Transformative change in Papua New Guinea’s transport sector is driven not only by infrastructure and policy reform, but by people. And some of the most powerful leaders shaping the future of transport in Papua New Guinea are women.
Through the Australian Government–funded Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP), DT Global has had the privilege of working alongside exceptional professionals who are redefining leadership in a sector traditionally dominated by men. Among them are two outstanding women whose careers reflect what is possible when opportunity, capability and commitment align: Ms. Dinah Inape-Omenefa and Dr. Ellen Kulumbu.
Both women are helping steer reforms that are making PNG’s transport systems safer, more resilient and more inclusive. Their leadership is also a testament to Australia’s long-term investment in developing local talent, creating opportunities for women and strengthening institutions that keep the country moving.
Ms. Dinah Inape-Omenefa brings deep maritime expertise and a lifelong connection to the sea. Her career began at the National Maritime Safety Authority, where she managed maritime standards and compliance. This is critical work in a country where waterways serve as the highway for thousands of communities.
In 2017, Ms. Inape-Omenefa became the second woman in PNG to participate in leadership training under TSSP’s Assistant Component Two Manager program. Seconded from National Maritime Safety Authority to the Department of Transport, she gained invaluable exposure to whole-of-government transport leadership.
Her leadership extends well beyond PNG. As Chair of the Pacific Women in Maritime Association, Dinah helped unite women across the region and champion safer, more inclusive maritime industries. Today, Ms Inape-Omenefa serves as the Aviation and Maritime Lead for TSSP Phase 3. At DT Global, we see her raise the bar daily, bringing technical excellence, strategic thinking and a people-centred approach to reform.
“Transport decisions affect lives every single day,” she says. “I always strive to achieve the best, ensuring my work adds value to people’s lives, to TSSP3, and to the transport sector as a whole.”
Complementing Ms. Inape-Omenefa’s technical leadership is Dr. Ellen Kulumbu, whose career in international development spans more than two decades. Dr. Kulumbu has worked with institutions including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Union, and Australia’s High Commission in PNG, overseeing complex, multi-million-dollar programs across the region.
An Australia Awards scholarship enabled Dr. Kulumbu to complete a doctorate in development effectiveness — an investment she credits with shaping her professional trajectory. As TSSP3’s Sector Governance Lead, Dr. Kulumbu works at the heart of reform, strengthening systems, improving coordination and helping transport agencies navigate bureaucracy and policy processes. Her role is critical to ensuring infrastructure investments are sustainable, accountable and fit for purpose.
“Strong governance is the backbone of sustainable infrastructure,” she explains. “I build bridges between transport agencies and central government departments.”
At DT Global, we are proud to implement a program that does more than deliver technical assistance. TSSP is about building leadership, capability and confidence within PNG’s transport institutions and both women exemplify that impact.
This work reflects our commitment to locally led development. Through TSSP, we prioritise strengthening local leadership, institutions and systems, ensuring that reform is shaped and sustained by Papua New Guinean professionals themselves. The leadership of Ms. Dinah Inape-Omenefa and Dr. Ellen Kulumbu demonstrates how locally driven expertise, supported by long-term partnerships, delivers lasting results for PNG’s transport sector.
“The future is about inclusion,” Ms. Inape-Omenefa reminds us. “When women are part of the decision-making, we all move forward.”
