PNG Cocoa Industry Targets One Million Jobs Through 10-Year Plan

Papua New Guinea's agricultural sector is being positioned to generate up to one million jobs under a new 10-year strategy, with the Cocoa Board of PNG leading efforts to expand production, increase rural incomes and strengthen the country's economy.

The Cocoa Industry Strategic Plan 2026–2035 aims to unlock the economic potential of cocoa, coffee, palm oil and copra by expanding local processing and creating employment opportunities for rural communities, particularly young people.

 PNG Cocoa Industry Targets One Million Jobs Through 10-Year Plan

The plan, developed in collaboration with the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, seeks to transform agriculture from predominantly subsistence farming into a major contributor to economic growth and job creation.

Agriculture remains a vital source of livelihood for more than 80 per cent of PNG's rural population, with the government now looking to increase the value of locally produced commodities rather than relying heavily on exports of unprocessed products.

Under the strategy, investment in downstream processing, manufacturing and modern agricultural value chains will be prioritised to establish PNG as a regional processing hub.

Minister for Agriculture John Boito said the initiative was aligned with the Marape-Rosso government's economic ambitions, including growing the national economy to K200 billion and creating one million jobs.

“This strategic plan is precisely an instrument for the commitment by the Marape-Rosso Government to grow the PNG economy to 200 billion and create one billion jobs.

“The true success of this plan will not be by words on paper, but the tangible return of the farm gate to ensure delivery,” Mr Boito said.

Deputy Secretary for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring Michael Kumung said targeted investment in agriculture could provide employment opportunities for thousands of young Papua New Guineans entering the workforce.

He said strengthening cocoa, coffee and other commodity industries through improved production systems, local factories and value addition would help absorb school leavers and rural youth into sustainable farming and manufacturing activities.

Mr Kumung said achieving the projected one million jobs would depend on directing funding towards specific agricultural industries and supporting their development.

“When we put money to specific areas, definitely the one million jobs that we projected will definitely be achieved. When we create empowerment in agriculture through cocoa, coffee and other sectors, one million jobs is easy to create,” he said.