Benin is a regional leader in public sector digital maturity. According to the 2023 World Bank GovTech Maturity Index, the country scored an impressive 68/100 on the Public Service Delivery Index (PSDI)—the highest among WAEMU member states—reflecting well-developed one‑stop portals, e‑payment systems, and tax filings via its service‑public.bj platform. Benin migrated from Group C to Group B in GTMI, showing “significant focus” in digital transformation with core government systems score of 0.645, GovTech enablers at 0.667, and an overall GTMI of 0.678.
In artificial intelligence readiness, Benin ranks among the top five in Sub‑Saharan Africa, trailing only behind Mauritius, South Africa, Rwanda, and Senegal according to the Government AI Readiness Index. Its readiness score of approximately 41.4 demonstrates that Benin is a pioneer among lower-middle-income countries in adopting AI strategy, legal frameworks, and public-sector innovation planning.
These strengths reflect Benin’s strong institutional architecture, notably ASIN’s leadership, and its proactive rollout of foundational digital infrastructure—such as interoperability platforms, digital identity services, and PKI—alongside targeted initiatives like the National AI Strategy (SNIAM 2023–2027). Together, these elements position Benin as a standout performer in both GovTech transformation and national AI preparedness in West Africa.
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China’s internet governance and digital strategies are rooted in a desire to harness the potential of the digital economy while maintaining strict political control. By investing heavily in advanced technologies, establishing cyber sovereignty, and expanding its global influence through initiatives like the Digital Silk Road, China is positioning itself as a dominant player in the global digital landscape.
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Central African Republic (CAR) is a participant in the Central African Backbone project, a fibre-optic internet backbone connecting countries in the Economic Community of Central African States. The project is significant as it aims to enhance regional connectivity and digital infrastructure, particularly given the law of internet penetration on CAR. However, political instability has slowed progress, particularly during the 2012–2013 period. The CAB project is supported by various international organizations, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB), and has attracted financing from the governments of the countries involved. The project is part of a broader effort by the African Union to improve connectivity across the continent under its Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030).
The construction of the fibre-optic network involves laying cables across national borders, linking landlocked countries in the region to international internet gateways, and ultimately to global internet exchanges. Some sections of the network are designed to be publicly owned, while private companies may also be involved in managing certain services.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is advancing its digital transformation through the Plan National du Numérique Horizon 2025, launched in 2019. This strategy prioritizes infrastructure expansion, digital services, and improved governance. National fiber backbone projects, such as the Central African Backbone and 2Africa subsea cable landing, have expanded connectivity, while data centers like Raxio DRC1 and IXPs in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Goma support growing internet traffic. Despite these developments, internet penetration remains low—around 27%—and access is uneven between urban and rural areas.
Cybersecurity and data protection frameworks have begun to take shape. The 2023 Digital Code defines personal data rights, mandates breach notifications, and outlines rules for cross-border transfers, though enforcement mechanisms remain limited. A national cybersecurity agency and data protection authority are legally established but not yet operational. Internet shutdowns during political unrest and outdated surveillance laws continue to pose risks to digital rights and service continuity.
E-commerce, AI, and emerging technologies are gradually gaining traction. Mobile money is expanding, though cash dominates online transactions. Startups in agriculture, logistics, and climate resilience are integrating AI tools, and the DRC has partnered with international initiatives to strengthen its innovation ecosystem. Challenges remain in regulation, logistics, and digital literacy, but ongoing investments and global cooperation are positioning the DRC for steady digital growth.
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Eswatini (formerly named Swaziland) is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is bordered by Mozambique to its northeast and South Africa to its north, west, south, and southeast. At no more than 200 kilometres (120 mi) north to south and 130 kilometres (81 mi) east to west, Eswatini is one of the smallest countries in Africa.
Turkey’s internet governance is characterised by a complex regulatory framework that emphasises control and monitoring. The primary legislation governing internet regulation includes the Electronic Communications Law (ECL) and the internet Act, which are enforced by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA).In 2018, significant changes were made when the Turkish parliament granted the High Council for Broadcasting (RTÜK) the authority to regulate online video and streaming services, requiring these platforms to obtain licenses to operate in Türkiye.
The government established the Digital Transformation Office (DTO) in 2018 to coordinate digital services and enhance governance capabilities across various sectors. This office aims to integrate fragmented services into a central e-government platform while promoting data-driven decision-making.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina has been actively working on digital development. The country’s main objectives are in the electronic communications sector are increasing productivity and efficiency in business and improving public and e-government services. The internal organisation of the state and division of competencies between government levels within the country results in a big fragmentation of approach to resolving any issue and is the main contributor to reforms and governance processes being slow (or failing to succeed) – be it the rule of law, transparency, accountability, openness, ethics, conflicts of interest or the fight against corruption, stability and security (including cybersecurity) to name a few.
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Despite major challenges, Libya is actively advancing its digital landscape through strategic initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and other digital fields. On 17 May 2024, the Communications and Informatics Authority launched the National Artificial Intelligence Policy. This policy aims to promote digital innovation and sustainable development by establishing frameworks for AI adoption, ethical standards, and infrastructure development.
In recent years, Libya has introduced pivotal legislation to enhance cybersecurity. Law No. 5 of 2022 on Combating Cybercrime addresses various cyber offences, including hacking, identity theft, and cyber terrorism, aiming to deter malicious activities and hold offenders accountable.
Additionally, Law No. 6 of 2022 on Electronic Transactions governs the validity and regulation of electronic transactions, introducing data protection requirements for entities handling personal data, and emphasising transparency, consent, and accountability.
Despite these legislative efforts, Libya currently lacks a comprehensive data protection law and a dedicated data protection authority. Provisions within existing legislation, such as the Electronic Transactions Law, address aspects of data protection and privacy. Articles 12 and 13 of the Constitutional Declaration of 2011 guarantee citizens’ rights to private life and the confidentiality of communications.
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