PNG Digital Conversion is boosted by Visa, e-Signature platform

Economic growth and financial efforts in Papua New Guinea (PNG) will increase significantly over the next five years by introducing Visa's innovative payment solutions to promote domestic consumers and merchants' transactions.

The information was revealed recently by Anthony Watson, country manager of digital payment giant New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, who spoke at the Innovation PNG conference in Port Moresby, the news release said.

The move, part of Watson's ambitious 2030 vision for the country, includes the introduction of new, low-cost, mobile-based payment services that allow sellers to pay quickly and securely, secure digital trade services, and international money transfer for foreign trade services.

Last year, PNG announced its national digital identity policy with the aim of establishing a unified digital identity system that streamlines government services. The system is based on the Sevispass Digital ID, Sevisportal and Seviswallet.

The payment revolution is considered important in driving the country's planned economic growth trajectory thanks to the rise in microsellers in the country, the rapidly growing mobile adoption, and the growing young and vibrant workforce, which is expected to make up about 25% of the country's population by 2030.

“The younger generations are looking for diverse and comprehensive digital payment options that will help make life easier and more complicated. Access to funds with transparent fees is important along with security in which funds are kept securely at trustworthy agencies. They want to reward their loyalty.

“Collaboration and innovation are extremely important in navigating this rapidly changing payment environment, and Visa is committed to supporting PNG through clients and partners to driving economic growth,” he added.

According to Visa, PNG involvement follows a $10 billion adjustment, following major investment plans for payment infrastructure over the past five years.

Digital Signature Platform Launches

As part of PNG's digital transformation push, a strategic partnership has recently been signed to set up a digital signature platform.

According to the announcement, state-owned ICT services company PNG Dataco has sealed off its transactions with digital signature solutions company Signiflow this month, launching a platform that provides businesses and government agencies with safe, compliant and efficient digital signature solutions.

“We are excited to partner with PNG Dataco to bring Papua New Guinea a fully compliant domestic digital signature solution. Data sovereignty is important in today's digital outlook, and by ensuring that all signature documents remain within the PNG, we will strengthen the regulatory requirements to not only meet regulatory requirements but also provide digital and government support to help support this initiative. David Saunders's APAC's Regional Director of Signiflow commented.

In his own remarks, David MBA, general manager of PNG ICT and Cloud Services, said, “This partnership is in line with our commitment to promoting digital transformation and ensuring data sovereignty within PNG.”

“By keeping all signed documents securely, we empower businesses and government agencies with reliable digital solutions that enhance efficiency, security and regulatory compliance in our automated approval process.

Sevispass is coming to the security industry

PNG introduced the Sevispass National Digital ID as another part of the push of digital transformation. Currently, Sevispass will be deployed to the country's security sector through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the ICT and the Ministry of Police, Postkowier reports.

Royal Papua New Guinea Constabrary (RPNGC) considers options for piloting Sevispass as a tool for identity verification, authentication and enhanced cybercrime investigation under consent.

Digital IDs can also be implemented to generate digital passes for border control, national events, protection of major economic zones and preparing for the 2027 national general election.