THE Wau-Waria District marked a major milestone towards advancing financial inclusion, economic empowerment and community development following the grand launching of the Women’s MicroBank (Access Point) Kanga Security Force Limited and Cooperative Capacity Building Assets at the Wau Main Sports Oval on Friday,19 June 2026.
The landmark event, an initiative of local member Marsh Narewec,also during the event marked the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)between the Wau-Waria District Development Authority (DDA)and the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion(CEFI).
The MoU was signed by Marsh Narewec and Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea and Chairperson of the CEFI Board, Ms Elizabeth Genia.
The programme brought together leaders from the financial sector,government agencies,cooperative groups,community organisations and local residents to celebrate a shared commitment towards improving access to financial services and economic opportunities in the district.
Delivering her address, Ms Genia described the occasion as“much more than the launching of banking services”.
“Today is a celebration of opportunity,”Ms Genia said. “It is about celebrating partnership and determination to build a strong financial future for families and communities in Wau-Waria.”
Ms Genia said the opening of the WMB -Branch marked the return of formal banking services to Wau after many years,providing residents with easier access to savings,credit and other financial services.
She stressed that financial inclusion should not be measured by the number of bank accounts opened,but by the positive impact it creates for families and communities.
The Governor welcomed the signing of the MoU between CEFI and the Wau-Waria DDA,noting that the partnership would support financial literacy training,business skills development, expansion of banking services and greater access to financial products for rural communities.
She also praised Women’s Micro Bank for its commitment to
empowering women and underserved communities,noting that financially empowered women contribute to stronger families and more resilient communities.
Ms Genia further commended the launch of Kanga Security Force Limited and the Cooperative Capacity Building Programme,describing both initiatives as practical approaches to creating employment opportunities,improving community safety and strengthening local economic participation.
“The true success of these initiatives will be measured by how businesses grow,families save, cooperatives prosper,jobs are created and young people’s lives are transformed,”she said.
CEFI’s Acting Executive Director Peter Samuel commended Mr Narewec for his leadership and vision in bringing financial inclusion initiatives to the district.
Mr Samuel said the partnership between CEFI and the Wau-Waria DDA reflected a shared commitment to empowering communities through financial literacy and education on money management.
“Development is not only about roads and buildings;it is also about changing the way people think and helping them improve their lives,”Mr Samuel said.
He explained that CEFI would work closely with the district to deliver financial literacy programmes,strengthen cooperatives and support the development of small and
medium enterprises.
“Financial literacy is about more than money.It is about changing lives,helping people make informed decisions and creating opportunities for a better future,”he said.
Mr Samuel added that the arrival of Women’s Micro Bank in Wau would provide local communities with greater access to financial services and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the formal economy.
In his keynote address, Mr Narewec welcomed distinguished guests and thanked key partners for supporting the district’s development vision. He described the establishment of Women’s Micro Bank as a milestone achievement for Wau- Waria,particularly for women,youth and rural communities who previously had limited access to financial services.
“For too long,banking has felt out of reach for our communities.Today,that distance has become shorter,”Mr Narewec said.
The Member also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting programmes that create opportunities for local people and improve livelihoods throughout the district.
As part of the celebrations, the Wau-Waria DDA donated four vehicles, one each to Women’s Micro Bank, Kanga Security Force Limited and two women’s cooperative group. Rice milling machines were also presented to local cooperatives to support local economic activities and income generation.
Women’s Micro Bank Chief Executive Officer Gunanidhi Das described the opening of the WMB Wau Branch as a significant milestone in Papua New Guinea’s financial inclusion journey.
He thanked Mr Narewec for recognising that true development involves economic empowerment as well as infrastructure development.
“Financial inclusion is not just about opening bank accounts.It is about creating opportunity,dignity and resilience,”Mr Das said.
Mr Das noted that Wau holds a special place in Papua New Guinea’s microfinance history and said the establishment of a Women’s Micro Bank presence in the district represented a continuation of efforts to bring financial services closer to rural communities.
He revealed that more than 1,100 customer accounts had already been opened in the district,with savings exceeding K500,000.More than 400 people had also received financial literacy training through the bank’s outreach programmes.
Mr Das further highlighted the bank’s partnerships with CEFI,community groups,churches and cooperatives,which continue to promote savings,responsible borrowing and entrepreneurship.
Registrar of Cooperative Societies Wale Budda Molume welcomed the launch of the Cooperative Capacity Building Programme and reaffirmed the important role cooperatives play in community development.
Mr Molume said cooperatives provide a pathway for local people to participate directly in economic activities,manage resources collectively and generate sustainable income.
He commended Hon.Narewec for championing initiatives that promote economic empowerment and pledged continued support for cooperative development throughout the district.
Mr Molume also acknowledged the contribution of Kanga Security Force Limited in supporting community safety and creating opportunities for local youth.
The event concluded with the official signing of the MoU between CEFI and the Wau-Waria DDA, followed by ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Women’s Micro Bank Wau Branch,Kanga Security Force Limited and the cooperatives established in Wau Waria District.
The partnership is expected to strengthen financial inclusion efforts across Wau-Waria District through financial literacy training,enterprise development,cooperative strengthening and improved access to financial services,supporting the district’s vision of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.