Asian Development Bank Introduces 2026–2030 Partnership Strategy for Papua New Guinea

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced on 28 September 2026 the launch of a new five-year country partnership strategy for Papua New Guinea, aimed at supporting public finances, expanding transport and energy connections, and improving access to essential services such as health and education.

Covering the period from 2026 to 2030, the strategy is designed to support Papua New Guinea's development objective of creating a more diversified economy. ADB Country Director for Papua New Guinea Takafumi Kadono noted that while the country has seen improvements in economic stability, additional efforts are required to translate its natural resource wealth into sustained economic growth.

Under the strategy, planned investments and policy support focus on strengthening public financial management, enhancing oversight in the resource sector, and improving conditions for business investment and operations. The initiative aims to assist the government in increasing revenue and channeling resources toward development priorities and public service delivery.

The framework also targets infrastructure and social development. ADB plans to direct investments into transport, energy, and agriculture logistics to improve market access and generate employment. Additional support will focus on secondary education, skills development, healthcare systems, water and sanitation access, and social inclusion.

Furthermore, the ADB stated that its program will address cross-cutting issues, including initiatives to prevent and respond to violence against women, sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. The bank also plans to expand digitalization, support nature conservation, increase resilience to natural disasters, and facilitate private sector growth through programs such as the ADB Wayfinder (Pacific) Program and ADB Frontier Seed (Pacific).

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