As Papua New Guinea marks the sixth anniversary of the Marape-Rosso Government last Friday, May 30, 2025, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape reaffirmed his government’s vision to “Take Back PNG” by spotlighting the administration’s performance across key sectors — the economy, education, health, infrastructure, and law and order — with statistics, reforms, and real outcomes for ordinary Papua New Guineans.
“When we took office in 2019, we inherited a recessed economy, underperforming institutions, and lagging development,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Six years on, we have stabilised our economy, attracted better investment terms for our resources, improved roads, built hospitals and schools, and strengthened governance — despite the turbulence of global headwinds and constant political noise.”
Economic Reform and Growth
GDP Growth: Papua New Guinea’s GDP has grown from K79.6 billion in 2019 to K111 billion in 2023, with an estimated K122.5 billion in 2024. The IMF and KPMG project 4.7% GDP growth in 2025, driven by resumed mining, increased spending, and improved forex access.
“Papua New Guinea is now back on the growth path — not just in numbers, but in tangible improvements for our people,” PM Marape stated.
Fiscal Strength: Domestic revenue has reached 18% of GDP, up from 14% in 2020. The fiscal deficit has narrowed to 3.9%, a major improvement in budget discipline.
Tax Relief: GST on essential items was removed in June 2025, delivering historic cost-of-living relief.
“What more can you want from this Government? We’ve given you the highest ever tax break in our nation’s history — including the removal of GST from 13 essential household items like rice, tinned fish, ox & palm, soap, and noodles. It’s costing Government over K800 million, but we’re putting it back into your pockets,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Resource Deals: Landmark renegotiated projects like Progeria, Papua LNG, and Pasca A now deliver over 55% total benefit share to PNG, compared to less than 20% in previous decades.
“We’ve changed the resource equation. What used to be 19% for PNG is now 51 to 55% — this is generational change,” the Prime Minister said.
He also revealed that on June 13, his government will announce a major 10–15-year economic sector development pathway:
“From 2026, we are expecting a construction boom that will last 15 years, backed by foreign direct investments worth between US$55 billion and US$60 billion. These resource projects — including Wafi-Golpu, Pasca A, P’nyang, Frieda, Mambare, Wildebeest, Mt Kare, Yandera, Kili Tege, to name a few — will drive us toward our target of a K200 billion economy by 2032.”
PM Marape likened the economy to a growing garden: “The economy is like a garden. A bigger garden gives you a bigger harvest — and a bigger budget. When we grow the economy, we grow our harvest — our budget — to serve the people better. But for this to work, we need law and order. So, I appeal to our people: respect the rule of law so we can build faster and better together.”
Education Transformation
• Enrolment Growth: Over 2.4 million students are currently in school nationwide — a record number.
• FODE Expansion: Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) enrolment grew from 33,000 in 2020 to 82,000 in 2024, with over 2,000 students entering tertiary education.
• TFF Funding: The Government allocated K856 million in 2024 for the Tuition Fee Free policy.
• STEM Scholarships: Hundreds of students are studying abroad in science, engineering, and ICT fields under the Government’s STEM Programme.
• HELP Loans: Over 15,000 students have accessed the Higher Education Loan Programme, enabling university education without upfront fees.
• TVET Revitalisation: Vocational and technical schools are being upgraded nationwide with new infrastructure, equipment, and training. “We are investing in every child’s future — whether through schools, universities, trades, or science. Education is the long game, and we are playing to win,” PM Marape said.
Health Improvements
• Record Budget Allocation: The 2025 budget allocated K2.86 billion to health — the highest in PNG’s history.
• Cancer and Cardiac Care: Port Moresby General Hospital now provides chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and cardiac surgery. Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae also provides cancer services.
• Kidney Treatment Introduced: Public dialysis treatment began in early 2025 — a historic first for PNG.
“These are no longer pilot projects. We are treating cancer, heart disease, and kidney failure right here in PNG,” said PM Marape. “This is healthcare justice.”
• Elimination of Trachoma: In May 2025, PNG was declared free of trachoma — the first neglected tropical disease eliminated in the country.
Law and Justice Reforms
• Police Expansion: Plans are underway to increase police numbers from 4,500 in 2019 to 10,000 by 2030.
• ICAC Operational: The Independent Commission Against Corruption is fully functional, with laws in place for whistleblower protection and asset transparency.
• Judicial Strengthening: New courthouses have opened in Tari and Vanimo, with more underway in Maprik, Kavieng, and Mendi.
“There can be no lasting peace or prosperity without justice. We are investing in a legal system that protects the innocent and punishes corruption,” PM Marape said.
Infrastructure: Connect PNG in Action
Road Connectivity: New highways now link:
• Port Moresby to Lae
• Kikori to Madang
• Kiunga to Telefomin
Port and Airport Development:
• Terminals launched/upgraded in Bougainville, Wewak, Vanimo, and Kavieng.
• Bougainville Terminal construction commenced in May 2025.
• Budget Commitment: Infrastructure now consumes 5.4% of GDP — the highest in PNG’s history.
“You can now drive where you once needed a plane. Roads are not just roads — they are lifelines for farmers, students, nurses, and business,” PM Marape said.
Political Stability and National Resilience
Despite eight attempted votes of no confidence, the Marape Government has remained stable and focused.
“We govern not for power, but for service. Nation-building is not about headlines — it’s about hard work, courage, and staying the course,” said the Prime Minister.
Looking Ahead to PNG@50 and Beyond
“As we celebrate 50 years of independence, our destination is clear: a K200 billion economy, universal access to education, modern hospitals, strong law enforcement, and roads in every district. We are not just promising— we are delivering.”
PM Marape concluded with a preview of further reforms in the second half of 2025: “Later this year, I will announce a meritocracy system of government — every public service appointment, every contract must be awarded based on merit. We will use ICT to ensure transparency and fairness in how we build our nation.”