Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reflected on Seven Years of Leadership since assuming Office on 30 May 2019, describing the Journey as one of Economic Recovery, Institutional Reform, Nation- Building, and laying strong foundations for Papua New Guinea’s future despite significant Domestic and Global Challenges.

Marking the Seventh Anniversary of his Election as Prime Minister, Mr Marape thanked the People of Papua New Guinea, Coalition Partners, Members of Parliament, Provincial and Local-Level Governments, Public Servants, Churches, Development Partners, and ordinary Citizens who have contributed to the Country’s progress over the past Seven Years. “It has been my privilege to be given the opportunity to lead our Country for the last Seven years. I thank all who have assisted in Government and Nation-Building during this period as we worked together for Papua New Guinea,” Prime Minister Marape said. “When we took Office on 30 May 2019, the Challenges before us were substantial. The Economy was in Recession, Foreign Exchange Shortages were severe, Business Confidence was affected, and National Interest had too often been overtaken by Personal Interest. We set out to place our Country back on a path where no place, no person, and no child would be left behind.” Prime Minister Marape noted that his Government subsequently faced additional Challenges, including the COVID-19 Pandemic, Global Inflationary Pressures, Supply Chain disruptions, Geopolitical tensions, and Commodity Market volatility. “Seven years on, we may not have achieved everything we set out to do, but we have achieved much and established strong foundations for future Growth and Prosperity.”

ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND GROWTH

Prime Minister Marape highlighted the Strong Growth of the Economy under the Marape-Rosso Government. Papua New Guinea’s Economy has grown from approximately K79 billion in 2019 to around K130 billion in 2025, driven by Growth in both the Resource and Non-Resource Sectors. Key achievements include:

* Significant improvement in Foreign Exchange availability;

* The strongest Foreign Exchange position in the Country’s history;

* Growth in Agriculture, Fisheries, Tourism, Manufacturing, and Small and Medium Enterprises;

* Increased Earnings from the Country’s Resource Projects;

* Reforms aimed at securing Greater Benefits for Papua New Guineans from Resource Development;

* Household Support Measures through Tax Relief, Fuel and Commodity Price Support, Education Assistance, and Cost-of-Living interventions;

* Increased Economic Opportunities for Papua New Guineans through targeted Investment and Business Support initiatives.

“Our focus has always been to Grow the Economy while ensuring ordinary Papua New Guineans benefit from that Growth. Economic Growth must translate into better lives for our people,” he said.

EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION

Prime Minister Marape said Education remains one of the Government’s highest Priorities. Achievements include:

* The largest School Fee Support Programme in Papua New Guinea’s history;

* Expansion of the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP);

* Increased Enrolment in Universities and Colleges nationwide;

* Reforms designed to Reduce School Drop-Outs and improve Retention Rates;

* Creation of more than 5,000 new Tertiary Education spaces;

* Establishment of the Innovative University of Enga;

* Major Infrastructure Investments in Universities and Colleges;

* Government Support for STEM Students studying Overseas.

“Education remains the most powerful Investment we can make in the future of our Country. We are empowering our Young People to become the Leaders and Professionals of tomorrow.”

HEALTHCARE IMPROVEMENTS

Prime Minister Marape said the Government has made substantial Investments in Healthcare Infrastructure and Services. Achievements include:

* Development of the Port Moresby General Hospital;

* Papua New Guinea’s first Successful Kidney Transplant procedures;

* Expansion of Specialist Heart Treatment Services;

* Development of Advanced Cancer Treatment Facilities;

* Increased Support for Provincial Health Authorities nationwide;

* Major Redevelopment of Enga Provincial Hospital;

* Construction and Upgrading of District Hospitals throughout the Country;

* Reopening and Strengthening of Cancer Treatment Services at Angau Memorial Hospital;

* Approval of a new Medical University to support the Training of Healthcare Professionals.

“Healthcare is a Basic Service that every Citizen deserves. We have worked to ensure that quality Healthcare reaches more Papua New Guineans wherever they live.”

BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONNECTING THE NATION

Prime Minister Marape said the Connect PNG Programme has become one of the most transformative Nation-Building Initiatives since Independence. The Programme is improving Connectivity, opening Economic Opportunities, and linking previously isolated Communities to Services and Markets. Achievements include:

* More than 5,000 kilometres of Roads constructed, upgraded, rehabilitated, or maintained under the Connect PNG Programme;

* Major improvements to National Highways and Economic Corridors;

* Construction and Rehabilitation of Bridges connecting Communities across the country;

* Upgrades to Airports and Aviation Infrastructure;

* Expansion of Ports, Wharves, and Maritime Facilities;

* Increased Rural Electrification Projects;

* Expansion of Telecommunications and Digital Connectivity Services;

* Significant Investment in Schools, Hospitals, Government Facilities, and Public Infrastructure.

“Connect PNG is more than Roads and Bridges. It is about Connecting our People to Opportunities, Markets, Schools, Hospitals, and Services. It is helping unite our Nation and unlock Economic potential throughout the country.”

STRENGTHENING LAW, JUSTICE, SECURITY AND GOVERNANCE

Prime Minister Marape said the Government has undertaken significant Reforms to strengthen Law and Order, improve access to Justice, and build stronger Institutions. Achievements include:

* Increased Recruitment and Training of Police Personnel nationwide;

* Strengthening of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and other Disciplined Services;

* Construction of Police Housing and Operational Facilities;

* Expanded Support for Provincial and Community-Based Law and Justice programmes;

* Enhanced Investment in Crime Prevention and Public Safety initiatives;

* Continued Strengthening of Anti-Corruption Measures and Accountability Institutions;

* Historic Restructuring of the National Judiciary to improve efficiency and access to Justice;

* Establishment of the Court of Appeals as a separate Superior Court to expedite Appeals and reduce Case backlogs;

* Ongoing Judicial Reforms aimed at improving the delivery of Justice;

* Legislative Reforms to strengthen governance, accountability, and Democratic Institutions.

“A strong Nation requires strong Institutions. We have strengthened our Courts, Law Enforcement Agencies, and Governance Systems to ensure Justice, Stability, and Public Confidence.”

PROMOTING POLITICAL STABILITY

Prime Minister Marape said Political Stability has been a defining feature of the last Seven years. The Government has implemented Reforms designed to provide certainty and continuity in National Development Planning while reducing unnecessary Political disruption. Achievements include:

* Constitutional and Legislative Reforms aimed at Strengthening Political Stability;

* Measures to allow Governments to focus on Development delivery and implementation;

* Increased Support to Provinces, Districts, Local-Level Governments, and Ward Leadership structures;

* Greater Recognition and Support for Ward Councillors and Grassroots Leaders;

* Improved Coordination between National and Sub-National Governments;

* Equitable Service Delivery regardless of Political affiliation.

“Political Stability is not about protecting any one Government. It is about creating an environment where Governments can plan, implement, and deliver Development Outcomes for our people.”

RESOURCE SECTOR REFORMS

Prime Minister Marape said the Government has pursued Policies aimed at ensuring Papua New Guinea receives Greater Value from its Natural Resources. The Government has continued Reforms in Mining, Petroleum, Forestry, Fisheries, and Agriculture to strengthen National participation and increase Benefits flowing to Citizens. “Our Resource Wealth must work harder for our people. The Reforms we have pursued are about ensuring Papua New Guineans receive a fairer Share of the Benefits from our Natural Resources.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that Challenges remain but expressed confidence in the Country’s future. “The work of Nation-Building never ends. There is still much to do, but the foundations have been laid. Our Vision remains to build a wealthy, healthy, educated, safe, and united Papua New Guinea where every Citizen has the opportunity to succeed. I remain optimistic about our Nation’s future. Together we have overcome Challenges, and together we will continue building a stronger Papua New Guinea for future generations.”

Prime Minister Marape concluded by thanking Papua New Guineans for their trust, resilience, patience, and continued support over the past Seven years. “Papua New Guinea’s best days are ahead of us. Let us continue working together to build the Country our children and grandchildren deserve.”