PORT MORESBY, February 23, 2026 – The World Bank Group has launched a six-year partnership with Papua New Guinea to support key reforms and investments aimed at creating jobs, improving public services, and building long-term resilience. This collaboration, formalized through the approval of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) on February 17, 2026, will guide World Bank support through 2031 in alignment with Papua New Guinea’s development priorities.
Papua New Guinea is rich in natural resources, yet many citizens, particularly in remote areas, have limited access to basic infrastructure and economic opportunities. The CPF emphasizes expanding opportunities beyond the extractive sector while strengthening institutions to ensure that the country’s wealth translates into better living conditions.
The framework centers on job creation and focuses on four main priorities: developing skills and human capital, connecting communities to basic infrastructure, enhancing economic governance, and supporting private sector growth and economic diversification. Agriculture is highlighted as a critical sector with strong potential to generate employment if productivity and market access are improved.
Under the partnership, investments will be made in education, health, and nutrition, addressing the country’s Human Capital Index of 0.42, while expanding access to electricity, roads, and other essential infrastructure to enable broader economic participation. The initiative will also support reforms aimed at increasing transparency in resource revenue management, ensuring public funds are efficiently directed toward people and infrastructure development.
Han Fraeters, World Bank Director for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, emphasized the country’s untapped potential. He stated that transforming natural wealth and human capacity into tangible development outcomes requires practical reforms and strategic investments that create jobs, strengthen institutions, and build a more resilient and secure nation.
The CPF outlines an estimated US$1.2 billion financing envelope over six years. In addition to direct funding, the World Bank Group will work to mobilize private capital, reinforce economic governance, and improve the management of resource revenues, aiming to ensure that growth delivers broad-based benefits for all Papua New Guineans.
