As the global economy becomes increasingly digital, Papua New Guinea risks being left behind. Despite ongoing government rhetoric around digital transformation, key enablers of an inclusive digital economy—such as international payment platforms and reliable internet access—remain out of reach for many Papua New Guineans.
Two specific services could dramatically change this landscape: PayPal and Starlink.
For years, Papua New Guineans have struggled to engage meaningfully in the online economy. Freelancers, small businesses, and rural entrepreneurs are effectively locked out of global e-commerce due to the inability to receive or make payments through platforms like PayPal, which remains unavailable in PNG. This has stifled micro-entrepreneurship, constrained financial inclusion, and limited the diaspora's ability to support families through low-cost digital remittances.
The lack of reliable, affordable internet further compounds the problem. In remote and rural parts of the country, where traditional telecommunications infrastructure is limited or non-existent, connectivity remains a daily challenge. This is where Starlink—SpaceX’s satellite internet service—could be transformative. By offering high-speed internet via satellite, Starlink could connect remote schools, health facilities, and entire communities, unlocking opportunities for digital education, e-government, and remote business.
Yet despite the potential benefits, both PayPal and Starlink remain inaccessible or underutilised in PNG. This is not due to technological constraints, but rather policy inertia, regulatory bottlenecks, and a lack of clear leadership on digital integration.
The Ministers for International Trade, Finance, and Communication & Information Technology have a critical role to play. Regulatory frameworks need to be updated to facilitate international digital service providers. Public-private partnerships must be pursued to bring innovative connectivity solutions to underserved areas. If other small island states and developing nations can facilitate these technologies, there is little reason PNG cannot.
It is no longer acceptable for the country to lag behind on such fundamental enablers of digital inclusion. The government’s own Digital Government Plan and Vision 2050 call for a smarter, more connected PNG. But rhetoric must translate into action. Without functional digital payments and reliable nationwide internet, PNG’s ambitions for economic diversification, SME development, and inclusive growth will remain just that—ambitions.
Investing in infrastructure is no longer just about roads and power. In 2025, it is also about satellites, APIs, and broadband access. Bringing PayPal and Starlink to Papua New Guinea is not just about convenience—it’s about empowering citizens, fostering innovation, and positioning the nation for success in the digital age.
The future is already here. The question is whether PNG’s policymakers are ready to act.