SAFSA Spotlight Talk: The Story Behind My Success
August 5, 2026 2026-08-05 15:02SAFSA Spotlight Talk: The Story Behind My Success
The future of Papua New Guinea’s economy will be shaped by leaders who dare to think differently—and that was the powerful message shared during the SAFSA Spotlight Talk at IBSUniversity.
The School of Accounting and Finance Students’ Association (SAFSA) was honoured to host Mr. Elijah Coco Harro, Managing Director of Alpha Coffee PNG, who shared his inspiring entrepreneurial journey spanning more than 40 years of building one of Papua New Guinea’s leading coffee businesses.

Mr. Harro’s story was not simply about business success; it was about perseverance, purpose, and creating value from the resources available in our own communities. His journey demonstrated that true leadership begins with vision, resilience, and the courage to pursue opportunities where others see challenges.

Among the many valuable insights he shared, three messages resonated strongly with our students:
Read more – Invest in knowledge because learning never stops.
Manage your time wisely – Time is your most valuable resource.
Create opportunities, don’t just seek them – Agriculture remains one of Papua New Guinea’s greatest untapped assets.
Mr. Harro encouraged students to look beyond traditional employment and explore entrepreneurship by unlocking the “goldmine” within their own communities.
At IBSUniversity, we are committed to connecting students with industry leaders whose experiences inspire innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and lifelong learning. Sessions like these provide invaluable opportunities for students to gain practical insights from professionals who have transformed ideas into successful enterprises.
