IAS Workshop

Apr 14, 2026

Business Council and Partners Host Successful Internet Access Study Workshop

The Business Council of Papua New Guinea, in partnership with DT Global through the Economic and Social Infrastructure Program (ESIP), and leading research firm Long Street Advisors, successfully convened the Internet Access Study Final Dissemination Workshop on 14 April 2026 at the Stanley Hotel.

The workshop brought together dozens of business leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders—primarily from the ICT sector—across both the private and public sectors. The event marked a significant milestone in advancing dialogue on internet penetration, affordability, and digital transformation in Papua New Guinea.

The workshop was led by the Business Council of Papua New Guinea and moderated by Executive Director, Carmella Gabina who remarked, “Reliable and affordable internet connectivity is no longer optional; it is now core business infrastructure. Whether large enterprises or small businesses, connectivity affects productivity, costs, competitiveness and growth.”

A Critical Study on Digital Access and Economic Growth

The workshop presented the findings of a comprehensive market study on internet access and affordability for businesses across Papua New Guinea. Conducted by Long Street Advisors under ESIP, the study provides a detailed assessment of the current state of internet usage, infrastructure challenges, and the economic potential of digitalisation.

Key findings highlighted that while approximately 93% of surveyed businesses rely on the internet, usage remains largely limited to basic communication and research functions. More advanced digital adoption—such as cloud computing and AI—remains low, particularly among micro and small enterprises.

Despite recent reductions in mobile data pricing, affordability continues to be a major constraint. The study revealed that a basic business internet package can cost a significant proportion of income, with many small businesses spending between 10–20% of monthly revenue on connectivity alone. This is substantially higher than global benchmarks and underscores systemic barriers to digital inclusion.

Infrastructure and Reliability Challenges

Stakeholders also engaged in discussions around persistent infrastructure constraints affecting internet access nationwide. Key challenges identified include unreliable power supply, high costs of network deployment in difficult terrain, and frequent connectivity disruptions—particularly in rural areas.

The study further revealed that many businesses are forced to maintain multiple internet connections to ensure continuity, significantly increasing the total cost of internet ownership. These inefficiencies limit productivity and restrict the ability of businesses to invest in digital tools and innovation.

Unlocking PNG’s Digital Potential

Despite these challenges, the workshop emphasised the transformative opportunity that improved connectivity presents for Papua New Guinea’s economy. The report estimates that enabling widespread, affordable, and reliable internet access for businesses could unlock up to K85 billion in economic value by 2035, while driving higher growth and job creation nationwide.

Three key priority areas were identified to achieve this vision:

Expanding access to affordable, high-speed internet

Improving network and power reliability

Accelerating digital adoption across businesses

Strengthening Public-Private Collaboration

The workshop concluded with a strong call for coordinated action between government, industry, and development partners. Participants underscored the importance of policy reform, infrastructure investment, and continued stakeholder engagement to address existing gaps and unlock digital growth.

As the leading voice of business in Papua New Guinea, the Business Council reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government and partners to advocate for practical reforms that support digital transformation and inclusive economic development.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the Australian Government, through DFAT, for sponsoring this important work, and DT-Global under the Economic and Social infrastructure Program (ESIP) for supporting and managing the engagement. Their collaboration with BCPNG and industry stakeholders has enabled a practical, business-focused study that reflects the realities faced by companies operating in PNG.

The Business Council of Papua New Guinea (BCPNG), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the European Union-funded Preventing and Countering Corruption in Papua New Guinea Project, brought together leaders from the judiciary, private sector, government, civil society and development partners for a series of engagements focused on strengthening trust, institutional integrity and confidence in Papua New Guinea’s business environment.

The engagements began on 18 August 2026 at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby with the Chief Justice’s Business Breakfast, followed by Private Gavamani Konekt 3 (PGK3). The programme continued on 20 August with a workshop focused on practical tools for strengthening business integrity in the private sector.

Together, the events created a platform for discussing how justice, governance, integrity and innovation intersect with business confidence, investment and sustainable economic development in Papua New Guinea.

Chief Justice’s Business Breakfast: Strengthening Confidence Through Justice and Integrity

Held under the theme “Justice, Integrity and Innovation: Strengthening Markets and Governance in PNG,” the Chief Justice’s Business Breakfast placed the role of strong and trusted institutions at the centre of the discussion.

Chief Justice Sir Gibuna Gibbs Salika highlighted the importance of the rule of law, judicial integrity and institutional confidence in supporting economic activity and national development.

His remarks reinforced the importance of businesses and investors being able to operate in an environment where laws are predictable, contracts can be enforced and disputes can be resolved fairly and efficiently.

The Chief Justice also reflected on continuing reforms within the justice sector, including improved case management, judicial education and the growing use of technology.

Emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, digital evidence, privacy and cybersecurity were highlighted as areas requiring careful consideration as PNG’s justice system and wider economy continue to evolve.

A key message from the breakfast was that innovation must strengthen access to justice, transparency and efficiency while preserving fairness, accountability, judicial independence and sound human judgement.

The discussion also reinforced the connection between strong institutions and the confidence required for investment, commercial activity and long-term economic growth.

PGK3: Connecting Justice, Governance and the Business Environment

Following the breakfast, PGK3 expanded the dialogue through five focused sessions examining issues increasingly important to both government and the private sector.

The forum covered financial crime, anti-money laundering and economic integrity; artificial intelligence, digital evidence and the future of justice; land, the green economy and environmental justice; judicial reform, security and investor confidence; and arbitration, mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

Participants explored how stronger information-sharing, transparency and institutional coordination can contribute to more trusted and resilient markets.

The discussions on financial and economic integrity highlighted the importance of reliable systems, corporate transparency and collaboration between regulators, government agencies and businesses.

Technology also featured prominently throughout PGK3. As more government, financial and commercial systems become digital, the forum recognised the growing importance of cybersecurity, data integrity and responsible approaches to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The land and environmental justice session considered the need to balance economic development with customary land interests, environmental stewardship and the long-term sustainability of PNG’s natural resources.

Investor confidence and commercial justice were also central themes. Participants considered how efficient judicial processes, predictable regulation and stronger dispute-resolution mechanisms can reduce uncertainty and support a more competitive business environment.

The forum also highlighted the role of mediation and arbitration as practical mechanisms for resolving commercial disputes, potentially reducing delays, transaction costs and pressure on the courts.

Across the discussions, a consistent message emerged: improving PNG’s business environment is not simply about introducing new policies or institutions, but ensuring that existing laws, systems and institutions work effectively and consistently.

Business Integrity Workshop: Moving from Dialogue to Practical Action

The week’s engagements continued on 20 August with the Workshop on Practical Tools for Strengthening Business Integrity in the Private Sector.

The workshop, delivered through the EU-funded PNG Anti-Corruption Project in partnership with UNDP and BCPNG, focused on practical approaches businesses can use to strengthen ethical conduct, compliance and organisational integrity.

Participants examined PNG’s existing anti-corruption framework and considered how private sector organisations can strengthen internal governance and reduce corruption risks.

The workshop also explored a proposed model approach to business integrity, including principles around transparency, accountability, ethical conduct, fair competition, information integrity and responsible engagement with communities.

Whistleblower protection was another important area of discussion, alongside the importance of clear reporting processes, confidentiality and organisational systems that encourage concerns to be raised safely and appropriately.

A strong emphasis was placed on prevention—through education, awareness, clear procedures, ethical leadership and stronger internal systems—rather than relying solely on investigations after misconduct has occurred.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for businesses and stakeholders to contribute practical feedback on how integrity tools could be applied within Papua New Guinea’s private sector.

Building Stronger Institutions Through Collaboration

Taken together, the Chief Justice’s Business Breakfast, PGK3 and the business integrity workshop demonstrated the value of sustained dialogue between the institutions and organisations that influence Papua New Guinea’s economic environment.

For BCPNG, these engagements are an important part of connecting the experiences of businesses with the institutions responsible for justice, regulation, governance and national development.

By bringing the judiciary, private sector, government, civil society and development partners into the same conversation, BCPNG continues to provide a platform for constructive engagement on issues that directly influence business confidence and investment.

The week’s discussions reinforced a clear principle: stronger markets depend on trusted institutions, effective systems and a shared commitment to integrity.

BCPNG will continue to support Government-to-Business dialogue and practical collaboration that contributes to stronger governance, responsible business practices and sustainable economic growth in Papua New Guinea.