The Government has set clear expectations for the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Information and Communications Technology Authority, calling for strong leadership and real improvements in ICT services across the country.Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr. said the focus must now shift to better service quality and reliable networks as demand for digital services continues to grow. “The Government expects clear improvements in service quality for consumers and businesses. Persistent service disruptions, network unreliability and customer dissatisfaction must be addressed as a priority,” the Minister said. He said expanding access to ICT services, especially in rural and remote areas, is also a top priority. Reliable and affordable internet is important for economic growth, education, health services and everyday life. The Minister also called on the new CEO to look at alternative technologies to improve connectivity. He mentioned that the Starlink issue is still before the courts but encouraged all sides to work together to find a solution that supports the country’s connectivity goals. Concerns over rising consumer complaints were also raised. The Minister said stronger systems are needed to protect customers and improve how complaints are handled. He also urged closer work with service providers to make sure they meet their responsibilities. “The rising number of consumer complaints is a clear signal that stronger accountability and consumer focused outcomes are required across the sector,” he said. The Government is also pushing for action on online safety, including cyberbullying and other harmful content, especially those affecting young people. The Minister said NICTA must work with other agencies, companies and communities to make the internet safer. He warned that the Government will closely monitor performance and will take action against leaders who fail to deliver results. This includes improvements in connectivity, affordability, service quality and consumer protection. Despite the strong message, the Minister said the Government will support reforms that encourage competition, innovation and better services. He expressed confidence that the new CEO will deliver results that benefit all Papua New Guineans.

The government has confirmed Mr. Lume Polume as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) for the next four years. Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Peter Tsiamalili Jr., made the announcement, saying the appointment took effect on 28th January 2026. Mr. Polume has more than 20 years of experience and has worked in senior roles with the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) and Telikom PNG. His work covers economics, telecom policy, and leadership. At the same time, Mr. Charlie Gilichibi has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director on the NICTA Board for four years. He replaces Mr. John Cholai, who has completed his term. NICTA Board Chairman Brian Riches welcomed both appointments and said the board is ready to work with them. He said their leadership will help guide NICTA through an important period of reform and improve its work in the country’s digital space. Mr. Polume takes on the full CEO role after serving in an acting position for the past three months. During that time, he showed strong leadership and focused on reform. He replaces former CEO Kila Gulo Vui, who has completed his term. Mr. Polume holds a master's degree in economics from the University of Queensland under the Australia Awards program. He also graduated with First Class Honours in Economics from the University of Papua New Guinea. The government says these appointments show its commitment to strengthening leadership and improving services, as NICTA continues its role in delivering better and more reliable ICT services across Papua New Guinea.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), through the Department of Treasury and Finance, is making strong progress on its Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) rollout using the FreeBalance Accountability Suite.ABG Secretary for Treasury and Finance, Joshua Tauko, says since the project launched in August 2025, a number of key milestones have been completed, marking the steady progress of the Project. “We have completed the business process review, systems configuration for critical workflows, approval of a new Chart of Accounts for 2027 budgeting, installation of a private internet data link, and enhanced power and internet solutions,” he said. Under its capacity building component, an ongoing Training of Trainers programme is underway in Buka, focused on equipping dedicated ABG officers (‘super users) with hands-on expertise in system operations. “These trainers will cascade knowledge department-wide, ensuring local ownership, sustainability, and reduced reliance on external consultants,” Secretary Tauko said. "This reform delivers the digitalization and capacity-building priorities contained in the DOTF Corporate Plan 2023-2027," Secretary Tauko added. The IFMIS embeds good governance through standardized controls and compliance; enhances accountability via real-time monitoring and anomaly detection; and promotes transparency with timely, accessible financial data—aligning with the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027 and Long-Term Vision 2052 for a self-reliant, sovereign future. The programme ensures Bougainville Public Service staff own and sustain the system long-term, positioning us to manage scaled-up revenues from projects like Panguna, and sector expansions equitably and efficiently.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has welcomed Parliament’s overwhelming 80–1 passage of the Vagrancy Act, reinforcing government support for the law introduced by NCD Governor Powes Parkop to improve safety and discipline in Port Moresby and other urban centres.Marape described the legislation as a timely response to rising street violence, disorderly behaviour and public safety concerns. He stressed the law targets those involved in criminal activities, not law-abiding citizens.“This law is about restoring order and protecting our people,” he said, warning that individuals engaging in violence, carrying weapons or causing public disturbances will face stricter enforcement.The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of respecting Motu Koita landowners, fellow citizens and visitors, noting that Port Moresby belongs to all Papua New Guineans.To strengthen enforcement, the government will expand CCTV surveillance across key locations, including the airport and public spaces. Tougher penalties are also being considered, with offenders facing up to 10 years in prison or fines of up to K500,000 for carrying dangerous weapons.Marape said the broader goal is to restore Port Moresby to a clean, safe and orderly city, with zero tolerance for graffiti, littering, loitering and street disorder.He added that improving urban safety is critical as the country prepares for increased international exposure, including future NRL games and major events like APEC 2033.The Vagrancy Act, he said, could also serve as a model for other towns and cities across Papua New Guinea.Marape urged residents to support the law, emphasizing that maintaining order is a shared responsibility.“If you respect the law and live peacefully, you are safe. Together, we will restore pride in our city,” he said.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) will begin a major community engagement program with communities in Panguna this week.ABG Chief Secretary, Kearnneth Nanei, announced this government initiative, and explained that the program will begin with a frontline engagement team made up of government officers and veterans from Central Bougainville. This team will visit communities in Panguna, including mine-affected communities in the upper and lower tailings areas. This first phase of community visits will run from 16th March to 27th March. “The purpose of the frontline visit is to have open dialogues with communities and listen directly to their concerns about the Panguna EL01 redevelopment process. Community views, recurring concerns, and questions raised during these engagements will be documented and reported to the Panguna Technical Working Group under the Bougainville Administration,” he said. He explained that these issues will then be addressed during a larger, integrated ABG engagement with Panguna communities scheduled for the first week of April, which will be led by the ABG President and Minister responsible for Mining, together with senior government leaders and the Bougainville Administration. The ABG is encouraging landowners, community leaders, women, youth, and all affected communities to actively participate in these engagements. “This process is about listening to our people and ensuring that landowners and communities are part of the journey as we carefully move forward with Panguna,” Mr. Nanei said. He emphasized that the redevelopment of Panguna will proceed in accordance with ABG laws and regulations, and that the government remains fully committed to open dialogue, transparency, and continued consultation with landowners and key stakeholders. “Landowners will be partners with the proposal for Panguna Mine re-development,” he said. It is also important for the public to understand that for more than twenty years, discussions about Panguna largely occurred outside of the actual mining project life cycle. However, in 2024 the Toroama Government made the decision to issue Exploration Licence 01 (EL01) to Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL), placing Bougainville formally within the exploration phase of the mining life cycle. Mr. Nanei emphasized that all developments at this current stage are associated with exploration phase, and not mine development, adding that throughout all these stages, landowner groups in Panguna will be partners to the process as they happen. As this technical phase progresses, engagement with Panguna landowner stakeholders will continue and become more structured. Discussions on matters such as benefit sharing and other development issues will take place through formal Mining Forum processes as required under Bougainville law. In the meantime, Mr. Nanei said teams from the ABG Department of Mining, together with other key government departments, will be deployed to Arawa and Panguna to ensure a stronger and consistent government presence on the ground to manage Panguna-related issues. Communities are encouraged to attend the scheduled engagement meetings in their areas, raise their concerns, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue with government.

A decisive vote in Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has paved the way for tougher urban law enforcement, with lawmakers backing the revised 2025 Vagrancy Act 80–1 to improve safety and public order in Port Moresby and other major centres.The bill, introduced by National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, targets repeat offenders and individuals involved in both summary and serious criminal activities. Speaking in Parliament, Governor Parkop said habitual offenders can now be declared vagrants by the courts and issued exclusion orders, requiring them to return to their home areas for a period set by the judiciary. “If a person is repeatedly involved in serious crime, it is better they return home, reflect, and change before coming back,” he said. He added that individuals involved in financing tribal fights, inciting violence, and promoting ethnic tensions will also be dealt with under the law, describing it as an additional tool to address ongoing law and order challenges. Governor Parkop stressed that the law is not limited to the capital and can be applied in other major centres such as Lae, Kokopo, Kimbe, Mount Hagen and Madang. He clarified the legislation does not target homelessness or unemployment, unless individuals are repeatedly involved in criminal behaviour. “This law targets behaviour, not identity,” he said, emphasizing that it applies equally to all citizens regardless of status. Exclusion orders, he said, will vary depending on the severity of offences, ranging from short-term restrictions to longer-term bans. The Governor also highlighted ongoing safety initiatives in the capital, including a K20 million CCTV rollout, City Wardens, POM City Watch and the Neighbourhood Watch Program, noting the new law will complement these measures. “We must never compromise the security of our capital city,” he said. Governor Parkop added that the law promotes unity and peaceful coexistence, encouraging residents to respect one another and live together harmoniously. Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape commended the initiative and acknowledged concerns raised by residents, including the Motu Koitabuans, regarding law-and-order issues. The overarching goal, leaders say, is to build safer, more orderly urban centres for all Papua New Guineans and visitors alike.

The Lae Metropolitan Police has condemned an attack on journalists at the Lae Courthouse and promised to bring those responsible to justice.Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban called the incident “very unfortunate” and said police will protect the public “without fear or favour.”"Such attacks show a lack of respect for the law. Perpetrators will be arrested. I also urge the court to issue the maximum penalty if they are found guilty," he said.Two journalists were threatened while covering a bail hearing on Monday morning.A man in a light blue shirt warned the journalists not to report on the proceedings. He left briefly but returned and repeated the threats.After the hearing, another man, believed to be a security personnel, confronted the journalists at the courthouse gate. He searched a bag, took a notepad, and tore out two pages of court notes.The journalists reported the incident to police. One suspect later returned and was arrested. He was charged at Lae Central Police Station the same afternoon."This is not just an attack on individual journalist. It is an attack on the public’s right to know," one media advocate said.

Lae Snax Tigers have received a K100,000 sponsorship boost from long-term supporter Niugini Oil, continuing a partnership that has supported the club and the Let’s Take Staggers program for years.Coach Noel Zeming said the support is vital for the team."Running a club for a year is not cheap. We’re just happy to have as many corporate sponsors as possible. Niugini Oil has always been one of the good sponsors that has been on board for quite some years now," he said.Zeming warned the 2026 season will be tough."Last year we won the cup. All teams are now targeting us. We have to make sure our players train well and are ready every week," he said.Niugini Oil general manager Ian Young said supporting sport is part of the company’s commitment to the community."The boys are local heroes. Sport teaches camaraderie, discipline, success, and how to deal with failure. We hope they are successful again this year," he said.The Tigers, now 15 years in the competition, continue to produce top-level talent for PNG rugby league, with players going overseas and aiming for future NRL opportunities.

Pacific Industries Limited has strengthened its reputation as one of Papua New Guinea’s most trusted FMCG manufacturers after achieving two major international food safety certifications in 2025 and again in 2026. This milestone reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality products to local consumers.With more than 84 years of operation, Pacific Industries is a leading manufacturer and distributor in PNG. As the licensed bottler for PepsiCo products—including Pepsi, 7UP, Mountain Dew, Mirinda, Pepsi Max and Sting Energy—the company blends strong global partnerships with local production expertise.Operating 11 distribution branches across the country, Pacific Industries services wholesalers, retailers, hospitality providers, government agencies and remote communities. Its product range includes locally made brands such as Gold Spot, Gogo Cola, Kik Energy, Pacific Choice, PNG Pure, Gold Spot Cordials, Scoops, Kool Shake and Nutri Milk, alongside international products like Vegemite.The company employs over 850 Papua New Guineans and continues to invest in local manufacturing, workforce development and community programs aimed at improving livelihoods nationwide.In January 2026, Pacific Industries passed an independent audit by SAI Global Certification Services, earning Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification for its Port Moresby and Rabaul facilities under Edition 9 of the SQF Quality Code. The certification covers its full production range, including soft drinks, cordials, juices, ice cream and milk powder.This builds on its January 2025 achievement, when both facilities received HACCP Certification, confirming compliance with international food hygiene and safety standards. HACCP certification ensures that production processes meet strict requirements to identify and control potential food safety risks.Company Director Everet Chue said the certifications reflect the collective effort of staff across all levels to maintain high manufacturing standards. He added that consumers can be confident products made in PNG by Pacific Industries meet globally recognized safety benchmarks.The achievement highlights the growing capability of Papua New Guinea’s manufacturing sector to meet international standards, while remaining focused on serving local communities. For Pacific Industries, these certifications mark not only a significant milestone but also a strong foundation for continued growth, innovation and excellence.

Cricket Papua New Guinea has announced its 14-player U19 Siale’s squad to compete in the ICC Women’s T20 East Asia-Pacific Qualifier from April 24–29, 2026, at Amini Park.The team will face Indonesia, Japan, and Vanuatu, with the winner progressing to the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. The squad was selected following national trials in November and months of training and development. Selectors Chairman Hudson Leka said the process was both challenging and rewarding, noting the players’ growth from raw talent into a confident unit.  “Over the last few months, these young women have committed to extensive physical and mental training… We believe this squad represents the best of that journey,” he said. Head Coach Jason Kila highlighted the team’s discipline and pride in representing the country, while Board Chairman Michael Harrison urged national support, saying the players will carry the hopes of Papua New Guinea onto the field. Hosting the qualifier provides PNG with home advantage and gives local fans the chance to witness international women’s cricket. With final preparations underway, the Siale’s now look forward to turning their hard work into qualification success on home soil. PNG U19 Siale’s Squad: Ravu Pala, Rollie Mahuru, Krystaleigh Alu, Konio Gavera, Nina Kila, Warimo Ewana, Edit Ao, Konio E Oala, Molong Hobart, Georgina Tom, Loa Ranu, Abigail Leka, Mea Loa, Reia Baeau.

Students attending the Mongonna Primary School in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) can now sit on brand new stools behind brand new desks when learning in class all thanks the Kina Bank. Kina Bank just recently presented the facilities to the school through its “Strongim Kumuniti Grant” program. The SKG program is part of Kina Bank’s commitment to sustainability and community development. It is open only to Kina Bank employees, who can apply for quarterly grants to support small but meaningful community projects. Kina Bank’s Senior International Operations Officer, Ms. Meverlyn Komangin, who successfully applied for the grant, said the project was completed on time and has greatly improved the students’ learning environment by providing safer and more comfortable classroom furniture. “The existing desks and chairs are in poor condition, leading to overcrowding where more than three students share a desk. This hinders students’ ability to focus and learn effectively. I am pleased to give back to my community school to enhance learning for our students,” Ms. Komangin said. The school’s Head Teacher, Mr. Penias Torot, thanked Kina Bank and Ms. Komangin, saying the support shows a strong partnership in education ensuring no child is left behind.“The desks and stools for Grades 3 to 8 have improved classroom comfort, safety, and student engagement and helped address the school’s long-standing shortage of furniture. Thank you, Kina Bank and Ms. Komangin for realizing our need and coming to our aid,” he said.Since its launch in 2023, Kina Bank’s SKG program has supported various community projects across PNG, including supplying water tanks to schools, providing learning materials, donating medical supplies to rural areas, delivering school furniture, and installing solar power at health facilities.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BBP) has announced the continuation of its Breakfast Program with support from Sanitarium, Australian Export Consortia and Market 2000, providing more than K200,000 worth of breakfast supplies to support children’s nutrition and learning. The partnership will supply Weet-Bix and So Good Oat Milk to three of BbP’s Library Learning Centres, ensuring 250 students receive a healthy and nutritious breakfast every school morning. The initiative forms part of Buk bilong Pikinini’s Nutrition Education Program, which is integrated into the organisation’s curriculum and delivered across its 20 Library Learning Centres nationwide.  The program aims to promote healthy eating habits while supporting early childhood education, particularly for children from vulnerable communities who may not consistently have access to balanced meals. BbP marked the continuation of the program with a special event on Friday, 13 March 2026 at one of its Library Learning Centres, where students enjoyed a nutritious breakfast before taking part in interactive activities designed to demonstrate the benefits of proper nutrition on learning and physical responsiveness. PNG Country Manager for Australian Export Consortia, Tarin McManus, said the partnership was rewarding to see in action. “This partnership with BbP is so rewarding. Seeing the students active and bright after having a healthy Weet-Bix and So Good breakfast is a sight to behold. It’s important for their mental and physical development.” BbP Founder and Vice Chair Anne-Sophie Hermann thanked the partners for their continued support, noting that proper nutrition plays a key role in children’s ability to learn. “This support goes far beyond providing breakfast—it is an investment in a child’s future. When children arrive nourished and energised, we see the difference immediately in their confidence, concentration and enthusiasm to learn.” Through the renewed partnership, 250 students across three Library Learning Centres will continue receiving a daily nutritious breakfast, supporting both their wellbeing and academic success.