AGP Executive Report

El Niño Water Crisis: A slow government response to El Niño is drying up freshwater sources, threatening livelihoods, food security and daily services across PNG, with warnings that the economy could take a hit as water shortages worsen. El Niño Preparedness Gap: Western Highlands governor Wai Rapa says his province is “unprepared” and lacks resources, pointing to rivers drying up and major impacts on animals and communities. China Influence in the Pacific: A report says China “very likely” ran a targeted campaign across Pacific islands to align local development with Beijing’s five-year plan, using embassy outreach and media promotion. PNG-China Business Push: Trade and investment minister Richard Maru says PNG must rethink overseas business forums and focus on practical outcomes with China, as the PNG–China Business Forum and Trade Expo approaches. Nasfund Milestone: PNG’s National Superannuation Fund tops K10.25 billion in net assets for the first half of 2026, driven by investment performance and steady contributions. Security and Justice: Enga’s PPC confirms a ward councillor charged as accessory after the fact to wilful murder, tied to killings and fears of retaliation. Sports—Black Queens Draw: Ghana’s Black Queens face Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Papua New Guinea in the 2027 Women’s World Cup play-off preliminary phase. Earthquake Update: A 5.1 quake struck 183 km southeast of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea, according to the USGS. Bomana Prison Skills: New Australia–PNG law and justice partnership support will expand practical rehabilitation opportunities for women at Bomana Correctional Institution. Biodiversity Moment: A new New Guinea groundsnake has been named Lielaphis slashi in honour of Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.

PNG–China trade push: International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru says PNG’s future is tied to China as anchor sponsors are launched for the inaugural PNG–China Business Forum and Trade Expo. El Niño warning: Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa says his province is “on another scale” unprepared for El Niño impacts, warning of dry rivers and limited national support. Digital sovereignty: Kumul Cloud Infinity’s Sovereign Cloud and AI datacentre is set for inauguration in Port Moresby on 21 August. Connectivity for business: Fiji’s deputy PM urges stronger air links to PNG, calling it the “next Dubai for the Pacific,” as the Fiji–PNG Business Council is relaunched. Security and justice: Enga’s PPC confirms an Enga ward councillor charged as accessory after the fact to wilful murder, tied to killings in Laiagam; a separate Laiagam man was sentenced to a total of 50 years’ hard labour for two killings. Infrastructure delivery: Finschhafen DDA and NAC move ahead with the Gagidu Airport redevelopment, setting up a grievance redress committee. Sports—World Cup draw: Ghana’s Black Queens are drawn to face Ecuador, Uzbekistan and PNG in the first phase of the 2027 Women’s World Cup intercontinental playoffs. Agriculture festival: PNGFM and FSA partner to amplify the 70th PNG Agriculture & Trade Festival in Goroka (28–30 August). Telecom deal: PNG DataCo and Digicel PNG sign a five-year bandwidth agreement to boost capacity and support future network upgrades.

PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Push: PM Matthew Wale and PM James Marape opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, urging a “structured, bankable” growth corridor that turns Melanesian ties into jobs, trade and downstream investment, with PNG firms already active across sectors. Public Safety & Justice: Enga police welcomed 50 years’ hard labour for a man convicted over two killings tied to tribal retaliation. Police Leadership Scrutiny: Questions are raised over appointing an expatriate as New Ireland PPC, with calls for clearer reasons and stronger local leadership pathways. Community Violence: Lake Kutubu communities in Southern Highlands were displaced after deadly sorcery-linked clashes and arson, following the death of a local chairman. Sports Safeguarding: The Pacific Mini Games in Palau recorded 11 safeguarding cases, mostly involving girls/women and boys/men, showing the need for better reporting and protection. Health & Tech: FAO handed over safer, portable fish-smoking dryers for Sepik processors; PNG also prepares to unveil the Kumul Cloud Infinity sovereign cloud and AI datacenter. Weather Stress: Snow fell in West Papua’s highlands while El Niño-linked drought and fire risk continue to bite across New Guinea.

PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, urging a “structured, bankable” partnership that turns Melanesian ties into real jobs, trade and downstream investment. Economic Corridor Talk: Marape also called for a new era of PNG–Solomon economic partnership, pitching a growth corridor approach to move beyond aid and into investment. Health & Education Boost: Government will invest K2 billion to build the new Papua New Guinea University of Medicine and Health Sciences, while PNG and Australia delivered one million azithromycin tablets to West Sepik to support yaws elimination. Disaster Readiness: U.S. and PNG partners wrapped a major disaster response field training in Lae, including search and extraction, medical response and oil spill drills. Justice & Integrity: ICAC held a corruption crackdown briefing for provincial leaders in Port Moresby, stressing integrity and public service. Local Capacity in Bougainville: ABG is running a contractor conference in Buka to strengthen tendering and procurement skills ahead of greater self-government powers. Sports: OFC Pro League clubs, including PNG Hekari FC, cleared licensing for the 2027 season.

El Niño warning: Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa says his province is “unprepared” for El Niño impacts, citing no communication from the national government, drying rivers and fears for livestock and livelihoods. Debt pressure: Opposition leader James Nomane warns PNG is in a “debt death spiral”, calling for full loan disclosure and urgent budget action as El Niño financing and borrowing raise alarms. Health system boost: PNG swears in the interim council for the country’s first standalone medical university in 50 years, with K2 billion committed for infrastructure. Rural training: UPNG and DWU medical students begin rural clinical placements in Aitape with Catholic Church Health Services to strengthen the future health workforce. Humanitarian access: World Vision marks World Humanitarian Day saying access is the biggest challenge for Pacific responders, with logistics harder during climate-driven disasters. Capital market upgrade: Port Moresby’s Apo Street Market is formally recognised by the NCDC as an approved marketplace, giving vendors more secure trading conditions. Mining leadership change: K92 Mining announces CEO succession, with David Medilek set to become CEO from Oct 1 and John Lewins moving to non-executive chair. Sports and culture: Police step up security at the Mt Hagen Show; and PNG’s Digicel ExxonMobil Cup finals top six are confirmed after a dramatic last round.

Pacific Diplomacy: Japan is ramping up engagement across the Pacific, deepening ties with Fiji and the Solomon Islands through development finance, climate resilience, disaster support and growing security cooperation. Sports Rights: Premier Sports has confirmed exclusive local broadcast rights for the Rugby League World Cup 2026, including all men’s matches and key England games. PNG–Solomons Business Push: Prime Minister James Marape heads to the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, aiming to turn long-standing friendship into real trade and investment deals. Public Finance Pressure: Opposition leader James Nomane warns PNG is in a debt “death spiral,” calling for full loan disclosure and urgent budget action. Anti-Corruption Watch: ICAC says it has received 144 corruption reports and will step up investigations and arrests ahead of election periods. Health & Development: UNICEF begins PNG’s HPV vaccine rollout with the first 100,000 vials arriving, while PNGDF support helped deliver one million antibiotic tablets to West Sepik to fight yaws. Community & Skills: Women dominate trade training certificates in Port Moresby, and MiBank is adding card-fraud protections by deactivating high-balance cards from Aug 20. Law & Order: Enga police commander welcomes a combined 50-year prison term for a man convicted in a tribal retaliation killings case. Business Leadership: K92 Mining names David Medilek as CEO as John Lewins moves to non-executive chair.

Anti-Corruption Crackdown: ICAC says it received 144 corruption reports in a single day and warns it will aggressively enforce laws, including during election periods, after Acting Commissioner Don Sawong warned corruption has penetrated PNG “to its roots.” Electricity Theft Fight: PNG Power moves to deploy smart meters and upgraded monitoring to tackle an electricity loss rate of about 12%, including illegal connections and meter tampering that can leave debts of nearly K30 million. El Niño Preparedness: The National Disaster Centre says the peak is expected between September and December and will assess provincial readiness from late August, urging provinces to keep response plans active. Education Integrity: More than 200 English teachers in Port Moresby mark Grade 12 Written Expression papers, with officials warning schools against cheating to protect exam integrity. Trade and Business: PNG recorded a US$10.35b (K46.39b) trade surplus with South Korea over 37 years, driven by LNG exports, while South Korea supplies machinery and other manufactured goods. Health and Vaccines: UNICEF reports PNG received its first 100,000 HPV vaccine vials for a rollout starting in September, targeting girls aged 9–14 in two provinces. Regional Sport: Fiji officially joins the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga, backed by a $250m Australian investment.

El Niño readiness: PNG’s National Disaster Centre says the El Niño peak is expected between September and December, with inter-agency assessment teams starting province visits from late August to check impacts and response gaps. Health push: UNICEF has delivered PNG’s first 100,000 HPV vaccine vials, with 180,000 more expected, aiming to start vaccination in September for about 60,000 girls aged 9–14 in two provinces. Security and policing: New Ireland’s Police Command has welcomed a new Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent George Fanamanu, in a handover ceremony. Fisheries crackdown: Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, with PNG among 11 participating FFA members monitoring over 3,000 fishing vessels across 27.5 million sq km. Tourism and ports: PNGTPA is partnering to revive a dormant Port Moresby ferry to expand marine tourism, while PNG Ports has signed on as a Silver Sponsor for the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival. Sports partnerships: Fiji has officially joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga, with Australian funding supporting grassroots programs and pathways for PNG Chiefs into the NRL. Corruption case: A former UPNG bursar has been charged over alleged K602,785 fraud involving unauthorised access to the student database and manipulation of fee credits.

Defence & Jobs: Australia and PNG are turning the new Pukpuk Treaty into practical plans after talks in Port Moresby, including a recruitment pathway that could eventually bring up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans into the Australian Defence Force, starting with a smaller pilot in 2026-27. Digital Connectivity: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked to global undersea cable networks, with PNG set to benefit from improved reliability as a second international cable connection continues. Mining & Local Benefits: Mining Minister Solen Loifa has cleared the revised Hidden Valley CDA for signing, rejecting calls for delay and confirming royalty distribution for Morobe communities. Gas National Content: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approved the Pasca A Gas Project National Content Plan, aiming to boost PNG worker training and local company participation. Regional Security: Operation Island Chief 2026 identified 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four during surveillance across FFA member waters, including PNG. Earthquake Watch: A 5.8 quake hit PNG’s northern coast; officials reported no immediate damage or casualties. Business & Culture: Perodua PNG launched the new Traz SUV, while PNG Fashion Week highlighted seven local designers for international attention.

Earthquake Update: A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea’s north coast at 8.59pm AEST, with no immediate damage reports, according to GFZ. Defence & Diplomacy: Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles met PNG Defence Minister Elias Kapavore in Port Moresby to operationalise the Pukpuk Treaty, including plans like a recruitment pathway for PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force. Election Security: PNG’s Police Minister Sir John Pundari says more than 300 police officers from across the Pacific are expected to support security operations for PNG’s 2027 National General Election. Sports—OFC Champions League: Rewa FC booked a semi-final spot after beating Lae City 2-1, and now face Auckland City in the OFC Men’s Champions League semi-final. Sports—Women’s Cricket: Thailand Women beat PNG Lewas by 40 runs in the second ODI at Amini Park. Local Culture & Business: NCDC backed the local film industry by supporting the launch of “Black Python” during its Youth Expo and Walk in Port Moresby. Health & Education: Divine Word University journalism students in Madang showcased research on contemporary PNG issues with support from Post-Courier and ExxonMobil PNG.

Security & Diplomacy: Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is set to fly to Australia this week, with talks in Canberra on new Japanese-designed warships and security cooperation, after Australia’s Richard Marles met PNG’s new Defence Minister Elias Kapavore and is also due to visit Solomon Islands. Elections & Policing: PNG’s 2027 National General Election will get support from more than 300 police officers across the Pacific, with PNG contributing to regional policing rather than only receiving help. Governance & Integrity: Prime Minister James Marape has ordered the National Gaming Control Board to verify allegations over payments and alleged misuse of his name, warning any improper conduct will be referred to police. Infrastructure & Safety: Works and Highways launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges to improve earthquake resilience using updated risk information. Environment: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities are calling for action over rising rubbish and plastic pollution affecting health, marine life and livelihoods. Business & Jobs: Paradise Foods opened/expanded its Queen Emma cocoa chocolate factory in Port Moresby, boosting processing capacity and downstream value for farmers. Sports (PNG): Rewa FC booked an OFC Men’s Champions League semi-final spot after beating Lae City 2-1, while SP PNG Hunters are set for a home farewell match and a possible debut for rookie Vene Manuma. Culture & Faith: Bougainville welcomed Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle for the Catholic Diocese’s 125th Jubilee celebrations.

Election Security: PNG’s 2027 National General Election is set to get a boost from more than 300 police officers from across the Pacific, with the force working alongside the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to support a peaceful vote. Local Film Boost: NCDC has backed the local movie “Black Python” through its Youth Expo and Walk, as PNGIA revives the Dulux Design Excellence Awards after an eight-year break. Bougainville Church Milestone: Bougainville welcomed Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and a Catholic delegation for the 125th Jubilee Anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Bougainville. Cocoa Downstream Push: Paradise Foods’ Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby has been upgraded to expand cocoa processing and chocolate production, backed by EU-STREIT PNG and FAO support. Infrastructure Safety: Government launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges to improve earthquake resilience and public safety. Coastline Waste Woes: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities are calling for action over rising rubbish and plastic pollution affecting health, marine life and livelihoods. Football (OFC): Rewa FC booked OFC Men’s Champions League semi-finals after beating Lae City 2-1, while the PNG Hunters prepare for their final home game and a possible debut for prospect Vene Manuma.

OFC Champions League: Rewa FC captain Setareki Hughes says today’s do-or-die clash against Lae City FC is all about staying composed as they chase a semi-final spot at 4R Stadium in Ba. Women’s World Cup pathway: Ghana’s Black Queens have been placed in Pot 3 for the 20 August 2026 draw, alongside Ecuador, with South Africa and Papua New Guinea in Pot 2 and the preliminary phase set for late November to early December. PNG cocoa push: Prime Minister James Marape praised Paradise Foods’ expanded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, boosting processing capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes per month and advancing downstream processing. Infrastructure safety: Works and Highways launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk guidance to improve public safety and engineering standards. Governance spotlight: Marape has ordered the National Gaming Control Board to verify allegations about NGCB payments and improper use of his name, warning any confirmed wrongdoing will go to police. Health services: Doctors are calling for more paediatric cardiac specialists at PNG’s regional hospitals to improve access to heart screening for children outside major centres. Sports admin: The OFC says all eight clubs are set to return for the next OFC Pro League season, including PNG Hekari.

Downstream push for cocoa: Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the opening of Paradise Foods’ upgraded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, saying at least 6,000 farmers will now process cocoa locally and sell to overseas markets, with capacity expected to jump from 10 to 200 tonnes a month after EU-STREIT PNG support. Gas sector jobs plan: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approved the Pasca A Gas Project’s National Content Plan, aiming to expand training, employment and procurement opportunities for Papua New Guineans and PNG-owned businesses. Safer bridges in quake-prone PNG: Works and Highways launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk guidance and raising engineering standards after the 1985 manual. Waste crisis on the coast: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities from Papa Lealea to Pari are calling for urgent help as rubbish and plastic pollution pile up, affecting health, marine life and livelihoods. Sports—PNG in the World Cup mix: South Africa and Ghana advanced in the Women’s World Cup play-offs, with Papua New Guinea among the teams that could face them in the next qualifying round. Education services shift: NCD education functions moved to the NCDC, bringing 92 schools and thousands of teachers and students under the commission’s management. Public integrity order: Marape directed the National Gaming Control Board to verify allegations about NGCB payments and unauthorised use of his name, with improper conduct to be referred to police.

AUKUS and Pacific security: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese says he spoke with US President Donald Trump overnight, with AUKUS “full steam ahead” and discussions also covering new security alliances involving Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Anti-corruption push: ICAC acting Commissioner Don Sawong signals a tougher era after arrests, with calls that power must never shield wrongdoing. Cocoa boost for PNG: Queen Emma Chocolate’s upgraded factory in Port Moresby was inaugurated, backed by EU-STREIT PNG and FAO funding, aiming to double output and lift local processing. Oil palm savings drive: Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL begin rolling out mobile superannuation services for oil palm growers and smallholders, using Starlink support. Defence cooperation: PNGDF and ADF engineers are working together in Lae for Exercise Pukpuk 2026, focused on practical engineering and stronger regional ties. Local governance and justice: Kunabau in Chimbu celebrates the appointment of Peter Kuman as a judge of PNG’s National and Supreme Courts. Climate resilience in Bougainville: IOM supports Iagain communities in Carteret Islands to plan for sea-level rise, erosion and food insecurity. Transport disruption: Air Niugini adjusts services in Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga due to runway rehabilitation, with Dash 8 limits until repairs progress.

LNG Deal Watch: TotalEnergies has named Seoul’s Daewoo E&C as preferred bidder for the Papua LNG project’s central processing facility and wellpads, a key step toward a final investment decision expected in late 2026. Security & Jobs: Pacific Corporate Security (PCS) and Limu Oil PRL 15 landowner groups signed a joint venture to provide security services for the Gulf Province project, aiming to create employment and local business opportunities. Child Protection: Kumul Petroleum Holdings (KPHL) says it has invested over K500,000 to support five licensed out-of-home care centres for vulnerable children, funded through its Port Moresby Charity Golf Challenge. Women’s Football in Wewak: PNGFA wrapped up a four-day programme in Wewak combining coaching, education and life skills for women and girls, backed by OFC training and a festival. Education Administration: NCD has taken over education services in the capital, with the NCDC now overseeing early childhood through vocational schooling under a decentralised structure. Visa Reciprocity Push: PM James Marape says PNG will review visa reciprocity after the US introduced a refundable visa bond for PNG travellers, warning charges may be matched. Health Concern: A PNG eye specialist estimates about 1.2 million people live with cataracts, with diabetes flagged as a growing driver. Sports & Community: BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek initiative will upgrade Port Moresby’s Kira-Kira Cricket Oval into a mini stadium.