PNG Budget 2026 Set to Push Stability and Long-Term Growth
Papua New Guinea will head into 2026 with what Prime Minister James Marape describes as the most stable and disciplined national budget in recent years, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to service delivery and long-term development under MTDP IV and the Reset PNG@50 roadmap. The Treasurer, Ian Ling-Stuckey, is expected to hand down the K30 billion-plus budget on Tuesday.
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| PNG Budget 2026 Set to Push Stability and Long-Term Growth |
Marape said the financial plan reflects steady economic growth and improved domestic revenue, with more than 88 per cent of funding generated within the country and “not because we are introducing new taxes, but because the size and activity of the local economy are expanding.” He noted that the Government remains on track to record one of the smallest deficits in recent history, bringing the nation closer to a balanced budget in 2027.
The Prime Minister highlighted that recurrent spending in 2026 will remain focused on frontline services—teachers, health workers, police, and essential operations across government. He said the GST relief on household essentials will continue until the end of next year, adding that easing pressure on families remains a priority.
Marape also reinforced the importance of development spending directed at Connect PNG, health and education infrastructure, law and justice, and economic enablers. He said agriculture remains at the centre of diversification efforts, stressing support for coffee, cocoa, vanilla, oil palm, livestock and food crop production.
With five weeks left in the 2025 fiscal year, public servants were issued strict directives to avoid overspending, retire commitments properly, and abandon the culture of rushed December expenditure. “The December rush must stop,” he said. He further warned that no public funds are to be used for Christmas parties or unnecessary expenses.
Marape said the 2026 financial plan is the first full budget of the post-PNG@50 era and is designed to anchor future growth. “We are resetting our country for the next 50 years. This Budget is about discipline, responsible leadership, and making every kina count for our people.”
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