financing models like this could offer valuable insights to other Pacific nations seeking to enhance agricultural value chains,” she added.

In addition to field visits, the workshop provided refresher sessions on core BLP components, including access to concessional loans, marketing strategies, and business diagnostic tools.

Participants exchanged experiences and discussed methods for improving programme delivery.

“Networking and sharing insights from our regions were incredibly valuable,” Ms. Auhava added. “This exchange of knowledge will surely benefit our approach back here in our country.”

CEFI plays a important role in the BLP initiative, connecting SMEs with vital resources.

Ms. Auhava further stated that businesses participating in the programme undergo diagnostic assessments to highlight areas for operational enhancement. Following this, they can access advisory services and apply for grants to facilitate growth.

“Among the new initiatives introduced during the workshop was the extension of the BLP Programme in Mt. Hagen Western Highlands Province which will be managed by the Western Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry that will be designed to provide additional financial backing and Business Advisory Services to the business community not only in Mt. Hagen but the Highlands Region in PNG who are aiming to scale operations. The BLP programme also continues to offer subsidies for advisory services, enabling SMEs to access professional support in financial management and business development,” she said.

The workshop witnessed participation from nine Pacific nations Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Niue and the Cook Islands.

Papua New Guinea having the largest representation, further emphasising the significance of the programme in the country’s SME development efforts.

Ends.

Images:

 

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

CEFI’s Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel joined 80 proud graduates at a heartwarming mini graduation ceremony held at Paglum SDA Secondary Hall, marking the successful completion of a three-day Retail Training programme.

The  training , which concluded on Wednesday 18th March, brought together participants from the Ramoi Ouknimbo Community Development Association in Mul-Baiyer District, Western Highlands, an area now celebrating its first-ever financial literacy initiative of this calibre.

Other guests who witnessed the graduation included Acting Department Manager, Payments at Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) Mr Stephen Pouru, Senior Currency Officer Mr Delson Opos – BPNG, Mr Max Siwi from the Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea, and other key stakeholders.

In his congratulatory address, Mr Samuel encouraged graduates to harness their new skills to lift and improve their communities. “Put into good use the skills and knowledge learnt in this Retail Training. Let it transform your way of living,” Mr. Samuel said.

Mr. Rex Kuni from the Ramoi Ouknimbo Community Development Association said, “This was a first of its kind in our community and we are incredibly thankful to CEFI for recognising our association and delivering this training,”

The three-day retail training was facilitated by three women, Rita Krai, Angel Mong, and Lillian Namba.

According to one of the trainers, Rita Krai, she explained that the main purpose of the training is that, although people have money, they often spend it unwisely.

“That’s why we teach them to save specifically, two types of savings, emergency savings and general savings. The emergency savings help us to build upon our general savings more effectively. We also teach them to budget and track their cash flow, or keep proper records of it,” said Rita.

The journey began on Monday 16th March, when Mr Samuel opened the programme with a heartfelt speech acknowledging faith leaders, the church, and programme partners for their unwavering guidance. He paid special tribute to the dedicated CEFI Trainers and the warm community welcome that made the initiative possible.

His message resonated throughout the three days: unity, learning, and empowerment through practical skills and shared values.

The participants’ gratitude was palpable. For many, this training represented not just education, but recognition, opportunity, and hope for their community’s future.

Ends.

Images:

 

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