European Union signs two strategic project agreements: Strengthening PNG Civil Society Organizations Project and Cocoa Connect Project

These initiatives that will strengthen civil society and support sustainable agriculture in the country, mark an important milestone in the EU's partnership with Papua New Guinea, reflecting shared values of fostering an inclusive, empowered civil society and promoting sustainable development. 

In Papua New Guinea, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are essential, especially in remote and underserved regions where development challenges are prevalent. Whether delivering healthcare and education, promoting good governance, defending human rights, supporting gender equality, or protecting the environment, CSOs are on the frontlines.

Agriculture plays a critical role in PNG, providing subsistence livelihoods to much of the population and forming the backbone of the country’s social and economic structure. Mainly dominated by traditional, small-scale, subsistence-oriented farming practices, the sector is the primary source of informal employment and significantly contributes to exports, standing out among the non-extractive sectors.

However, many CSOs in PNG face structural and systemic challenges, lacking adequate technical and financial resources. The agriculture sector, similarly, encounters barriers that limit PNG smallholders' access to lucrative international markets. These projects are designed to address these challenges by strengthening the capacity, credibility, and sustainability of civil society actors in PNG and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the smallholder-dominated agricultural sector to meet international standards.

Strengthening Papua New Guinea Civil Society Organizations Project

This project is designed to build institutional and operational capacity among CSOs in Papua New Guinea, helping them better engage in public policy dialogue, advocate for community needs, and participate in national development processes. The project aims to:

• Improve governance, financial management, and strategic planning systems within CSOs.

• Support evidence-based advocacy and public policy engagement.

• Expand and diversify funding sources for long-term sustainability.

• Build inclusive coalitions and networks to strengthen collective voice and influence.

Special attention will be given to grassroots, women-led, and youth-focused organizations, ensuring the most marginalized voices are heard in PNG's development discourse. The project will run for 2.5 years, concluding on 31 March 2028, with a budget of 1.4 million euros (approximately 5.6 million kina).

Cocoa Connect Project

This initiative targets empowering cocoa farmers in the Bogia District by enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in cocoa production and improving access to national and international value chains. The project will:

• Conduct training in climate-smart agricultural techniques and inclusive production practices within cocoa value chains.

• Enhance the capacity of smallholder farmers, cooperatives, government staff, and cocoa value chain stakeholders to access markets, promoting economies of scale.

• Improve access to financial information, services, and credit instruments for smallholder farmers and community members.

This is a 3-year project with a budget of 1.5 million euros (estimated at 7 million PGK).

Through the funding of these projects, the European Union is strengthening its enduring partnership with Papua New Guinea and its collaboration with key implementers such as the UNDP and World Vision. These initiatives highlight the commitment of all involved stakeholders to ongoing cooperation and development in PNG.