The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently appointed Takafumi Kadono as its new Country Director for the Papua New Guinea Resident Mission. Based in Port Moresby, Mr. Kadono will lead the development and execution of the ADB’s upcoming country partnership strategy, steering the bank’s multifaceted engagement across the nation.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time as the ADB continues its role as one of PNG’s primary financing partners, particularly in large-scale infrastructure and social services.
“We will work with the Government of PNG to further boost economic growth and social development by supporting improvements to the country’s transport and energy sectors, increasing access to health and education services, and bolstering the competitiveness of the private sector,” said Mr. Kadono.
“ADB will continue to work closely with key partners to enhance the inclusivity and resilience of PNG’s financial and health systems to future shocks.”
Mr. Kadono, a Japanese national, brings more than 26 years of international development expertise to the role. His career spans tenures at both the World Bank Group and the ADB, most recently serving as the ADB’s Country Director for Sri Lanka.
His leadership will oversee a broad portfolio that extends beyond traditional infrastructure. The ADB’s current footprint in PNG includes:
- Education: Partnering with the Government of Australia to fund technical and vocational training designed to align student skills with industry demands.
- Health: Implementing policy reforms and direct investments to improve public financial management and system-wide resilience.
- Infrastructure: Providing critical financing for the nation’s transport and energy networks.
About the ADB.
Established in 1966 and owned by 69 members, the Asian Development Bank is a major multilateral lender focused on sustainable and inclusive growth in Asia and the Pacific. The organization utilizes innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to address complex regional challenges, ranging from infrastructure development to climate change.