PM’s Vision for PNG: Leveraging ICT for Economic Growth and Transformation

In his keynote address, Prime Minister James Marape outlined Papua New Guinea's (PNG) vision to harness information and communication technology (ICT) as a key driver of the nation's economic transformation. He emphasized the urgency of adopting digital technologies to ensure that PNG stays competitive in the global digital economy. Highlighting PNG's strategic position in the Asia-Pacific, Marape stressed that the government is committed to ICT adoption, viewing it as an opportunity to leapfrog traditional development stages.

Marape explained that digital transformation is not just a technological shift, but a societal necessity. He underscored how ICT could foster a merit-based society, improve workforce efficiency, and enhance accountability across sectors. By adopting global best practices from digital leaders like Estonia, Singapore, and Vietnam, PNG has a unique opportunity to fast-track its development. He called for embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle local challenges, improve security, and enhance services in healthcare, education, and business.

The Prime Minister emphasized that ICT will drive productivity, reduce costs, and connect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the national economy, even in remote areas. Recognizing the infrastructure challenges, he pointed out that PNG's "greenfield" advantage allows the country to implement modern practices from scratch, without the burden of outdated systems. This offers a significant opportunity for rapid development.

Marape reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting digital transformation, citing the ICT Act of 2020 as a crucial step in creating a robust legal framework. He also stressed the importance of secure digital systems, such as digital identities and payment platforms, to ensure data protection and foster inclusivity.

In closing, Marape's address outlined a clear vision for PNG’s digital future, positioning ICT as a cornerstone for economic growth and improved quality of life. With strong legal reforms, infrastructure development, and an open-door policy for ICT investments, PNG is set to thrive in the digital age.