Port Moresby, PNG – 11 March 2026 – Papua New Guinea has published its National E-commerce Strategy 2025–2030 (the National Strategy), a comprehensive roadmap aimed at expanding digital trade, supporting businesses, and improving access to online services across the country.

PNG’s national Strategy was approved during a national validation workshop held in Port Moresby in June 2024 and subsequently endorsed by Cabinet in August 2025, highlighting the country’s efforts to harness the potential of e-commerce for inclusive economic development.

Developed by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in collaboration with the Government of Papua New Guinea and national stakeholders, the national Strategy follows the methodology of the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap (the Regional Strategy), which provides an holistic approach to building an e-commerce ecosystem.

The initiative directly contributes to the implementation of Measure 1.1.1 of the Regional Strategy, which calls for the development of national e-commerce strategies across all Forum Island Countries based on the regional model. By adopting this approach, Papua New Guinea strengthens regional coordination on digital trade while tailoring solutions to its national context and development priorities.

PNG’s National E-commerce Strategy positions e-commerce as a key driver of economic growth, digital transformation, and inclusion, rather than a standalone information technology initiative. It integrates e-commerce into national priorities such as trade, SME development, digital government, and financial inclusion, creating a coordinated framework for building a functional e-commerce ecosystem across government, businesses, and society.

The National Strategy sets an ambitious vision: by 2030, Papua New Guinea will be a digitally savvy economy where e-commerce creates opportunities for government agencies, businesses, and consumers.

To achieve this vision, the country aims to transition from early adoption and fragmented initiatives toward a trusted, inclusive, and competitive e-commerce environment that connects Papua New Guinea to regional and global digital markets.

The Chief Trade Officer of the National Trade Office, Mr Richard Yakam, emphasised the importance of the Strategy in shaping PNG’s digital trade future.

“In a world where technology continually reshapes the way we live, work and trade, e-commerce has emerged as a powerful engine for economic growth, innovation, and global connectivity. This Strategy reflects our commitment to creating an enabling environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive in the digital economy while safeguarding consumer rights, promoting fair competition, and ensuring data security.”

This initiative was made possible through funding support from the European Union through the Strengthening Pacific Intra-Regional and International Trade project (SPIRIT) Project.