Meeting between the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Hon. James Marape, and the new Chief Executive Officer of AFD, Christophe Lecourtier

This meeting marked a key step in strengthening cooperation on sustainable development between France and Papua New Guinea, notably through the projects financed by AFD in the country.
Ambitious projects for a sustainable future

During this exchange, Prime Minister Marape highlighted the concrete progress of the projects supported by France in strategic areas for the country’s development: 

• The protection of forests and biodiversity, through the "SONG" project ("Solwara Na Graun blo pipol"), which supports the conservation and sustainable management of forest and marine ecosystems through the establishment of marine and terrestrial protected areas, a major issue for PNG and the region. This project is implemented by Expertise France. 
• Green finance with the Papua New Guinea component of the GPFS project (Greening the Pacific Finance System), to support the region’s green transition and provide better coverage for climate change risks.
• The project to rehabilitate the port of Rabaul in the province of East New Britain, a major infrastructure in the country, which will become the first "green" port in the region, a symbol of the shared commitment to a low-carbon economy.

Regarding the financing of this infrastructure, the Prime Minister announced the approval by the National Executive Council of:

• A €24 million loan granted by AFD.
• A €17 million delegated grant from the EU to AFD.

This funding will make it possible to implement this flagship project for AFD’s action in the country, which will strengthen port infrastructure while incorporating high environmental standards.

This decision paves the way for the official signature of the loan agreement between France and Papua New Guinea, scheduled during the European Union Economic Forum in Port Moresby on June 2-3, 2026. 

This event will mark a new stage in the partnership between the two countries and the EU, in favor of sustainable development, biodiversity protection and the fight against climate change.

Statements:

Christophe Lecourtier, AFD’s Chief Executive Officer: "This meeting confirms the importance of the French commitment alongside Papua New Guinea for concrete, innovative and sustainable projects. The green port of Rabaul is a perfect example of what ambitious cooperation can achieve.”

James Marape, Prime Minister of PNG: "We are proud of this partnership with France and the EU. AFD’s projects in Papua New Guinea respond to our ambition of a more resilient Pacific Ocean and a planet preserved for future generations.”

About Agence Française de Développement:

The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) funds, supports and accelerates the transitions to a fairer and more sustainable world. Focusing on climate, biodiversity, peace, education, urban development, health and governance, our teams carry out more than 4,000 projects in France’s overseas departments and territories and other 115 countries. In this way, we contribute to the commitment of France and French people to support the sustainable development goals.
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