Five Papua New Guinean women entrepreneurs have travelled to Melbourne to participate in the 2025 World Indigenous Business Forum.
The initiative is funded by the Australian Government and supports the entrepreneurs to engage with First Nations Australian business leaders and global delegates in a week-long exchange of ideas, innovation, and partnerships.
The visit reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Papua New Guinea. Through backing this delegation, along with initiatives such as the PNG SME Awards and the Employ Ability Program, Australia is helping entrepreneurs access training, mentoring, and market opportunities to grow their businesses and strengthen local economies.
Representing a range of sectors including social enterprise, traditional crafts, and sustainable manufacturing the delegation comprised Anne-Shirley Korave (Queenpads), Annette Sete (Maku Gifts and Lava Girl), Florence Kamel (Jaukae Bilum Products), Evelyn Mopafi (Apo Meri Social Enterprise), and Eli Webb (PNG Women’s Business Resource Centre).
Founder of Maku Gifts and Lava Girl, Annette Sete, said the trip helped her realise the potential for indigenous businesses in PNG to do more collectively.
“It made me realise that indigenous businesses in PNG can be better organised to build a stronger voice for empowerment,” Sete said. “Indigenous-owned businesses elsewhere are set up through structures such as the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce in Victoria.”
Apo Meri Social Enterprise founder Evelyn Mopafi said the forum exposed her to new ideas, market trends, and sustainable practices.
“The experience has inspired clear next steps for collaboration, capacity building, and advancing women-led enterprises in Papua New Guinea,” she said.
The forum provided a platform for cultural exchange and future collaboration.
