The Government of Papua New Guinea has officially launched Agri-Connect in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, calling it a landmark initiative to implement the National Agriculture Sector Plan (NASP) 2024–2033 and advance the Marape-Rosso Government’s agricultural transformation agenda.
The launch was attended by Prime Minister James Marape, multiple sector ministers, the Governor of Eastern Highlands, vice presidents from the World Bank and International Finance Corporation, representatives from AIIB and IFAD, the Business Council president, diplomatic representatives, commodity boards, development partners, and provincial leaders.
John Boito, Minister for Agriculture described Agri-Connect as a central platform integrating value chains, infrastructure, biosecurity, institutional reform and digital innovation into a unified national framework.
He highlighted PNG’s 50-year partnership with the World Bank noting that early investments in smallholder oil palm and rural credit programs laid the foundation for today’s focus on integrating farmers into global markets.
Agri-Connect builds on previous initiatives like the Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PPAP) and the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification Project (PACD), which have delivered measurable results:
- Supported over 60,000 smallholder households, benefiting nearly half a million Papua New Guineans.
- Rehabilitated and replanted over 3 million cocoa and 7 million coffee trees.
- Conducted nationwide mapping of coconut trees.
- Boosted cocoa production in East New Britain from 4,000 to nearly 12,000 tonnes, generating K418 million in foreign exchange with more than 80% going to farmers.
Describing Agri-Connect as the “connective tissue” of NASP, Minister Boito said the platform aligns infrastructure, reforms, private sector engagement and finance under one strategy.
An initial US$250 million will scale traditional commodities such as coffee, cocoa, spices and livestock while supporting emerging value chains like rice and livestock feed.
The Minister emphasized that agricultural transformation requires a whole-of-government approach, including transport, energy, trade, and climate resilience.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening institutions alongside investment, recognizing the ongoing support of development partners.
The launch of Agri-Connect marks a major milestone in PNG’s agricultural transformation, aiming for higher productivity, better market integration, and inclusive growth.
“May God bless our farmers and our nation,” Minister Boito concluded.
