Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 28 March 2025
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, after returning from New Zealand, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to creating opportunities for youth through education, employment, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking at a press conference on Friday 28 March, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the challenges young people face, including unemployment and lack of access to formal education. He emphasized the government’s efforts to provide clear pathways for youth to progress.
“For the first time since 1975, my government is taking the issue of youth employment seriously. We have established new pathways for education and work, including flexible open distance education and strategic partnerships with countries like Australia and New Zealand,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
He highlighted the success of the New Zealand workforce scheme, which has allowed Papua New Guinean youth to earn up to K52,000 annually. He encouraged young people to take advantage of such opportunities.
“The solution to unemployment is not solely about finding paid jobs. It’s about creating your own opportunities. We want our young people to understand the pathways that exist for them to progress and succeed,” he emphasized.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the government’s commitment to growing SMEs, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and other key sectors. He stressed the need for young people to gain business skills, and as a result, all schools, colleges, and universities will be required to include basic business training in their curricula.
“From agriculture to fisheries to urban enterprises, SMEs are critical pathways for youth empowerment. We are working to simplify lending processes and improve access to capital, making it easier for young entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses,” he said.
He also recognized the potential of sports as a career for young people, noting the country’s interest in joining the NRL.
“Sport is a growing industry that offers promising career pathways for our youth, and we are committed to supporting their potential in this area,” he added.
Another key initiative is the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) programme, which provides school dropouts with a second chance to complete Year 12 and gain a recognized certificate for higher education opportunities.
Prime Minister Marape applauds private sector partners and government agencies involved in youth empowerment, particularly during National Youth Resource Week 2025. He acknowledged that many young people struggle to find direction after leaving school, which is why the government has been working to establish clear pathways.
Over the past five years, the government has created opportunities for young people through FODE, SME support, employment initiatives such as the Connect PNG programme, and overseas job placements under labour mobility schemes.
Prime Minister Marape noted that more than 30,000 youths have participated in the Connect PNG programme, helping build the country’s infrastructure while also joining national superannuation funds like Nasfund and Nambawan Super. These efforts have resulted in record new memberships in the last two years.
Summarizing the government’s approach, he outlined four main pathways for youth empowerment: education, SME participation, employment (both domestic and international), and sports. He stressed that employment is not just about securing a fixed job but about being actively engaged in productive sectors to improve one’s livelihood.
“Our youths deserve every opportunity to better themselves and contribute positively to our country’s future. This government is committed to providing those opportunities and supporting them to reach their full potential.”