DEVELOPMENT partners and government agencies have backed Mama Bank’s expansion into Western Highlands, saying the new Mt Hagen Branch will play a critical role in strengthening agriculture, cooperatives, and small businesses during the opening of Mama Bank’s Mt. Hagen Branch.
Speaking at the opening, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) Country Lead PNG Mr Wycliffe Ngwabe emphasised the importance of expanding financial inclusion and bringing appropriate financial services closer to underserved communities, particularly women and small businesses.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) LEED Programme Coordinator Ms Patu J. Shang highlighted the critical role of agriculture and agribusiness, including strengthening
smallholder farmers, cooperatives and value chains so rural communities can access finance and grow sustainable livelihoods.
Business Link Pacific PNG Country Coordinator Mr Gabriel Iso underscored the need to strengthen MSMEs and SMEs through access to finance, business development support, market opportunities and partnerships, while recognising women entrepreneurs as key drivers of inclusive economic growth.
Registrar of Cooperatives & Societies Mr Wale Budda Molumi emphasised the vital role of cooperative societies in strengthening inclusive economic development, particularly by connecting farmers, producers and community-based enterprises to finance and markets.
Bank of Papua New Guinea Assistant Governor, Currency Services and Branch Operations Group, Mr Ron Sikar, reaffirmed the importance of expanding access to safe, reliable and inclusive banking services, noting that branches such as Mama Bank Mt Hagen play an important role in bringing formal financial services closer to communities.
Member for Dei Hon. Desmond Paul Kipa congratulated Mama Bank on the successful launch and committed to strengthening financial inclusion and access to finance for the people of Dei District following a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between Dei District Authority and Mama Bank.
Mama Bank acknowledged the strong support of the Government of Papua New Guinea, particularly through the SME financing programme, which is helping expand access to finance for ordinary Papua New Guineans and small businesses.
The Bank also expressed appreciation to Hon. William Duma, Minister for State Enterprises, and Mr Leo Noki, CEO of Mt Hagen City Authority, for their support, as well as Ministry leadership.