The Ijivitari District Development Authority will officially launch 51 Ward Cooperative Societies tomorrow at Afore Station in what has been described as a historic step toward economic empowerment and sustainable rural development in the district.
The initiative will see Ijivitari District become the first district in Papua New Guinea to successfully implement a Ward-Based Cooperative model aimed at creating economic opportunities directly at the community level.
According to the district administration, the launching will involve the presentation of official cooperative society certificates to all 51 ward cooperatives operating across the district.
Registrar of Cooperative Societies PNG, Wale Budda Molumi, is expected to personally present the certificates during the event.
To further support the cooperatives in commencing business operations immediately, MiBank Super Agent Robert Yori will also be present to assist with the opening of bank accounts for all registered cooperatives on-site.
District officials said the cooperative societies were established based on the economic strengths and resource potential of each Local Level Government area within the district.
Under the arrangement:
- Tufi LLG will have 20 ward cooperatives focusing on fisheries and tourism;
- Afore LLG will have 18 ward cooperatives focusing on coffee and agriculture; and
- Safia LLG will have 13 ward cooperatives focusing on livestock and fresh produce.
The district administration acknowledged the support provided by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies PNG in helping revive the cooperative movement as a pathway for socioeconomic growth in rural communities.
Recognition was also given to Member for Ijivitari Open and Vice Finance Minister, David Arore, for supporting practical economic empowerment programs throughout the district.
Officials say the cooperative initiative is expected to encourage communities to work together, create local business opportunities, and ensure wealth generated from agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and other local resources remains within the district.
The official launching ceremony will take place at Afore Station on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.