Exepreneur

24/11/2025

Day two of Digital Transformation Summit

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24/11/2025

Papua New Guinea has launched the long awaited SevisPass and SevisWallet Apps for Beta Testing at Digital Transformation Summit 2025.

This marks a major milestone in PNG's digital transformation journey aimed at enhancing digital identity and financial inclusion across the country.

The SevisWallet app allows Papua New Guineans to complete their entire digital identity registration and open a bank account directly from their mobile phones in under 10 minutes.

The app enables self-enrollment, automated self-verification, and issuance of a tamper-proof SevisPass digital ID, along with instant digital Visa card issuance. This process eliminates the need for physical office visits or paper forms.

Importantly, the SevisPass employs a decentralized identity approach, ensuring that users' data remains encrypted and stored on their phones, granting them full control over their personal information and when it is shared.

As more trusted data sources like the national ID, passport, driver's license, and SIM registration come online, users can self-strengthen their digital ID to access an increasing range of government, banking, and telecom services securely.

This initiative is part of Papua New Guinea’s broader Reset@50 Agenda, recently endorsed by Cabinet, and has been driven by sustained policy leadership from Hon. Timothy Masiu, the Minister for ICT, and Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr., who currently oversees implementation.

The SevisPass and SevisWallet apps are foundational components of PNG’s digital public infrastructure, aimed at fostering an inclusive digital economy and improving service delivery through innovative technology.​

Papua New Guinea’s digital transformation efforts are led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology and align with national policies such as the Digital Government Act 2022 and the National Digital Identity Policy 2024.

The government’s vision is to provide secure, unified digital identity systems to all citizens, streamline government services, and boost transparency and economic opportunities through ICT.

Prime Minister Marape emphasizes ICT and AI as engines for the country’s next 50 years, underlining priorities such as digital national identity, inclusive connectivity, digital payments, and online learning. The government’s approach prioritizes bridging inequalities, ensuring rural and urban populations alike benefit from digital advancements.​

The SevisPass and SevisWallet apps represent a major step forward for PNG’s digital future, enabling citizens to participate fully in the digital economy while maintaining autonomy over their personal data.

24/11/2025

Prime Minister James Marape officially opened the Digital Transformation Summit 2025 at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby, hosted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

He highlighted Papua New Guinea's digital transformation journey and reaffirmed his government's full support.

Marape also invited international ICT partners to invest in the country, with global giants like Google, SpaceX, and Oracle among the attendees.

The summit affirms PNG’s commitment to advancing its digital future through collaboration and innovation.

Photo Credit: Jerewai

23/11/2025

The Digital Transformation Summit 2025 (DTS25), hosted by PNG's Department of ICT from 24-27 November, advances the nation's digital future through innovation, inclusion, and good governance.

It unites leaders, experts, and youth to strengthen digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital skills, celebrating PNG’s 50 years of independence.

We will be bringing you updates throughout the week.

Our breakout session "Public Sector Branding and Communications for Development" is on Wednesday after lunch.

20/11/2025

Papua New Guinea is set to strengthen its climate leadership with the launch of its first-ever Climate Investment Summit on December 8, 2025, at Sydney’s International Convention Center during PNG Investment Week (PNGIW25).

The summit builds on PNG’s high-profile participation and advocacy at COP30 in Belem and aims to attract regional and global attention. It will serve as a dynamic platform for business, government, and community leaders to explore new climate investment opportunities and pragmatic solutions blending climate action with development goals.

Renowned climate scientist Professor Tim Flannery, who will deliver the keynote address, leads a distinguished roster of speakers. Minister Simo Kilepa, overseeing Environment, Conservation & Climate Change in PNG, will present the country's progress in national adaptation strategies.

“I am honoured to announce that I will be delivering the keynote at the Inaugural PNG Climate Investment Summit. Having known and worked in Papua New Guinea for over 45 years, this carries special meaning for me and this opportunity is a great honour. I will be speaking on ‘Confronting the Climate Challenge and Seizing Our Opportunity’, a theme that reflects my deep belief that PNG has a promising and sustainable future,” said Prof Tim Flannery BA MSc PhD ASS.

The summit program includes voices from Australia, the World Bank, IFC, Bank of PNG, and KPMG, who will discuss finance innovation, evolving regulatory trends, and sustainable growth showcased through investment case studies. Topics will span mangrove conservation, circular waste management, and resilient infrastructure development.

A key focus of the Summit is to stimulate international investment in climate solutions led by PNG stakeholders, highlighting successful local and community-led projects. These stories demonstrate how climate investment can fuel inclusive growth and unlock opportunities for all Papua New Guineans.

Anthony Smaré, Convenor of the Climate Investment Summit and President of PNG CORE — host of PNG Investment Week (PNGIW25) — emphasized the significance of the event:

“Climate investment isn’t just a global agenda — it is at the heart of Papua New Guinea’s development priorities. By hosting the Climate Investment Summit during PNGIW25, we are putting climate investment as a core investment priority for PNG, alongside our other traditional economic pillars for investment"

As part of PNGIW25, this summit presents a unique opportunity to link policy, finance, and practical action on PNG’s most pressing climate challenges. It promises to be a defining moment for participants aiming to shape PNG’s role in the global climate landscape.

19/11/2025

A major shake-up is underway at Barrick Mining. Elliott Investment Management, a prominent American hedge fund, has quietly taken a large stake in the company.

Valued at around $700 million, this move makes Elliott one of Barrick’s top shareholders and has sparked immediate speculation about what comes next.

Barrick is no small player in the mining world. The Canadian giant digs gold and copper from 18 countries across four continents. Its portfolio boasts 13 gold mines, including six flagship Tier One sites, and three major copper operations. From North America to Africa and the Asia-Pacific, Barrick holds a significant footprint in the global resource race.

One site is especially important: the Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea. Located high in the rugged Enga Province, Porgera has been a key gold producer for decades.

After a three-year halt amid legal and social disputes, it reopened in late 2023. The restart came with a new partnership model, giving local communities a majority stake and promising billions in benefits for Papua New Guinea over the next 20 years.

But Barrick is navigating rough waters. Costs are rising at some mines, political risks linger—like the military takeover that shut down operations in Mali—and investor pressure is mounting. Elliott’s investment arrives amid whispers of possible restructuring, asset sales, or a strategic pivot.

The question on everyone’s lips: What does Elliott want from Barrick? Are they pushing for a revamp, a breakup, or something more subtle? And how will these moves affect sensitive operations like Porgera, where community interests and corporate ambitions intersect?

Barrick finds itself at a crossroads. It’s a story of global capital meeting local realities. The days ahead will test how mining giants balance shareholder demands with sustainable, locally grounded partnerships in resource-rich countries like Papua New Guinea.

The interim CEO Mark Hill stated earlier that "Our priority is clear communication with investors and stakeholders, delivering operational improvements, and driving growth while respecting Barrick’s core values and partnerships globally"

This development is not just about numbers or shares. It’s about the future of mining in an uncertain world—and the ripple effects of major investment decisions on communities and countries.

19/11/2025

The Papua New Guinea government has disbursed K74 million as compensation to landowners affected by the PNG LNG plant site, marking a significant step in addressing longstanding grievances related to the project.

The Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) confirmed the payments today, which directly benefit 83 clans from the villages of Papa, Rearea, Porebada, and Boera located around the PNG LNG processing facilities.

Augustine Mano, MRDC Managing Director, said the royalties were credited to the landowner trustee company Gas Resources PNG LNG Plant Limited (GR-PNGLNGPL). “The board of GR-PNGLNGPL has passed a resolution to pay all beneficiary clans in the PPFL2 area starting on the 4th of September,” Mano said.

He highlighted the role of the board which comprises state representatives and landowner directors Mrs. Ulato Avei (Boera), Solo Damena (Papa), Dikana Igo (Rearea), and Peter Vagi (Porebada).

The 83 clans received over K6.25 million in royalties, paid directly into the clan bank accounts opened by MRDC in December 2016.

The royalty payment allocation was split as follows:

-Cash payment to landowners: K6,250,701

-Community Investment Trust Fund (CITF): K4,688,026

-Future Generation Trust Fund (FGTF): K4,688,026

Among the villages, the royalty allocations were Rearea and Papa each receiving K1,746,946, Boera K1,352,027, and Porebada K1,154,755.

Mano reflected on the long journey for the landowners since the first LNG shipment in June 2014. “I would like to thank the 83 clans of the whole plant site for the cooperation they provided to MRDC and other stakeholders throughout this process," he said.

“You did not dispute the Ministerial Determination and there was no court case throughout this process. This shows the maturity and leadership that is needed in terms of defining benefits. I want to thank the landowners under the PPFL2 area for providing that leadership,” said Mano.

He called for pipeline and upstream landowners to follow their example and resolve disputes to enable them to receive their PNG LNG benefits. He also assured that MRDC, together with the Department of Petroleum and Energy (DPE), would continue to work with landowners to complete the clan vetting process for further benefits.

This payment covers royalty claims from the first LNG shipment in 2014 through to December 2016.

Mano said, “We will follow the same process as we have done here for the pipeline and upstream areas.”

18/11/2025

Another big global and merger hitting headlines this week,

$2.7 Billion Merger: Ashurst and Perkins Coie Merge to Form Global Legal Powerhouse

The merger aims to enhance the firms’ global capabilities in key industries that are shaping the modern economy: technology, energy and infrastructure, and financial services. Ashurst Perkins Coie will be well-positioned to provide integrated, high-quality services to clients facing complex and fast-evolving challenges around the world.

$2.7 Billion Merger: Ashurst and Perkins Coie Merge to Form Global Legal Powerhouse

18/11/2025

Ashurst and Perkins Coie have announced their intention to merge, creating a new global law firm named Ashurst Perkins Coie.

This merger is set to position the combined firm among the top 20 law firms worldwide by revenue, with an impressive $2.7 billion in combined annual revenue.

Together, the new firm will have approximately 6,500 people working in 52 offices across 23 countries, merging Ashurst’s extensive global presence with Perkins Coie’s technology expertise.

Paul Jenkins, Global CEO of Ashurst, described the day as “significant,” highlighting how the merger reflects Ashurst’s long-held goal to expand in the U.S. market by partnering with a firm that shares its culture of collaboration and commitment to clients.

He said, “Perkins Coie is exactly that: a forward-thinking law firm meeting its clients at the forefront of technological change, and deep, trusted expertise that complements our own.”

Ashurst has a strong international footprint with standout sector expertise in energy, infrastructure, and financial services. Perkins Coie brings to the combination deep roots in the technology sector, particularly advising clients on intellectual property, privacy, data security, and other tech-driven legal matters. This synergy is expected to offer clients seamless access to a full spectrum of legal services with a global touch.

In addition to geography and sectors, both firms are leaders in incorporating artificial intelligence into their legal practices. The new firm plans to build on this foundation, leveraging AI to transform legal services and help clients accelerate growth.

Leadership will be shared: Paul Jenkins and Bill Malley, Managing Partner at Perkins Coie, will serve as co-CEOs, ensuring continuity and collaboration. Karen Davies (Ashurst) and Brian Eiting (Perkins Coie) will be co-chairs.

The merger aims to enhance the firms’ global capabilities in key industries that are shaping the modern economy: technology, energy and infrastructure, and financial services. Ashurst Perkins Coie will be well-positioned to provide integrated, high-quality services to clients facing complex and fast-evolving challenges around the world.

Beyond expanding footprint and capabilities, the firms emphasize their shared values and cultural fit as foundational to successful integration. Karen Davies said, “Clients want us to think and act globally... Uniting with Perkins Coie, a firm that shares our values and collaborative culture, is exciting.”

The merging of Ashurst and Perkins Coie is one of the most notable transatlantic law firm mergers in recent years, promising a new powerhouse in the global legal market, and one to watch as it rolls out over the coming year.

This merger reflects how modern law firms are evolving—blending traditional strengths with innovation and culture to meet clients’ increasing demands for seamless, multidisciplinary legal expertise in a fast-changing world.

18/11/2025

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18/11/2025

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18/11/2025

The African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) is eyeing a substantial $4-5 Billion Copper investment in Papua New Guinea with Newmont.

The investment reflects the growing demand for minerals essential to cleaner energy and sustainable tech.

South Africa-based African Rainbow Minerals operates through multiple divisions, including platinum, ferrous metals, coal, and corporate holdings. While most revenue comes from South Africa, the company has assets worldwide, including Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Partnering with Newmont for this Papua New Guinea copper project marks a strategic step to meet rising global demand for critical minerals needed in decarbonization efforts.

Chairperson Patrice Motsepe emphasized their strong financial footing: “We’ve got a partnership there with Newmont that might require as much as four or five billion dollars to be invested down the line.”

He highlighted cash reserves of 13 billion rand (about $756 million) and additional facilities worth 7 billion rand, providing a robust base for this long-term venture.

A closer look at ARM financials reveals some challenges the company faced in recent years.

Revenue has declined by around 11.7% over three years, signaling some pressure on sales. The net margin, showing profit after all expenses, is a modest 2.83%, while the operating margin is negative at -5.27%, meaning costs are currently outpacing earnings.

However, the company is well-positioned with a high current ratio of 3.48 and a very low debt-to-equity ratio (0.04), meaning it can cover its short-term debts and is not heavily reliant on borrowing.

Newmont Corporation, founded in 1921 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is one of the world’s largest gold and copper miners. While known primarily for gold, Newmont also produces copper, silver, zinc, and lead and operates mines in North and South America, Australia, Africa, and Asia.

In Papua New Guinea, Newmont runs the Lihir mine, employing some 5,100 people and investing in community infrastructure such as power, water, and healthcare.

Papua New Guinea is rich in minerals like copper and gold, both critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and electronics.

The venture between African Rainbow Minerals and Newmont is not just about mining; it’s a strategic bet on the transition to cleaner energy worldwide.

This project comes with risks, including fluctuating commodity prices, regulatory hurdles, community relations, and the operational challenges of mining in remote areas.

African Rainbow Minerals’ partnership with Newmont, a company with established local operations and expertise, offers a vital balance of strength and experience.

Investors and industry watchers alike will be keenly observing how this venture unfolds, as it could become a defining example of mining aligned with global sustainability goals and regional development.

Photo Credit: Mining Weekly