Papua New Guinea — country in Oceania

Politics World Sports Business Culture Good News Video More

Friday, October 30, 2026

Papua New Guinea

country in Oceania

In brief

The IMF reached staff-level agreements with Niger on a new 38-month program worth about $203 million, with an initial $36 million disbursement pending approval, and with Pakistan on reviews that could unlock up to $1.21 billion. Papua New Guinea could receive up to $189 million after final reviews, also subject to board approval, as the IMF forecasts slower growth and higher inflation amid weaker resource output, climate impacts and rising costs.

Bougainville's 2019 referendum, in which about 97.7% voted for independence, moves closer to realization as Papua New Guinea's parliament begins considering ratification, with leaders aiming for greater self-government by 2027 and full sovereignty by 2030 amid long-standing disputes over resource revenue and the legacy of a civil conflict. The process follows a 2001 peace deal that deferred independence and hinges on ongoing negotiations between Bougainville and the central government, with no immediate vote date set.

LatestIsrael Joins Pacific Islands Forum as Sectoral PartnerIsrael says Pacific leaders approved it as a second-tier Pacific Islands Forum partner after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar applied during a June Fiji visit.Oct 21, 2026