The Information and Communication Technology Sector Plan (ICTSP) 2022/23–2026/27 for Samoa

May 2022

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Strategies and Action Plans

Author: Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Samoa.

The Information and Communication Technology Sector Plan (ICTSP) 2022/23–2026/27 for Samoa is a comprehensive five-year strategy designed to transform the country’s digital ecosystem in line with national development goals. Below is a detailed explanation of the plan based on the document you provided:

Purpose and context

The ICTSP builds upon the achievements of the previous Communications Sector Plan (2017/18–2021/22), aligning closely with the broader national development blueprint—the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS) FY2021/22–FY2025/26. Its central vision is:

‘Affordable, appropriate, accessible, and secured ICT services to promote social and economic well-being and quality of life for all.‘

It sees ICT not only as a sector in its own right but also as a key enabler of progress in health, education, commerce, environment, and government services.

Key goals

The plan sets out seven overarching goals:

Sustainable ICT workforce and ICT-literate population
Improved domestic connectivity and access
Enhanced e-services in priority sectors
Stronger ICT policy, planning, and regulation
Safe and secure ICT environment
Sustainable financing and monitoring framework
Effective coordination and partnerships across sectors

Each goal is associated with measurable outcomes, such as increasing school internet access, developing e-government platforms, and passing data protection legislation.

Strategic pillars and activities

Human capital development

Certification and training of ICT professionals
Integration of ICT in all education levels
Establishment of community ICT hubs
Bi-annual training programs

Infrastructure and access

Upgrade and centralisation of the Samoa National Broadband Highway (SNBH)
Deployment of a domestic Internet Exchange Point (IXP)
Support for last-mile and rural connectivity
Management of e-waste and promotion of energy sustainability

Digital services and applications

Digitisation of all public services (government, health, education)
Establishment of a Digital Transformation Authority
Preservation of cultural content through local language platforms
Unified data archiving and backup systems

Policy, legal and regulatory reform

Legislation on e-commerce, data privacy, and cybercrime
Inclusion of disadvantaged groups in ICT policies
Compliance with international standards and promotion of open-source software

Cybersecurity

Strengthening of SamCERT (Computer Emergency Response Team)
Awareness programs on cyber threats
Capacity building in digital forensics and incident response

Stakeholder engagement

Key stakeholders include:

Government ministries and agencies
Private sector (e.g., ISPs, broadcasting)
NGOs and civil society
Development partners (e.g., ITU, ADB, DFAT)

Stakeholders were actively involved in consultations, and the plan was designed to reflect a whole-of-society approach.

Monitoring and evaluation

The ICTSP includes a structured M&E framework:

Annual progress reports are delivered to the Executive Management of the sector
A mid-term review is scheduled for December 2024
Final evaluation and preparation for the next plan by June 2027

Risks and mitigation

The plan identifies key risks such as:

Technological change outpacing capacity
Limited funding and human resources
Vulnerabilities in cybersecurity
Geographic isolation and natural disasters

Risk mitigation strategies include investment in capacity development, establishing clear contingency plans, and fostering international partnerships.