MAMA Bank officially opened its new Mt Hagen Branch on Tuesday 6th of October 2026 , marking another important milestone in its mission to expand financial inclusion and bring accessible banking and finance closer to underserved communities across Papua New Guinea.
The newly set up branch will provide greater access to banking services, savings, loans, and financial literacy opportunities for women, families, farmers, small businesses, MSMEs, and SMEs across Western Highlands and surrounding areas.
The opening brought together senior government representatives, development partners, community leaders, business representatives, customers and other stakeholders.
Guests included Governor of Western Highlands Hon. Wai Rapa, Hon. Wake Goi, Minister for Commerce and Industry, Hon. William Duma, Hon. Desmond Paul Kipa, Member for Dei, Mr Wale Budda Molumi, Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Mr Wycliffe Ngwabe, UNCDF Country Lead, PNG, Ms Patu J. Shang, LEED Programme Coordinator, FAO PNG, Mr Gabriel Iso, Country Coordinator, Business Link Pacific PNG, and Pastor Camillus Leo, among other invited guests and stakeholders.
In her opening remarks, the Chairlady of Mama Bank, Dr Elizabeth Kopel, emphasized that the new branch is not simply another banking outlet, but a platform to create greater opportunities for women, families, farmers, entrepreneurs, MSMEs and SMEs in Western Highlands.
She also called for continued collaboration among the Government, development partners, private sector, communities and Mama Bank to ensure that the benefits of financial inclusion reach those who need them most.
The CEO of Mama Bank, Mr Gunanidhi Das, said the Bank reaffirmed its purpose to empower people, particularly women, through access to finance and financial services.
The Bank will also work with farmers, cooperatives, churches, NGOs, community groups and business partners to extend financial services to more people across the province.
“Many institutions come with many innovations. But our biggest innovation is simplicity – making banking and access to credit possible for ordinary Papua New Guineans,” he stated.
Hon. Wai Rapa, Governor of Western Highlands Province, congratulated Mama Bank on opening its new branch in the province and welcomed its broader ambition to bring financial services closer to communities.
He highlighted the importance of strengthening local business development, financial literacy and self-reliance, particularly by helping people move from small-scale market vending and informal activities towards sustainable micro and small businesses.
Mama Bank said the opening of the Mt Hagen Branch marks the beginning of a new chapter for financial inclusion, opportunity and empowerment in Western Highlands Province, with the Bank committed to working alongside government, development partners, communities and customers to build a more financially inclusive province.