National Development Bank

NDB boosts Poultry Entrepreneur in Alotau

Nestled in the heart of Alotau, in top town Goilanai, a poultry project came to life after much resilience, and a deep-rooted passion for agriculture. From his early career as a detective to launching his own transport and agricultural business in Alotau, Murray Kaia’s entrepreneurial journey is now flourishing thanks to his resourcefulness and the support of the National Development Bank (NDB).

Kaia’s connection with NDB began when he first heard about the bank through friends in Port Moresby. At the time, he was focused on a poultry side project, supplementing his income during his detective career. However, he soon decided to expand, applying for a loan at NDB’s Alotau branch to grow his transportation business. With his loan, he purchased a Hino truck, and after successfully paying it off, he moved on to a new ambition—launching a retail shop dedicated to affordable agricultural feed in Alotau.

"I’m grateful for the assistance from NDB because I see the potential of my business growing even bigger. With their support, I’m already setting my sights on a larger loan to purchase land for a warehouse to keep up with demand," Kaia explained.

His retail shop gained popularity and a reputation for offering the most affordable feed for poultry and piggery in town, drawing praise from local farmers and community members alike. is local church pastor even highlighted that Kaia’s reasonable prices were enabling local farmers to thrive in raising livestock, contributing to small business growth and development in Alotau.

Kaia’s experience working with NDB is notably different from what he faced with other commercial banks. “I’ve dealt with commercial banks before, but NDB stands out well with its flexible repayment structure and lowest interest rates, which I find invaluable,” Kaia said, pointing out how this flexibility has been a key feature in allowing him to reinvest in and expand his business.

His relationship with NDB has also offered practical support when unexpected challenges arose. Delays in shipment could have put significant pressure on his finances, but NDB’s team supported him to extend his repayment grace period, which eased his worries. “That gesture meant a lot. It allowed me to get my stock in and stay on top of things without stress,” he recalled.

Kaia encourages other entrepreneurs to consider NDB’s services. He has already been spreading the word, advising friends and acquaintances to explore the bank’s loan options. “Every time someone asks me about financing, I tell them about NDB. They give you the chance to grow and support your business when you need it the most,” he said.

When asked to share advice with aspiring entrepreneurs, Kaia emphasized the importance of self-education and adapting to modern tools. “Running a business today is within everyone’s reach. There are so many online resources and apps where you can educate yourself and stay inspired. I’m not an agriculturalist by profession, but my passion for it drives me to keep learning,” he shared. Kaia’s ambition also aligns with Papua New Guinea’s Vision 2050, as he aims to contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth.

Murray Kaia’s story is a testament to the transformative impact that accessible financing and dedicated business support can have on local entrepreneurs and their communities. With his ongoing success, Kaia is a shining example of how determination, community focus, and the right financial partnership can propel dreams into reality.

David Munaga, NDB’s Head of Branch Network and Loan Origination, praised Murray’s entrepreneurial spirit and was delighted that NDB was there to support his journey. We exist to help entrepreneurs like Murray start and grow their businesses, just as we have done for many Papua New Guineans across the country,” said Mr. Munaga.

Mr. Munaga also acknowledged the continued support of the Marape-Rosso government, which has enabled NDB to offer accessible loans to the people. With SME loans available at 7.5% and MSME loans at 4%, NDB continues to be a vital financial provider to aspiring business owners across the country.

Caption: Murray Kaia of Alotau.