Prime Minister James Marape this week joined World Bank Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific Felipe Jaramillo and IFC Vice President for Asia Pacific Sarvesh Suri for a visit to the Las Malo Coffee Factory in Goroka following the official launch of Agri Connect, a major initiative supporting Papua New Guinea’s National Agriculture Sector Plan 2024–2033.
Their visit highlighted the real opportunities emerging in the agriculture sector when government policy, development partners and local entrepreneurs work together. Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/agriculture-minister-launches-agri-connect-to-drive-pngs-agricultural-transformation/
Las Malo Coffee, supported by the Government through the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project with World Bank backing, stands as a powerful example of what Papua New Guinean businesses can achieve.
The nationally owned company accounted for 2 per cent of the country’s total coffee exports in 2025, demonstrating the growing strength of local agribusiness in global markets.
Owned by Ken and Maureen Dumudi, Las Malo represents the vision, resilience and enterprise of Papua New Guineans who are transforming agriculture from subsistence activity into a modern export industry.
Stories like Las Malo show that with the right partnerships, investment and leadership, Papua New Guinea’s farmers and agribusinesses can compete on the world stage while creating jobs and prosperity for our people.