The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology marked the official Handover/Takeover Ceremony between the Outgoing Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Peter Tsiamalili Jr and the Incoming Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Robert Naguri.
This is to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to continuity in Papua New Guinea’s Digital Transformation Agenda.
Held at Melanesian Haus, Waigani, the ceremony symbolised the orderly transition of ministerial responsibilities and the continuation of the Government’s strategic reforms to build a secure, connected, innovative and digitally empowered Papua New Guinea.
During the ceremony, Tsiamalili formally presented Naguri with the Ministry’s Official Handover Brief, outlining the major policy reforms, institutional achievements and strategic initiatives delivered during his tenure as Acting Minister between July 2025 and July 2026.
The brief also identified the key priorities requiring continued ministerial leadership in the next phase of implementation.
Over the past twelve months, the Ministry has delivered significant reforms across the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) and the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).
These include the elevation of DICT from a Level 4 to a Level 5 Department, expansion of its establishment from 106 to 207 positions, development of Papua New Guinea’s National Sovereign Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Strategy, advancement of the SevisPNG Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystem, major telecommunications reforms, strengthened cybersecurity, expanded international partnerships and the institutionalisation of the Digital Transformation Summit.
The handover also highlighted major regulatory reforms undertaken by NICTA and continued modernisation of NBC, strengthening the Government’s vision of a digitally connected, secure and inclusive nation.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology during a period of significant reform and transformation.
“Together with the Department, NICTA, NBC, our development partners and stakeholders, we have established strong institutional, policy and strategic foundations that will support Papua New Guinea’s digital future for many years to come.
“I congratulate Robert Naguri on his appointment as Minister for Information and Communications Technology and extend to him my very best wishes as he assumes leadership of this important portfolio. I have every confidence that he will continue to build upon these foundations and lead the Ministry into its next phase of implementation for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans,” Tsiamalili said.
Naguri sincerely thanked Minister Tsiamalili for his leadership and for the comprehensive handover of the Ministry’s work and strategic priorities.
“The achievements delivered over the past twelve months have established a strong platform for the continued advancement of Papua New Guinea’s Digital Transformation Agenda.
“I look forward to working closely with the Department, its statutory agencies, Government colleagues, development partners and industry stakeholders to continue implementing key reforms that will strengthen Digital Government, expand national connectivity, promote innovation, enhance cybersecurity and improve services for our people,” he said.
The Ministry reaffirmed that priority attention will now focus on implementation of the National Sovereign Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Strategy, nationwide rollout of the SevisPNG Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystem, Digital Government reforms, the National Telecommunications Blueprint, the Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative, cybersecurity capability, continued telecommunications regulatory reforms and the successful delivery of the Digital Transformation Summit 2026.
The Ministry extends its appreciation to the Prime Minister, the National Executive Council, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, NICTA, NBC, development partners, industry stakeholders and all officers whose dedication and professionalism continue to advance Papua New Guinea’s Digital Transformation Agenda.