ABG tables K844m budget for services and independence readiness

The Autonomous Bougainville Government [ABG] has presented its 2026 Budget Framework, valued at K844.09 million, to National Treasury Minister Ian Ling-Stuckey in Port Moresby.

The presentation was led by ABG Minister for Treasury and Finance, Albert Punghau, who said the budget shows Bougainville’s commitment to strong financial discipline and preparation for independence.

Minister Punghau said the budget is built around three main priorities: protecting frontline services, supporting independence-readiness programs, and strengthening Bougainville’s internal revenue.

The budget was unanimously passed by the Bougainville House of Representatives in December 2025 under the theme “Advancing Fiscal Self-Reliance and Independence Readiness for Nationhood.”

Of the total budget, K240.98 million is for recurrent spending to keep essential government services running, while K603.11 million is for development projects such as infrastructure and economic investments.

Funding will come from National Government grants of K520.36 million, ABG internal revenue of K46.75 million, and K276.98 million in re-appropriated funds.

“This balanced budget shows our commitment to disciplined and transparent use of public money,” Minister Punghau said.

A key feature of the budget is the Constituency Independence-Readiness Program, which allocates K1 million to each constituency for local economic activities and community-based projects. The program will operate under approved guidelines with strong accountability measures.

The budget also includes a K150 million Restoration and Development Grant, with 32 per cent set aside for rebuilding and improving infrastructure across Bougainville.

More than 54 per cent of recurrent grants will go to health and education, highlighting ABG’s focus on improving the wellbeing and skills of its people.

Minister Punghau said the ABG will address outstanding audit reports from 2017 to 2023 and continue to strengthen financial reporting and accountability.

He added that success in 2026 will be measured by completed projects, better service delivery, restored infrastructure, and real progress toward economic growth and institutional readiness.

The ABG remains among the first regional governments to submit its budget framework to National Treasury each year.

Minister Punghau has also requested formal endorsement of the framework to allow early release of first-quarter grants, ensuring smooth delivery of services and programs in 2026.