Exepreneur

Premier business magazine for C-Suit Executives, Company Founders & Industry Leaders in PNG, Fiji and Other Pacific Island Nations

Exepreneur provides news, features, and analysis on business, finance, technology, and lifestyle topics in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the Pacific. Uncover the Stories Shaping the Pacific Business Landscape right here on one platform

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-Business News and Analysis: In-depth reporting on key developments
-Influential Companies and Executives: Profiles of leaders driving growth
-Trailbla

zing Entrepreneurs: Spotlight on innovators in the region
-Industry Experts: Insights from those shaping the future of Pacific Island business

CONTENT WE DELIVER

-Business & Economy: Comprehensive coverage of market trends and economic analysis
-Geopolitical Insights: Perspectives on political dynamics affecting business
-Leadership & Innovation: Exclusive interviews with top business leaders
-Women in Business: Celebrating the achievements of women leaders
-Digital Revolution: Exploring the Pacific's digital transformation

BEYOND
-Exepreneur also offers engaging lifestyle content:
-Travel: Discover unique destinations in Fiji.
-Luxury: Explore the region's finest hotels and experiences

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Stay tuned for our website launch at www.exepreneurfiji.com.

22/06/2025

Fifty years after independence, Papua New Guinea (PNG) remains one of the world’s poorest countries.

Persistent poverty, weak infrastructure, and limited access to essential services continue to undermine development progress.

The IMF projects PNG’s nominal GDP to reach $31 billion in 2025. “Papua New Guinea’s economic outlook remains positive. Growth is expected to increase to 4.7 percent in 2025 from an estimated 3.8 percent in 2024 Nir Klein, IMF mission chief for PNG supported by the resumption of activities at the Porgera gold mine and improvements in access to foreign exchange.

However, these gains have yet to improve living standards for most citizens.

Poverty is widespread according to UNICEF report, with over 34 percent of the population living below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day. Rural poverty exceeds 40 percent, compared to 27 percent in urban areas. Most Papua New Guineans depend on subsistence agriculture, which suffers from low productivity due to inadequate training and poor infrastructure.

Access to electricity covers only about 20 percent of the population, and just 19 percent have safe drinking water. World Bank reported worsening education outcomes, with 72 percent of Grade 5 students unable to read age-appropriate texts. Health infrastructure is underdeveloped, contributing to malnutrition where nearly half of children under five are stunted. Youth unemployment remains high, with many young people neither in education nor employment.

PNG’s economy heavily relies on extractive industries, which account for over 70 percent of export earnings but employ only a small fraction of the workforce. The reopening of the Porgera gold mine and progress on major projects like Papua LNG and P’nyang gas developments offer growth potential but remain vulnerable to commodity price swings and infrastructure bottlenecks.

Foreign exchange shortages, power disruptions, and civil unrest, including the January 2024 riots in Port Moresby, have dampened business confidence as reported by local media. Inflation remains elevated at around 5.5 percent, driven by exchange rate depreciation and rising food and fuel costs.

Inequality persists, with wealth concentrated among political elites and urban centers while rural communities remain marginalized. The government’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV aims to improve infrastructure, social services, and stimulate private sector growth, but implementation challenges remain.

Despite these challenges, Prime Minister James Marape remains optimistic: “Our country’s challenges remain significant, but we can overcome them if we work together.”

PNG’s journey over 50 years has seen modest growth overshadowed by deep social challenges. Recent developments offer cautious hope, but turning economic gains into broad social progress remains the nation’s greatest challenge.

20/06/2025

George Kauli has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the
Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) National Secretariat.

This change in leadership comes as PNGEITI continues its work to promote transparency and accountability in PNG’s mining, oil, and gas sectors.

Since its establishment in 2013, PNGEITI has worked to ensure that revenues from extractive industries are managed openly and benefit the people of Papua New Guinea. The organization brings together government, industry, and civil society representatives to oversee this process.

Kauli, who has previously served as Director of Policy and Programs at PNGEITI, brings valuable experience to his new role. He said, “I am honored to take on this role and committed to furthering PNGEITI’s mission of promoting transparency and accountability. Our work is crucial to ensuring that revenues from PNG’s natural resources benefit all citizens.”

The outgoing Executive Director, Lucas Alkan, spoke about the organization’s ongoing transformation. “We are transitioning from a Secretariat to a Commission once the Commission Bill is passed,” he explained. “It is crucial that we have qualified professionals to lead this transformation.”

During his time as Executive Director, Alkan expanded the team and focused on building staff skills, encouraging training opportunities both locally and overseas.

PNGEITI plays a vital role in publishing reports that detail how money flows within PNG’s extractive industries. These reports help shed light on the sector’s contribution to the economy and how revenues are shared with the government and local communities.

The organization also fosters open dialogue among stakeholders, which has helped resolve issues like the reopening of the Porgera Mine. Transparency is key to attracting investment and managing resources responsibly.

With Kauli at the helm, PNGEITI aims to keep strengthening governance and ensuring that PNG’s natural resources are managed in the best interests of its people.

PNGEITI welcomes all stakeholders to stay engaged as it moves forward under new leadership, continuing its commitment to transparency and accountability in PNG’s extractive industries.

19/06/2025

Bank of South Pacific (BSP) has implemented an automated reconciliation system using SmartStream Technologies’ AI-powered Affinity platform to improve operational efficiency and accuracy in transaction processing.

The new system automates key reconciliation workflows, reducing manual intervention and accelerating dispute resolution. It is designed to handle the high volume of daily transactions BSP processes across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region, where the bank serves over two million customers.

BSP Group Chief Operating Officer, Nuni Kulu, stated that the implementation supports the bank’s digital transformation goals by strengthening risk and compliance frameworks. Kulu noted, “The integration of AI-driven insights and automated exception management has transformed our reconciliation processes”

The system includes dashboards and automation tools that enable BSP staff to shift focus from routine tasks to analytical and strategic activities, improving operational scalability and staff productivity.

SmartStream Regional Director for APAC, Radha Pillay, highlighted the significance of the partnership, saying, “BSP’s commitment to automation and operational control positions them as a leader in the Pacific banking sector”

The implementation aligns with BSP’s broader strategy to future-proof its operations through technology adoption, aiming to enhance accuracy, reduce errors, and improve customer service.

This upgrade places BSP among the early adopters of AI-driven reconciliation in the Asia-Pacific banking sector, setting a precedent for other financial institutions in the region seeking to improve operational efficiency through automation.

18/06/2025

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) is set to host a series of events to highlight the resource sector's influence on the nation's development over the past five decades.

The announcement, made yesterday at a media launch, outlines a month-long celebration themed "Building PNG for 50 years," scheduled from July 7th to July 25th at APEC Haus in Port Moresby.

These events will offer a look into most of the sector's historical contributions featuring insights from major mining companies, key industry leaders, and the invaluable experiences of mine workers.

A core focus will be on the significant contributions of the mining, petroleum, and energy sectors to Papua New Guinea's economic and social advancement.
PNG CORE President, Anthony Smaré, emphasized the sector's foundational role, stating that "From its modest beginnings, the mining sector has consistently strived to serve the people of PNG with excellence, making immense contributions to the PNG economy over the past 50 years."

He further highlighted the industry's commitment to national talent, and added that , "The resources industry has fully supported young Papua New Guineans since Independence in 1975 and still remains dedicated to promoting the country as a prime resources destination."

Kassman Richard, PNG CORE Vice President and Council Member, in his speech addressed the chamber's critical role in fostering a collaborative environment with the government.

"We have always striven to reconcile the interests of mines, workers, and the economy at large through open dialogue with the government at all times throughout the years," Kassman affirmed.

He concluded by reiterating the resources industry's ongoing impact to the country's development stating that, "The industry continues to contribute to PNG’s economic growth even in challenging times and plays an active role in shaping the development of the country's human resources and sustainability."

18/06/2025

Procurement and supply chain management in Papua New Guinea and the broader region have undergone major shifts over the past two decades.

What has changed, and what does the future look like for those in procurement and supply chain?

John Thomas , an expert with more than 23 years of experience, was interviewed by Exepreneur to share his insights on industry changes and the future outlook for organizations operating in this evolving landscape.

“The procurement environment has evolved from fragmented, manual processes to more structured and transparent systems,” Thomas explains. “There is now a stronger focus on efficiency, accountability, and ensuring value for money. Organizations are standardizing procurement practices to reduce risks and improve outcomes.”

Thomas is confident digital transformation will be the defining force shaping procurement over the next five years. “In the next five years, all organizations will have digital procurement platforms that manage and coordinate procurements more efficiently and cost-effectively,” he says. “These platforms will include e-tendering, contract management, e-evaluation, and e-auction functions.”

But digital tools are more than efficiency drivers. “Digital procurement systems will promote transparency and openness, which are crucial for good governance,” Thomas notes. “They will save costs and time, while minimizing and mitigating risks across the supply chain.”

Artificial intelligence will also play an increasingly important role. “AI will help assess and calculate supply chain risks and predict market trends,” he explains. “This will enable organizations to make smarter, proactive decisions in a region where supply chains often face disruption.”

Yet, technology alone is not enough. Thomas recalls a challenging project that tested his leadership and resilience. “I discovered an organization had been engaging over 200 security firms across the country for more than 15 years, all on an ad hoc basis, without formal contracts or standard rates,” he recounts. “When I asked about agreements and pricing, the response was none existed and rates varied by location.”

Tasked with formalizing the process, Thomas faced resistance. “The security manager avoided meetings for eight months, making it difficult to gather information,” he says. “Eventually, with executive backing, I published the tender without his input, and the manager was terminated.”

The tender process reduced the number of contracted firms from over 200 to 20, introducing fixed rates and formal agreements.

“This experience taught me that leadership in procurement requires persistence and courage,” he says. “You must be willing to confront entrenched practices and push for change, even when it’s uncomfortable.”

“Digital tools will transform procurement, but managing the human and organizational challenges remains just as important. Only then can we achieve transparency, efficiency, and sustainable progress", he concludes.

17/06/2025

The Chief Executive Office of St John Ambulance Papua New Guinea (PNG), Matt Cannon has announced he will step down after leading the organization for a decade.

The decision, shared with the PNG National St John Council last year, comes as he wants to be closer to his four-year-old daughter in Australia.

Reflecting on his time in PNG, he said it has been “one of the most challenging, yet profoundly rewarding, chapters of my life.” What has meant the most to him is seeing young Papua New Guinean leaders grow and take on responsibility. “There’s something truly special about watching someone find their footing, grow into their strengths, and emerge as a proud, capable leader,” he said.

When he started, St John Ambulance PNG had just 28 staff and two ambulances. Today, it has grown to over 350 staff working from nine stations, handling more than 40,000 emergency calls a year. The organisation now operates over 70 ambulances across the country and works closely with the Department of Health, provincial health authorities, police, fire service, defence force, and maritime safety authority.

One major achievement during his time was setting up a nationwide digital radio network and building ambulances locally, designed specifically for PNG’s conditions. “We’re building ambulances here in PNG,” he said, highlighting how this improves reliability and creates jobs.

The organisation also runs a modern National Ambulance Operations Centre to coordinate emergency responses across the country. They import and customise ambulances to suit the local terrain and needs.

Training people in first aid has been a key focus. Last year alone, St John trained over 20,000 Papua New Guineans, with 15,000 receiving free training. “None of this would have been possible without good people, and more importantly people wanting to do ‘good’,” he said.

He credited the organization's success to the passion and resilience of its people. “Passion and resilience are essential to serving the mission and overcoming challenges,” he added.

Dr Arabella Koliwan has been named Interim Chief Executive and will be supported by the current executive team. The outgoing CEO will continue to offer voluntary support during the transition.

17/06/2025

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), through its investment arm XRG PJSC, has launched a $30 billion takeover bid for Australian oil and gas producer Santos Ltd, offering A$8.89 per share, a 28% premium to Santos’ recent closing price.

This marks ADNOC’s first major entry into the Australian energy market and signals its ambition to expand its global footprint in gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) sectors.

The consortium behind the bid also includes Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ and US private equity firm Carlyle. The Santos board has given initial support, granting exclusive due diligence rights and indicating it intends to recommend shareholders accept the offer. Previous confidential bids in March offered lower prices, showing a firming interest in Santos’ assets.

Key to the proposal are commitments to maintain Santos’ headquarters in Adelaide, preserve jobs, and continue investment in Australian and Asia-Pacific gas projects.

This aims to address concerns over foreign ownership of critical infrastructure. The consortium also plans cooperation on carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, linking Santos’ Moomba CCS project with ADNOC’s UAE initiatives.

However, regulatory hurdles loom large. South Australia’s Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis has emphasized the need for state approval, citing legislation requiring ministerial consent for changes in controlling interests of license holders.

The Foreign Investment Review Board and other regulators in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the US must also approve the deal.

Market reaction has been positive but cautious. Santos shares jumped over 12% following the announcement, reflecting investor optimism about the premium offer. Yet analysts warn of significant regulatory risks that could delay or block the transaction. Some suggest investors consider alternatives like Woodside Energy, which may offer better exposure to oil price gains and fewer regulatory complications.

This takeover bid raises several questions: How will Australian regulators balance national energy security with foreign investment benefits? Can ADNOC’s consortium deliver on promises to maintain local operations and jobs? What impact will this deal have on Australia’s energy market dynamics and carbon reduction efforts?

The outcome will test Australia’s approach to foreign ownership in critical sectors and shape the future of its gas industry in Australia, wider Asia Pacific region and the world.

16/06/2025

Corruption in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a pervasive issue, likened to an ulcer eating into government institutions, with the country consistently scoring low on global perception indices.

The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) scored PNG at a low 31 out of 100, indicating a high perceived risk of public sector corruption and stagnation in the fight against it, according to Transparency International and Trading Economics data123. PNG ranks 127th out of 180 countries globally in terms of perceived corruption.

The consequences of widespread corruption are severe and far-reaching. Millions of kina are allegedly stolen annually, potentially up to K4 billion, depriving the public of essential services like quality education and health, reducing economic opportunities, and undermining trust in the government. This pervasive corruption has also led to PNG's recent grey-listing by the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF), which negatively impacts international banking arrangements and the country's credit rating.

Despite pledges and sporadic efforts, PNG has not made significant progress in combating corruption. Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) highlights that anti-corruption bodies have been restricted by shortcomings in financial resources.

TIPNG advocates for decisive action, urging the government to grant full authority to national anti-corruption agencies, strengthen integrity institutions, implement FATF recommendations, ensure greater transparency and accountability, foster a culture of integrity, and engage meaningfully with civil society and international partners. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) exists and has a broad mandate to investigate corrupt conduct, including actions by public officials or entities but has been found wanting.

The recent arrest of Dr. Uma Ambi, former director of the Laloki Mental Health Institute, exemplifies the ongoing challenge. Dr. Ambi was charged by the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate for allegedly misappropriating over K1.8 million in public funds between 2017 and 2022, reportedly paid to companies she was associated with for unrendered services. This incident directly reflects the concern that millions are being stolen, preventing public access to essential services.

Similarly, Benjamin Samson, Secretary of the Department of Lands, was charged with one count each of abuse of office, official corruption, and conspiracy, plus five counts of misappropriation related to a fraudulent land title sale worth over K18 million. Samson’s case exposes corruption risks in land administration, a critical sector for PNG’s development and social stability.

The stagnant CPI scores and ongoing high-profile cases indicate a persistent failure to curb corruption effectively. The existing legal frameworks and institutions face significant limitations, and concrete successes in reducing systemic corruption remain elusive, prompting calls for real and serious action.

15/06/2025

Papua New Guinea’s coffee farmers are trapped in a brutal cycle of crashing prices and oversupply while global coffee prices skyrocket.

John Simon, former Minister for Agriculture and Livestock and now a coffee exporter, explains why many smallholder farmers see declining returns despite strong global demand.

“In Papua New Guinea today everyone is saying the price of coffee has decreased, that is what smallholder coffee farmers are saying,” Simon says.

However, he clarifies: “Everyone is paying less than K5 but I would like to make it clear that the coffee price has not gone down because the cup price of coffee is still the same in hotels, restaurants and Cafes and has not gone down but the market price has decreased and it is just mostly to do with supply and demand because there is a lot of coffee in the market at the moment that is why the price of coffee has decreased.”

Simon is working to open new markets in Dubai, Marilla, and beyond. “Currently I am in the process of establishing my own market. My plan also to establish warehouses in those countries so that I can export coffee over to those countries and eventually set up a franchise.” This aims to connect PNG coffee directly to premium buyers and reduce reliance on traditional supply chains.

Storage is a major issue. Simon stresses the need for proper facilities in PNG: “The coffee price has not gone down it is just because of the surplus coffee that is currently in the market and the only way out of this reality lies with the government and exporters in making sure that proper storage facilities are built so you can buy the coffee now and store it properly.” He adds, “Coffee can stay for more than 6-8 months without losing its quality if you have a better storage facility instead of rushing to sell it at the market price down.”

Simon highlights systemic problems: “I am going by the cup price and not going by the market price. Because we have been suppressed by the big players in the coffee market today and they will keep playing around with the price because this is the time when they will buy a lot of coffee at a cheap price.” He urges government and banks to support exporters during surplus periods to maintain prices between K7 and K10.

Globally, coffee prices surged 70% in 2024 and rose another 18% in early 2025, driven by bad weather in Brazil and Vietnam. Despite a 12% dip in the June quarter, prices remain high. In PNG, coffee is a key export alongside cocoa and palm oil, making up 12% of agricultural export revenue and supporting over half of highland households.

Prime Minister James Marape sees opportunity saying "the world is willing to pay top dollar for our high-quality, organically grown cocoa and coffee. These are economic opportunities for every farmer who owns a cocoa or coffee tree.”

With better support, storage, and market access, farmers could benefit from the global coffee boom. Without these, price volatility and hardship will continue.

09/06/2025

The Re*****on Technology has appointed Justin Kieseker as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Kieseker takes over from Navin Raju, the former CEO who stepped down this month to pursue personal interest.

Kieseker, who has spent the past six years with Re*****on across various operational and strategic roles, steps into the top job with a mandate to drive the company’s next phase of growth. His appointment comes as Re*****on sharpens its focus on digital infrastructure and ICT solutions, aiming to support Papua New Guinea’s evolving business landscape.

“This business is built on good people doing good work,” Kieseker said. “What’s kept Re*****on strong all these years isn’t just our products, it’s our people, our customers, and our drive to keep showing up and delivering. I’m proud to be leading a team that genuinely believes in what we do.”

Kieseker’s immediate priorities include aligning operations across the Group, strengthening team culture, and investing in sustainable growth. Plans are underway to expand Re*****on Digital Solutions and make targeted investments in systems and services that will underpin PNG’s digital future.

Board Chairman John Beattie described Kieseker’s promotion as a “logical next step,” citing his proven leadership and deep understanding of the local market.

As PNG’s economy continues to transform, Re*****on Group says it remains committed to its core values of reliability, resilience, and results, with Kieseker leading efforts to keep the company at the forefront of the country’s digital transformation.

07/06/2025

The upcoming PNG Technology & Innovation Summit 2025 hosted by Datec PNG Limited aims to accelerate digital transformation across Papua New Guinea by fostering dialogue and partnerships among industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators.

In an interview with Exepreneur, the Chief Operating Officer of Datec PNG Limited, Preetam Tallukdar, described this year’s summit as a pivotal event. “It’s not just about showcasing new technology,” Talukdar said.

“It’s about creating dialogue, building partnerships, and aligning policy, industry, and innovation.”

The summit will focus on six key themes critical to PNG’s digital growth. Network Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Cloud Infrastructure, Financial Technology (Fintech), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Leadership. Discussions will emphasize practical and scalable solutions for the country’s evolving digital needs.

A strong lineup of global technology providers will attend, including HPE, Lenovo, Huawei, Fortinet, Cybernetic GI, CloudSigma, RDL, and Temenos. These companies will present their latest solutions and deliver keynote addresses aligned with the summit’s focus on innovation and digital transformation.

Talukdar emphasized the importance of technology in PNG’s future.

“Technology is not optional. It’s foundational. The summit is where bold ideas turn into real-world impact. Datec PNG is proud to be at the heart of it.”

The PNG Technology & Innovation Summit 2025 is set to be a key event in shaping the country’s digital future.

05/06/2025

Fiji and Papua New Guinea’s anti-corruption agencies are in turmoil. But is this just the latest chapter in a long saga of political interference and broken promises, or a real crisis threatening the integrity of governance in both countries?

Take Fiji’s Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Since Barbara Malimali was appointed Commissioner in September 2024, the agency has been rocked by controversy.

Malimali was suspended almost immediately, then reinstated, only to have her appointment revoked after a Commission of Inquiry report. The acting deputy commissioner was also removed.

The Fiji Law Society slammed the suspension as unlawful and warned of government meddling that undermines FICAC’s independence.

So, what does this mean for Fiji’s anti-corruption fight? On paper, Fiji improved its ranking in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, climbing to 50th out of 180 countries.

But experts caution this progress masks ongoing political influence and a lack of transparency. Calls for reforms, like a Code of Conduct Bill, whistleblower protections, and a specialized anti-corruption court are growing louder. Without these, FICAC risks being a toothless watchdog.

Meanwhile, PNG’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is facing its own internal crisis. Three expatriate commissioners are locked in a standoff, raising serious questions about the agency’s credibility. Police Commissioner David Manning confirmed formal complaints and investigations are underway. Prime Minister James Marape has publicly backed ICAC but the damage is done.

ICAC was set up in 2020 with high hopes to tackle corruption and meet international standards on money laundering and terrorism financing. But internal disputes threaten to derail these efforts.

Deputy Commissioner Daniel Baulch has pointed to recent allegations involving high-ranking officials, bribery, questionable payments but says ICAC is hamstrung by a lack of official reports. He’s called on government leaders to cooperate, stressing that ICAC needs evidence and public support to act effectively.

So, are Fiji and PNG serious about fighting corruption, or are they sabotaging their own agencies? Political interference, internal power struggles, and weak transparency are eroding trust and effectiveness. Both countries face a choice. Commit to real reform or risk further decline in governance.

Without decisive action to strengthen independence, transparency, and accountability, Fiji and PNG may find their anti-corruption bodies little more than political play undermining not just their own credibility, but the future of good governance in the Pacific.

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