Papua New Guinea and Australia have agreed to work together on the country’s long-term digital development, with plans to improve telecommunications, internet connectivity and other information and communications technology (ICT) services over the next 50 years.
The two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at APEC Haus in Port Moresby on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during the 32nd Australia–Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum.
Minister for Information and Communications Technology Robert Naguri said the agreement would allow both governments to address existing problems in the ICT sector and work towards improving digital services across the country.
Speaking at the signing, Mr Naguri said the agreement was an important undertaking for Papua New Guinea as it plans for the future of its ICT sector.
“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 MoU would provide an overall arrangement for both governments to work together on issues affecting ICT development.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been working with Australian counterparts on several areas, including telecommunications infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital safety and ICT governance.
Among these is the Telecommunications Blueprint, which was discussed during the 31st Ministerial Forum in Canberra in October 2025.
The blueprint is intended to guide improvements in Papua New Guinea’s telecommunications sector by identifying gaps in existing infrastructure and services, particularly in areas with limited or unreliable connectivity.
It is also expected to address issues such as network coverage, internet affordability and service reliability, which continue to affect communities and businesses across the country.
Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy said discussions on the blueprint were continuing.
He acknowledged Mr Naguri’s work in advancing the agreement and said telecommunications were necessary for economic development.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also spoke about the importance of connectivity in supporting businesses and the delivery of essential services.
“Connectivity creates opportunity,” Ms Wong said.
She said access to telecommunications services helped create economic opportunities and improve the delivery of services to communities.
PNG Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko said the agreement would allow both countries to share knowledge and improve ICT services for Papua New Guineans.
He said the aim was to provide better and cheaper telecommunications services for businesses and individuals.
“It’s about making telecommunication affordable for everyone,” Mr Tkatchenko said.
The signing follows three years of discussions between PNG and Australia on the agreement.
Both governments will now need to determine the activities to be carried out under the MoU, including how their work on telecommunications and digital development will be coordinated.
Details of any new funding commitments and implementation dates have not yet been announced.
