Guinea: PNG Draws Inspiration from Global Digital ID Leaders for Regulatory Upgrade

Papua New Guinea is embarking on a significant digital transformation, driven by a series of strategic initiatives and policy upgrades aimed at advancing financial inclusion, data protection, and regulatory frameworks. The government is looking to international leaders in digital identity as models for its own reforms.

At the recent Business Regulators Summit, Timothy Masiu, Minister for Information and Communications Technology, underscored the crucial role of digital transformation in fostering economic and social development. He cited successful global examples such as India’s Aadhaar system, Australia’s digital advancements, and Singapore’s SingPass as benchmarks for Papua New Guinea. Masiu also stressed the need for a comprehensive interoperability mechanism among public agencies.

Other global models of interest include Estonia’s e-governance system and X-Road, as well as China’s smart city initiatives. These examples offer valuable insights for Papua New Guinea’s own digital strategy. The government has already laid the groundwork with policies such as the Digital Government Act 2022 and the Digital Government Plan 2023-2027.

In alignment with this vision, Papua New Guinea has finalized its National Data Protection and Governance policy. This new framework aims to protect personal data and improve the management of information systems nationwide, incorporating global best practices to build trust in data security and privacy among citizens and businesses.

Additionally, in July, Papua New Guinea introduced the Digizens Bank ID card to enhance financial inclusion, particularly in rural regions. This digital ID will facilitate easier access to banking services for individuals who have previously struggled due to inadequate identification and banking infrastructure. The Digizens Bank ID card is expected to bridge the gap between rural communities and financial services, promoting economic engagement and empowerment.

Furthermore, Papua New Guinea’s Digizen digital identification system is set to provide a biometrics-based Know Your Customer (KYC) tool for Women’s Micro Bank, adhering to the guidelines established by the Bank of Papua New Guinea.