18/08/2026
🏦 EXPANDING FINANCIAL INCLUSION & CURRENCY AWARENESS IN AMAZON BAY LLG 💳💵🇵🇬
The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), with the support of the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) and participating financial institutions — MiBank, TISA Bank and Women’s Micro Bank — is continuing its Financial Inclusion and Currency Awareness Programme across Amazon Bay LLG in Abau District, Central Province.
This marks the second time CEFI, BPNG and the participating financial institutions have rolled out the programme in Amazon Bay LLG, reinforcing their commitment to bringing essential financial services, financial education and currency awareness closer to rural and underserved communities. 🤝🏦
📚 Financial Literacy in Rural Communities
A major component of the current programme is the delivery of Financial Literacy Training at Mailu Island, Borebo Village and Aroana Village.
The training aims to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills in areas such as saving, budgeting, responsible money management and the use of formal financial services. Through these sessions, CEFI is helping individuals and families make better-informed financial decisions while encouraging greater participation in Papua New Guinea’s formal financial system.
💵 Currency Awareness & Bank Account Opening at Bailebo
On Monday, 17 August, programme activities were conducted at Bailebo Primary School, bringing together CEFI, the BPNG Currency Awareness Team, MiBank, TISA Bank and Women’s Micro Bank.
The BPNG team conducted currency awareness activities, providing communities with important information about Papua New Guinea’s currency, including the proper care and handling of banknotes.
At the same time, MiBank, TISA Bank and Women’s Micro Bank provided bank account opening services and banking product awareness, giving members of the community an opportunity to connect directly with formal financial services. 🏦💳
🎓 Students were also engaged through financial awareness activities aimed at encouraging positive saving and money-management habits from an early age.
🏦 BANKING AGENTS LAUNCHED IN AMAZON BAY LLG
The programme reached another important milestone on Tuesday, 18 August, with the official launch of banking agents, creating new opportunities for communities to access banking services closer to where they live.
The official programme at Magarida Junior High School featured opening remarks by CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel, followed by a keynote address from Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Ms Elizabeth Genia.
Governor Genia highlighted the importance of expanding access to formal financial services and ensuring that rural and underserved communities are not left behind as Papua New Guinea works towards greater financial inclusion.
✂️🏦 Banking Agents Launched at Kurere Asiaro Village
A major highlight was the official launch of banking agents at Kurere Asiaro Village, where Governor Genia performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the agency banking services.
In a significant development, Tony Mwayawa will operate as an agent for both MiBank and TISA Bank, enabling communities to access services from two financial institutions through the same local banking agent.
Alpha Andrew was also recognised as a banking agent for Women’s Micro Bank, further expanding the availability of formal banking services within the area.
The launch was witnessed by community leaders and stakeholders, including Eisa Inc. owner Dr Gairo Onagi, Amazon Bay LLG President Gideon Dauge, CEFI Acting Executive Director Mr Peter Samuel, representatives of the participating financial institutions and members of the Kurere Asiaro community.
🎁 SUPPORTING CONNECTIVITY, EDUCATION & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
As part of Tuesday’s programme, Governor Genia presented Starlink kits to Eisa Inc. owner Dr Gairo Onagi, Amazon Bay LLG President Gideon Dauge and Magarida Junior High School.
Mr Samuel also presented sporting equipment to Magarida Junior High School and Magarida Primary School, demonstrating CEFI’s support for young people and the wider community. 🏫⚽🏐
Following the official launch, MiBank, TISA Bank and Women’s Micro Bank continued providing bank account opening and banking product awareness services at Magarida Junior High School for students, teachers and members of the surrounding communities.
🌏 BRINGING FINANCIAL SERVICES CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE
The Amazon Bay programme demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration between government, financial inclusion stakeholders, financial institutions and local communities.
By combining Financial Literacy Training, Currency Awareness, Bank Account Opening, Banking Product Awareness and Agency Banking, the initiative is helping address barriers to financial services while empowering communities with the knowledge and access needed to participate more fully in the formal economy.
CEFI, with the support of BPNG, MiBank, TISA Bank and Women’s Micro Bank, remains committed to advancing financial inclusion and ensuring that financial services and financial education reach Papua New Guineans wherever they live. 🇵🇬🤝🏦
Financial Inclusion for Every Papua New Guinean — Empowering Communities, Building Prosperity.
