PNG Government orders review into SME funding programme amid concerns

The PNG Government has moved to tighten oversight of its Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Support Programme following growing concerns over how funds intended for local entrepreneurs have been administered. The review is aimed at restoring confidence in a programme central to the country’s economic agenda.

Since 2019, the Marape Government has placed SME development at the heart of its policy direction, promoting local business growth as a pathway to employment creation and economic independence for citizens across the country.

 PNG Government orders review into SME funding programme amid concerns

PANGU Pati National President Madam Eigere Singin said the decision to review the programme followed allegations relating to the management of K200 million under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

She said the party was committed to ensuring that public funds are handled transparently and that eligible Papua New Guineans are able to access SME support without interference or misuse.

Madam Singin said PANGU Pati supports a system where SME funding is delivered through trusted financial institutions, including Mama Bank, National Development Bank and BSP Financial Group, rather than through political channels.

She said the review would determine whether the programme was functioning properly or whether improvements were needed to strengthen delivery and accountability.

“This approach protects the integrity of the programme, ensures transparency and accountability, and gives every eligible Papua New Guinean a fair opportunity to access assistance,” Madam Singin said.

Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea Minister for Commerce and Industry Win Daki has denied allegations of corruption involving the K200 million SME funding, stating that the programme has not been mismanaged and rejecting claims of wrongdoing.