ABG and National Department of ICT sign MoU to progress Bougainville’s ICT sector
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the Government of Papua New Guinea’s Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) today formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance digital development in Bougainville.
The signing took place at the conclusion of the 4-day Digital Transformation Summit hosted by the National DICT at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby this week.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, ABG Chief Secretary Kearnneth Nanei said the MoU formalises a collaborative framework between the two governments to advance ICT development in Bougainville.
He highlighted the critical role of ICT in Bougainville’s governance, development transition, and long-term readiness.
“As Bougainville progresses its political aspirations, the ABG is also confronted with a rapidly evolving policy environment where the need for real-time data, integrated digital systems and efficient public service delivery is central to effective governance,” he said. “Within this context, ICT is no longer a support function but a critical enabler across all sectors.”
The MoU outlines several joint areas of cooperation, including:
- A comprehensive audit of Bougainville’s ICT sector and development of the Bougainville ICT Sector Development Program
- Technical assistance to develop ICT and broadcasting policies and legislation
- Training, capacity building, and opportunities for joint research
- Cooperation in facilitating international ICT-related agreements and investment opportunities
Mr Nanei reaffirmed Bougainville’s determination to build a modern and resilient digital ecosystem.
“This MoU provides us with a platform to work together with the National Department of ICT and partners to share expertise, and align our efforts to ensure that Bougainville builds a modern, secure, and resilient ICT ecosystem,” he said.
Secretary for the National Department of ICT Steven Matainaho reaffirmed their responsibility under the Bougainville Peace Agreement, noting that the MoU reflects the continued commitment to supporting Bougainville’s development.
“For us at Department of ICT we have been called on under the Peace Agreement and all the consequential meetings that have taken place to work towards empowering ABG and implementing all efforts and so this MOU is part of our commitment to that,” he said.
He added that DICT’s support will align closely with ABG’s priorities and uphold principles of mutual cooperation.
“We will be guided by ABG and our counterpart department as to how we can provide that support…consistent with the MOU we have the objectives highlighted in here which relate to promoting equality and reciprocity….capacity building where we can and not just capacity building but sharing resources.”
Secretary Matainaho highlighted that innovation will be central to the collaboration and expressed DICT’s commitment to translating the cooperation into implementation.
“At the department we are big on fostering innovation… We want to reaffirm our support to this partnership and our support to Bougainville and this MOU marks that milestone for us to translate some of our areas of cooperation into workplanning and implementation.”
Mr Nanei commended both teams for their efforts in finalising the MoU and reaffirmed the ABG’s commitment to strengthening Bougainville’s digital foundations and improving public service delivery and efficiency. He added that the MoU positions Bougainville to build a future-ready ICT framework by drawing on lessons learned from PNG’s wider digital reform experience.
[ Back to News ]
