A two-day Women’s Economic Empowerment Expo held in Lae aimed to promote economic opportunities for women in the province.
The Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) participated in the Expo as a silver-level sponsor with 100 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and several prominent partners including the Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC), Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation (SMEC), Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), and Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), in support of the Women SME Expo.
CEFI also took part in a panel discussion, alongside other key stakeholders, providing insights on financial inclusion, and business support programs for women-led businesses.
During the Expo, CEFI conducted informal stall-to-stall interviews with women entrepreneurs, in the informal economy and found out that many women were unaware of available training programs.
Many women expressed concerns that formalizing their businesses would result to tax obligations, which discouraged them from engaging with these systems.
CEFI’s GESI Coordinator, Daisy Moses, emphasized the need for more awareness among women regarding IPA and IRC registration.
The Expo also highlighted the need for more targeted information sessions.
However, CEFI has now focused its efforts on delivering awareness initiatives to better inform women about business support programs, financial literacy, and the advantages of formalization and compliance.
CEFI’s participation in the Women’s Economic Empowerment Expo not only showcases its leadership in advancing financial inclusion for women but also initiated vital discussions on bridging knowledge gaps, reducing fears related to formalization (SME business), and enhancing access to financial support services throughout Papua New Guinea.
The Expo held from 23 to 25 June 2025.
