COVID-19’s Arrival in PNG: Impacts on PNG Women-Owned and -Operated MSMEs

Executive Summary

This report presents the findings of a mixed-method survey conducted to examine the operating environment of businesswomen in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the economic pressures of COVID-19, women entrepreneurs face high risks of business suspension and closure. Prior to the pandemic, many businesses were highly reliant on moving supplies, accessing markets, and responding to consumer demand. However, border closures, domestic lockdowns, and continued uncertainties have had significant impact on the ability of businesses to trade and operate. To better understand the environment under which these businesses are operating, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) commissioned this assessment to examine the impact of COVID-19 on 298 women-operated or -owned Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in PNG. Survey respondents are participants of CIPE’s women’s empowerment programming in PNG, such as the Women’s Business Resource Centre (WBRC), an information and resource hub for women in entrepreneurship. A mixed method survey comprised of telephone calls, email communication, and in-person interviews were conducted by CIPE’s PNG field office staff between April and June 2020. Questions aimed to collect indicators of the global pandemic’s impact on women-operated and -owned MSMEs in PNG.

Published Date: July 30, 2020