Definition

A cooperative in Papua New Guinea, under the Co‑operative Societies Act 1982 as amended in 1985, is a legally registered, member‑owned corporate body recognized by the Department of Commerce and Industry’s Cooperative Services Unit and the Investment Promotion Authority. It operates with perpetual succession, governed by elected directors, and adheres to democratic principles of voluntary membership, equitable contribution, and fair distribution of surplus. With a minimum of seven adult members, cooperatives engage in diverse activities — from agriculture and savings to retail and processing — serving as engines of rural empowerment, structured enterprise, and inclusive growth across the national economy.

1. Mama Bank Cooperative Community Impact Award

This Inaugural award will recognize a cooperative that demonstrates outstanding contributions to community development and inclusive growth in Papua New Guinea. It Honors an enterprise that go beyond financial performance to deliver measurable social impact — empowering women, strengthening rural livelihoods, and fostering sustainable practices. By aligning cooperative values with national development priorities, the recipient of this award exemplifies how collective enterprise can transform communities, expand opportunity, and build resilience across the Cooperative sector. Cooperatives demonstrating an active cashflow over the past 12 months will be given a distinct advantage. This financial performance must be verified through the cooperative’s official company bank statement, ensuring transparency and credibility in the evaluation process.

COOPERATIVE