Nawaeb District has been recognised at the Women’s Economic Empowerment Expo 2025 for its outstanding contributions to micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) growth.
Aligned with the national theme, “Growing MSMEs is Growing PNG”, Nawaeb continues to lead with impactful programs in infrastructure, financing, and capacity building—bringing tangible change to entrepreneurs across Labuta, Nabak, and Wain-Erap LLGs.
More than 50 emerging entrepreneurs from these areas successfully completed the Start Your Own Business program in late 2024—a collaborative initiative between the SME Corporation (SMEC) and the Nawaeb District Development Authority (DDA).
Expanded district partnerships are now enabling greater outreach to rural communities, empowering micro-entrepreneurs and strengthening local, inclusive economies.
Notably, infrastructure upgrades are supporting this growth.
In June 2025, a new 3km access road was completed, linking the villages of Kalawang, Balawang, and Kasingan to the Lae market—enhancing market access for coffee and fresh produce suppliers.
Hon. Theo Pelgen, Member for Nawaeb, praised the district’s progress: “This reflects our Five-Year District Development Plan and the Medium-Term Development Plan IV. MSME-enabling projects—roads, electrification, markets, and clean water—are the backbone of our economic strategy.”
Strategic investments are already yielding results. The 12,000-member Bubiang Moreng Mama Group recently received K5,000 in startup funding and sewing kits, positioning them to register as formal SMEs.
The Expo, held at Eriku Oval, was filled with emotional highlights—among them, the Nawaeb Mama Group’s jubilant win of the K750 cash prize. MP Pelgen, who attended the closing day, reaffirmed his commitment to expand DDA support in December and urged fellow Morobean MPs to invest in similar empowerment initiatives.
“This platform is crucial for our women. Whether it’s tailoring, horticulture, or traditional crafts—this is their opportunity to showcase, sell, and grow,” Pelgen said.