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By Peter S. Kinjap
PNG Govt is starting to look seriously at digital technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency. This is part of a bigger plan to make government services better, faster and safer for the people.
As PNG celebrates its 50th Anniversary of Independence in 2025, Prime Minister James Marape is pushing new ideas to move the country forward in the digital world. If he stays in power after the Vote of No Confidence today, he is expected to continue this digital transformation.
Let’s look at what the Government is planning.
Making Digital Transactions Safer
As more people and businesses use phones and computers for payments and banking, the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) is warning about security risks. PNG could be placed on the “grey list” by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) if the country doesn’t improve its systems to stop money laundering and terrorist financing.
To avoid this, the Government is working hard to:
Strengthen Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules
Improve digital ID and transaction tracking
Build secure systems for banks, businesses and the public
All of this is to make sure that digital payments in PNG are safe and trusted.
AI Helping with Visa Applications
The Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) is also joining the digital upgrade. They are starting to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help process visa applications.
This will make it easier and faster for people to:
Apply online
Upload documents
Get updates automatically
The AI system can check for:
Missing or fake documents
Duplicate applications
Security red flags
This helps ICA officers save time and focus on more important tasks. It also helps detect fraud early and protect PNG’s borders.
NASFUND Goes Digital Too
The National Superannuation Fund (NASFUND) is also going digital. With thousands of members across PNG, NASFUND wants to make sure people can check their savings, contributions and withdrawals using their phones or computers.
They are working on:
Online member portals
Mobile apps
More secure data systems
This is important for workers and employers to trust the system and save for the future with confidence.
PNG’s 50th Anniversary Vision: National AI and Crypto Projects
As part of the upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration in 2025, the Marape-Rosso Government has bigger plans.
They want to launch a National AI Strategy and a National Cryptocurrency Development Project. These are exciting but also new for PNG.
Here’s what they might include:
National AI Strategy
Use AI in education, health, agriculture and public services
Train young people and students in AI skills
Use AI to help government departments work faster and smarter
National Crypto and Blockchain Project
Explore creating a PNG National Digital Currency.
Use blockchain technology for land titles, carbon credits and government records.
BPNG’s Digital Kina, CBDC issued crypto currency for financial inclusion.
Blockchain-based payment system with the Finance Department.
DICT’s SevisPass, Digital ID and Digital Wallet, Sevis Wallet.
Support local fintech projects like T4G Pay (Travel for Green) and its T4G Token (TGT), a green finance platform using crypto for climate action to graduate out from BPNG’s Regulatory Sandbox.
If this plan goes ahead, PNG could become a leader in digital innovation in the Pacific.
What Happens if the Prime Minister Changes?
There is a Vote of No Confidence planned today at the Parliament. If it is successful, PNG may get a new Prime Minister and the digital plans could change direction.
But if Prime Minister James Marape remains in power, he is expected to:
Continue the National AI and Crypto project
Push for more digital infrastructure
Make PNG more competitive in the global digital economy
Why This Matters
Digital technology can make life easier for citizens
It can fight corruption by keeping better records
It helps PNG catch up with the rest of the world
But to succeed, PNG will need:
Good laws and policies
Training for workers and students
Reliable internet and electricity
Looking Ahead
PNG is entering a new digital era. AI, blockchain and safe digital payments are the future. With strong leadership and public support, the country can take big steps forward.
The coming months will be important. The Vote of No Confidence today will decide who leads the country and that will also shape how these digital projects move ahead.
No matter who is in charge, the message is clear: PNG must get ready for the digital world.
Peter S. Kinjap is the author of the book titled “BITCOIN DREAM: Hope, Hype and Chaos” for PNG students and policymakers in PNG. For comments, email: howarigtraders@
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