PNG and Australia Sign Digital Partnership Covering Next 50 Years

The agreement was signed by representatives of the two governments at APEC Haus in Port Moresby on October 20, 2026, during the 32nd Australia–Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum. It covers digital development, critical technology and telecommunications, with both sides expected to work together on challenges affecting the sector. Minister for Information and Communications Technology Robert Naguri described the signing as an important commitment to the future of PNG’s ICT industry.

“This afternoon marks a very special occasion for us, going into signing this MOU between the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Government of Australia on developing ICT for the next 50 years in this country, going forward,” Mr Naguri said. He said the agreement would establish an overarching framework for cooperation and help the two governments respond to existing problems while pursuing improvements in digital services nationwide. The Department of Information and Communications Technology has been collaborating with Australian agencies on telecommunications infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital safety and ICT governance.

A major part of the ongoing work is the Telecommunications Blueprint, first discussed at the 31st Ministerial Forum held in Canberra in October 2025. The initiative is intended to guide the development of telecommunications infrastructure and identify areas where services require improvement. For many communities and businesses, access to dependable and affordable internet remains a challenge.

Gaps in network coverage and inconsistent service delivery continue to affect the use of digital services, making these issues central to the planned cooperation. Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy said discussions on the blueprint were advancing towards implementation following its development. He also commended Mr Naguri for helping move the agreement forward.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong pointed to the economic benefits of improved communications, particularly for businesses and communities that depend on accessible public services. “Connectivity creates opportunity,” Senator Wong said. PNG Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko said the partnership would support the exchange of technical knowledge and experience between the two countries, with the goal of improving services for people throughout PNG.

He stressed that the cost of telecommunications must remain a priority if more Papua New Guineans are to benefit from improved connectivity. “It’s about making telecommunication affordable for everyone,” Mr Tkatchenko said. The MoU is the outcome of three years of discussions between the two countries.

While it establishes a basis for future collaboration, further work is required to identify the activities to be undertaken and the arrangements for coordinating them. The governments have not yet provided details of additional funding or confirmed when individual projects under the partnership will begin.