By GEORGINA MICHAEL
THE Government of Papua New Guinea has signed a three-year, K26 million Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) agreement with TechnologyOne to upgrade the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS).
The agreement was signed at Government House yesterday in the presence of Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, Chief Secretary to the Government Mr Ivan Pomaleu, TechnologyOne Regional Director for Queensland and the South Pacific Mr Daniel Sultana, and Secretary for the Department of Finance Mr Samuel Penias.
The multi-year agreement will support the upgrade of IFMS and strengthen the Government’s public financial management systems.
The initiative is aimed at improving financial management, transparency and accountability, while supporting more efficient and effective service delivery across the country.
Finance Secretary Mr. Samuel Penias said the partnership ensures PNG’s digital financial backbone remains resilient, secure and ready for future upgrades.
“This K26 million contract is not just an investment in software. It is a profound commitment to the transparency, accountability and financial sovereignty of our nation,” Mr. Penias said.
He said the Department is shifting focus to strengthening human and institutional capacity at all levels of government. “The platform’s capability will also be expanded to include advanced artificial intelligence, enhanced revenue receipting, and rigorous capital investment monitoring.”
Chief Secretary Mr. Ivan Pomaleu said the agreement positions public financial management as a direct driver of the Medium Term Development Plan IV 2023-2027.
“By embedding cloud technology and artificial intelligence directly into state operations, we are ensuring that every kina appropriated under the Public Investment Program directly supports national development outcomes,” Mr. Pomaleu said.
He acknowledged Mr. Penias and the entire public finance establishment across national, provincial and district levels for their work in modernizing systems.
Mr. Pomaleu urged all government departments to embrace tools that meet the highest standards of integrity, process excellence and public duty as Phase 2 of the software upgrades and capacity building programs commence.
“Together, aligned under MTDP IV and driven by modern digital technology, we are building a transparent, resilient and sovereign financial foundation that will empower essential services and serve the people of Papua New Guinea for the next 50 years and beyond,” he said.
ENDS//