ABG progresses with new digital finance system
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is progressing in its financial reform program through the introduction of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS).
This digital system will help the Government manage budgets, track spending, process payments, and record assets more efficiently and transparently.
Since the project began in August 2025, the IFMIS has made steady progress. The first phase successfully completed a comprehensive business process review and system configuration, capturing critical workflows from budget execution through commitments, expenditures, payments and asset management.
A recent high-level Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting was held in Port Moresby, bringing together ABG leaders, senior officials from Papua New Guinea’s Department of Finance, and representatives from FreeBalance, the company providing the system. The meeting focused on speeding up implementation and addressing practical challenges.
To support the rollout, the committee approved:
- Installation of a private internet data link to support the system.
- Solutions to improve power and internet reliability.
- A new Chart of Accounts to guide government budgeting from 2027.
- Strong system controls to protect sensitive financial information.
Training is a key part of the reform. FreeBalance has provided a detailed training plan, and the ABG Department of Treasury & Finance is identifying key staff members (“super users”) who will lead testing and support others during implementation.
A help desk team will also be established to assist staff once the system goes live. A comprehensive data migration plan is in place to ensure all financial information is transferred safely and accurately.
Looking ahead, the PSC also plans to introduce a Treasury Single Account (TSA). This will bring government and donor funds into one transparent channel, making it easier to monitor and manage public money responsibly.
[ Back to News ]
