AGP Executive Report

Space & Aviation Tech: Papua New Guinea is set to be the first country to roll out a space-based Air Traffic Management system across its national airspace, via a partnership between NiuSky Pacific and Australia’s Skykraft, aimed at improving aircraft monitoring and safety in remote and mountainous areas. Digital Identity & Interoperability: PNG has joined the 50-in-5 digital public infrastructure push, linking its SevisPNG digital ID, wallet and data exchange ecosystem with wider interoperability efforts across the Global South. Media & AI Literacy: NBC managing director Kora Nou says PNG newsrooms are grappling with citizen journalism and social media, while PNG’s National Research Institute warns that rising AI-generated content is threatening creativity and information integrity. Connectivity Costs: A new concern is growing over mobile data charges in PNG, with claims that expired credits and top-up practices may be unfair to users. Climate Readiness: East Sepik governor Allan Bird urged PNG to prepare for El Niño impacts on food and water, pointing to drought-resistant crops that need early planting. Local Innovation: The Innovation PNG 2026 Awards named winners including NiuPay’s digital strata title platform, plus solutions for poultry feed and classroom support. Satellite Internet Access: Telikom is now authorised to resell Starlink services, expanding options for government, mining, SMEs and VSAT customers.

Mobile Consumer Watch: PNG mobile data charges are being slammed as “excessively expensive,” with users losing remaining credits, facing automatic top-ups without consent, and seeing unexplained credit losses—prompting calls for NICTA to investigate and force transparency. Climate Preparedness: East Sepik governor Allan Bird urged Parliament to prepare for El Niño (forecast Sep–Oct, lasting into 2027), warning of drought and food security shocks like 1997 and pushing faster action with NARI drought-resistant crops. Aviation Tech Leap: PNG is set to be the first country to roll out space-based air traffic management, via NiuSky Pacific and Skykraft, promising better monitoring and safer operations in remote areas. Digital Identity Push: PNG joined the 50-in-5 digital public infrastructure campaign, linking its SevisPNG digital ID, wallet, and data exchange to interoperability goals. Connectivity Upgrade: Telikom is now authorised to resell Starlink in PNG, offering managed satellite internet for households, government, mining, and enterprises. Research & Education: UPNG signed a three-year partnership with the University of Wisconsin for exchanges and research pathways. Public Sector Skills: NICTA inducted 18 officers into PNG’s public service induction program to strengthen accountability in ICT regulation.

Digital Identity & Travel Tech: Digi Yatra hit a major milestone after an IATA-led trial showed its digital identity can interoperate with global aviation systems and digital wallets, including remote biometric enrolment and airport-to-boarding checks. Digital Government & Interoperability: PNG joined the 50-in-5 push for digital public infrastructure, linking its SevisPNG digital ID, wallet and data exchange to a wider interoperability drive across the Global South. Connectivity Boost: Telikom is now an authorised reseller of Starlink in PNG, promising managed services for households, government and business, especially where fibre and mobile coverage is thin. El Niño Food Security Warning: PNG leaders were urged to prepare for a mid-2026 El Niño, with drought risk flagged for western Pacific regions and potential knock-on impacts for local food supplies. Media & Climate Resilience: Pacific broadcasters are being pushed to strengthen business models and skills while using emerging tech to better cover weather and climate for resilience. Public Sector Tech Skills: NICTA officers completed a public service induction program aimed at strengthening professionalism and accountability in PNG’s ICT regulation.

El Niño & food security: PNG leaders and scientists are urging the country to prepare for a likely mid-2026 El Niño, warning western Pacific drought could hit crops and livelihoods. Digital identity interoperability: Digi Yatra’s IATA trial reported cross-border travel credentials working across systems and digital wallets, while PNG is pushing interoperability through its SevisPNG digital ID and data exchange ecosystem as it joins the 50-in-5 push. Connectivity for remote PNG: The US says it will fund US$30m for satellite internet to link rural schools, health facilities and disaster centres. Starlink in PNG: Telikom is now authorised to resell Starlink, offering managed connectivity and enterprise services. Biometrics governance: The FBI is seeking industry input on biometric algorithms for NGI modernization, and PNG’s NICTA has inducted staff to strengthen public service professionalism. Regional tech & infrastructure: Quad partners are spotlighting ports, cables and critical minerals across the Pacific, including a Fiji port initiative. Mining & jobs: Newmont Lihir is hiring across engineering, operations and IT roles, while Woodlark gold’s updated feasibility study draws bullish investor coverage.

Satellite Connectivity Boost: The US plans to fund US$30 million for satellite internet across Papua New Guinea, targeting remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Starlink Goes Local: Telikom is now an authorised reseller of Starlink, handling billing, installation coordination and support to extend services to enterprises, government agencies, mining, finance and existing VSAT users. Regulator Capacity Building: NICTA officers completed a public service induction program to strengthen professionalism and accountability in PNG’s ICT sector. Digital Identity Push: PNG is building a legal foundation for a digital identity ecosystem, with related work on reusable identity and biometric verification in the region. Mining & Jobs: Newmont Lihir is advertising roles across engineering, operations, IT and digital, as the mine continues major contributions to PNG. Conservation Spotlight: Tree Kangaroo Conservation Programme marks 30 years protecting the YUS area in Morobe and Madang, with community livelihoods and “One Health” work. Health Warning: A Danish scientist interview highlights modern antivenom research, while PNG health coverage flags oral cancers linked to betel nut chewing. Regional Tech & Security: Quad partners announced port and infrastructure plans in Fiji, alongside initiatives on maritime awareness and critical minerals. Biodiversity Find: Researchers describe a new ghost pipefish species discovered with help from PNG field work.

Digital Connectivity Boost: The US will fund US$30 million for satellite internet across Papua New Guinea, targeting remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Satellite Internet in Action: Telikom PNG has also become an authorised Starlink reseller, aiming to extend services to enterprises, government agencies, finance, SMEs, mining and existing VSAT users. Digital Identity Push: PNG is preparing a legal framework for a national digital ID, including identity wallets and verifiable credentials, to roll out by July 2026. Local Government Tech: PNG DataCo signed agreements with Morobe Province for a neutral-host towers rollout and a digital government services platform with an integrated ERP system. Mining & Finance: K92 Mining reported AGM voting results and elected Michael Carew to its board. Health & Risk: PNG faces heightened climate-sensitive disease risk during drought, with enteric infections flagged as a major concern. Public Health Warning: A thoracic surgeon warns betel nut chewing is a major cancer driver in PNG and calls for stronger prevention.

Satellite Connectivity Boost for PNG: The US will provide US$30 million for satellite internet across Papua New Guinea, targeting remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres, after the second US–PNG Strategic Partnership Dialogue. Telikom Goes Starlink: Telikom PNG says it is now an authorised Starlink reseller, aiming to extend low-earth-orbit services to enterprise, government, finance, SMEs, mining and existing VSAT users. Digital Identity Push: PNG is preparing a legal framework for its national digital ID ecosystem, including identity wallets and verifiable credentials, to support SevisPass/SevisWallet rollout by July 2026. Morobe Digital Government: PNG DataCo signed agreements with Morobe Provincial Government for a neutral-host towers expansion and a Morobe digital services platform, including an ERP rollout to modernise government operations. Health Under Strain From Climate: With drought across provinces, warnings highlight higher risk of climate-sensitive diseases, especially waterborne and enteric infections. Local Tech in the Spotlight: Telikom’s Starlink partnership and PNG’s digital ID work both point to faster connectivity and safer online services for communities and businesses. QUAD Port Plan in Fiji: India, the US, Australia and Japan announced plans to develop Fiji port infrastructure under the Quad, raising questions about a new US–China flashpoint in the Pacific.

Satellite Internet for PNG: The US will fund US$30 million for satellite connectivity to link remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres, aiming to bridge PNG’s terrain-driven digital divide. Starlink Partnerships: Telikom PNG has become an authorised Starlink reseller, positioning low-earth orbit services to complement fibre, mobile, cloud and VSAT for enterprise, government and mining users. Digital Identity Push: PNG is building a legal framework for its national digital ID, including identity wallets and verifiable credentials, to support SevisPass and SevisWallet rollout by July 2026. Digital Government in Morobe: PNG DataCo signed agreements with Morobe Province for neutral-host towers and an ERP-based digital government services platform to modernise public systems. Health & Skills: Port Moresby General Hospital is expanding laparoscopic surgery with training for local clinicians, while Australia launched Pacific Australia Skills to boost TVET and employment pathways for PNG. Oral Cancer Warning: A thoracic surgeon urged PNG communities to reduce betel nut chewing, citing its cancer risk and links to oral disease. Mining Update: K92 Mining reported AGM voting results and elected Michael Carew to its board.

Satellite Internet Push: The US says it will provide US$30 million for satellite connectivity across Papua New Guinea, aiming to link remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Connectivity Partnerships: Telikom PNG has signed on as an authorised Starlink reseller, targeting enterprise, government, finance, SMEs, mining and existing VSAT users, while handling local billing, installation and support. Digital Identity Build-Out: PNG is moving from policy to rollout with a Digital Identity and Verifiable Credentials legal framework, supporting SevisPass/SevisWallet and verifiable credentials ahead of a July 2026 target. Provincial Digital Upgrade: PNG DataCo has signed agreements with Morobe to expand telecom access via neutral host towers and launch a Morobe digital government services platform with an integrated ERP. Health Tech in Practice: Port Moresby General Hospital is expanding laparoscopic surgery, cutting recovery time and infection risk while training local surgeons and students. Research & Skills: Australia-backed programs are sending 12 women researchers from Lae to Melbourne for advanced training, and Pacific Australia Skills has launched to boost PNG technical and vocational training. Science Discovery: PNG-linked marine research describes a new ghost pipefish species, Solenostomus snuffleupagus, adding to reef biodiversity knowledge.

LEO Connectivity Boost: Telikom PNG has become an authorised Starlink reseller, aiming to bring low-earth-orbit internet to enterprise, government, mining, finance, SMEs and remote VSAT customers, with Telikom handling local billing, support and installations. Digital Identity for PNG: PNG is moving from policy to rollout with a new Digital Identity and Verifiable Credentials Bill, supporting SevisPass, SevisWallet and verifiable credentials for eKYC and consent-based data sharing by July 2026. Provincial Digital Push: PNG DataCo signed agreements with Morobe to expand telecom access via neutral host towers and launch a Morobe Digital Government Services Platform, including an integrated ERP for modern public services. Health & Risk: A drought-focused report warns PNG communities face higher climate-sensitive disease risk, especially waterborne and enteric infections. Public Health Warning: A thoracic surgeon urges people to stop betel nut chewing, citing its cancer link and the high share of oral cancers tied to it. Skills Training: Australia launched Pacific Australia Skills, backing PNG’s TVET system with workforce-focused training and employment pathways. Cyber & Finance: Nasfund Contributors Savings and Loans Society says it will invest more in technology, cyber security and financial literacy after upgrading its core banking system and setting up disaster recovery.

Digital Identity Lawmaking (PNG): Papua New Guinea is moving from policy to implementation, with a new Bill for a Digital Identity and Verifiable Credentials framework to support national digital ID rollout, identity wallets, and consent-based data exchange, including SevisPass and SevisWallet, targeting alignment by July 2026. Provincial Digital Transformation (Morobe): PNG DataCo signed agreements with Morobe Provincial Government to expand telecom access and launch a Morobe Digital Government Services Platform, including an integrated ERP to modernise finances, procurement, HR and citizen services. LEO Connectivity (PNG): With Starlink’s court ban overturned and NICTA approvals underway, OneWeb trials are also gaining traction, pointing to more competition for remote connectivity and new options for businesses and enterprise users. Skills and Research Capacity (PNG–Australia): Australia launched Pacific Australia Skills to boost TVET and employment pathways, while 12 women researchers from Lae head to Melbourne for advanced training and mentorship. Healthcare Tech (East Sepik): CPL Group signed a three-year lab equipment lease with East Sepik Provincial Health Authority to improve diagnostic capacity with faster biochemistry testing. Security Tech (Global, identity): Independent adversarial testing reported zero mobile bypasses for Incode’s biometric verification, underscoring the push for stronger defenses against deepfakes and AI-enabled fraud.

Digital Government Push: PNG DataCo signed agreements with Morobe Provincial Government to expand telecom access and roll out a Morobe Digital Government Services Platform, including an integrated ERP system to modernise finance, procurement, HR and citizen services. Skills & Research Boost: Australia launched Pacific Australia Skills in PNG (AUD$229.5m) to strengthen TVET and jobs, while 12 women researchers from Lae head to Melbourne for advanced RMIT training and mentorship. Health Tech in Provinces: CPL Group signed a three-year laboratory equipment lease with East Sepik Provincial Health Authority to improve diagnostic testing, with installation, training and maintenance included. Connectivity Beyond Starlink: PNG businesses begin OneWeb trials, highlighting growing competition in LEO internet services for remote areas. Science & Discovery: A new “hairy ghost pipefish” species was formally described, and separate research found hidden bone armor (osteoderms) in monitor lizards dating back 320 million years. Emergency Care Upgrade: St John commissioned PNG’s first ambulance service in Unggai Bena District, after local recruitment and training.

Digital Security & Education: Divine Word University (DWU) students at the Madang campus are turning security studies into real online campaigns, building YouTube, Facebook and blogs to explain threats like food insecurity, corruption and border vulnerabilities. Undersea Connectivity & Geopolitics: A new look at Pacific submarine cables highlights grey-zone interference risks, with incidents around Taiwan showing how critical telecom infrastructure can be targeted without major repercussions. Research Capacity for Women: Australia is sending 12 PNG women researchers from Lae to advanced training and mentorship in Melbourne through an RMIT-linked initiative. Finance Tech & Cybersecurity: Nasfund Contributors Savings and Loans Society (NCSL) says it will invest more in technology, cyber security and financial literacy after upgrading its core banking system and setting up disaster recovery. Skills Pipeline: PNG and Australia launched the Pacific Australia Skills program in Port Moresby to expand technical and vocational training pathways for young people. Healthcare Tech in Provinces: CPL Group signed a three-year lab equipment lease with East Sepik’s health authority to boost diagnostics with modern biochemistry analyzers, plus training and maintenance. Emergency Care Access: PNG’s first ambulance service in Unggai Bena District has been commissioned after local recruitment and training, with the team already responding to 200+ emergencies. Satellite Internet Competition: OneWeb trials in PNG are getting attention as the country moves beyond Starlink, with OneWeb positioned for enterprise deployments. Maritime Safety & Tech: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up, using regional surveillance and patrols to strengthen fisheries monitoring against IUU fishing and other maritime crimes.

Undersea Cable Tensions: A new report spotlights how grey-zone interference—like cable sabotage near Taiwan—keeps targeting critical digital infrastructure, with the Pacific flagged as especially vulnerable. LEO Internet Push: PNG’s connectivity story is shifting fast as Starlink’s approval follows a court fight, and OneWeb trials add another option for remote communities and businesses. Skills for Jobs: Australia and PNG launched the Pacific Australia Skills program in Port Moresby, aiming to boost TVET pathways and workforce capability. Women in Research: Australia is funding advanced training in Melbourne for 12 PNG women researchers from Lae. Finance Tech Upgrade: NCSL says it will invest more in technology, cyber security and financial literacy after upgrading its core banking system. Health Access: St John commissioned PNG’s first ambulance service in Unggai Bena, after local training and deployment. Local Learning: Ela Murray International School completed phase one of new classrooms in Port Moresby. Regional Security: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up, strengthening fisheries surveillance across multiple Pacific countries.

Underwater Volcano Mystery: NASA satellites spotted an eruption in PNG’s Bismarck Sea, but scientists still can’t tell what exactly erupted because there’s no detailed seafloor map to compare against. Deep-Sea Rush: The “dot-com boom” analogy is back as companies line up for deep-sea mining permits, even as critics question whether the business models can survive real-world operations and legal risks. Skills Boost in PNG: Australia officially launched “Pacific Australia Skills in Papua New Guinea” at Port Moresby’s Iduba Technical College, aiming to build job-ready technical skills for local employment. Health & Safety Watch: A new WHO-led study warns warming climates could push venomous snakes into new areas, raising snakebite risks for more communities. Local Tech & Connectivity: PNG business trials of OneWeb are underway, adding pressure on the satellite market beyond Starlink.

Indo-Pacific Tech Push: Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi rolled out new work on critical technologies, “secure, resilient digital ecosystems,” and next-gen communications standards—plus digital identity talks and supply-chain resilience focused on critical minerals. Maritime Presence: The UK Royal Navy’s HMS Tamar docked in Port Moresby, highlighting ongoing patrols and support for counter–illegal fishing and humanitarian missions. Emergency Care Upgrade: St John Ambulance commissioned PNG’s first ambulance service in Unggai Bena District, after training local officers and responding to 200+ emergencies. Health Lab Boost: CPL Group signed a three-year lab equipment lease with East Sepik’s health authority to improve diagnostics with faster biochemistry testing. Business Connectivity: Air Niugini expanded corporate payment options via UATP and opened a new Wewak sales office. Satellite Competition: PNG businesses began OneWeb LEO trials, adding pressure to the Starlink-dominated market. Regional Security: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up, with multi-country patrols across 10 EEZs to deter IUU fishing.