AI Policy and Governance in Papua New Guinea: Framework for Policymakers

National AI Readiness

Papua New Guinea, population 10.3 million, GDP per capita $2,845, faces both opportunities and governance challenges in the AI era. Labor force: 4.0 million. AI adoption: Minimal; extremely limited connectivity outside Port Moresby. GDP growth: 3.0%.

Labor Market Policy

Unemployment: 2.5% (formal); 85% in subsistence economy. Average wages: PGK 2,500 (~$650 USD) in formal sector. Minimum wage: PGK 3.50/hour (~$0.91 USD).

Priority Sectors for Transition Programs

Mining administration, government clerical, basic data processing

Digital Infrastructure Gaps

Internet: 15%. Literacy: 64%. STEM graduates: ~2,000 annually.

Policy Recommendations

• AI Ethics: Guidelines for AI in high-stakes sectors
• Data Protection: Privacy regulations that enable innovation
• Workforce Transition: AI reskilling programs proportional to disruption
• Innovation: Tax incentives for responsible AI development

Fiscal Context

800+ languages (most linguistically diverse country), extreme geographic isolation, tribal violence, 85% subsistence economy, infrastructure nearly non-existent outside cities, resource curse dynamics, climate vulnerability