Despite modest overall rankings, Eswatini stands out regionally in several digital adoption metrics. Internet penetration reached about 57–58 percent of the population by early 2025. surpassing the African average of approximately 39 percent. Additionally, roughly 52 percent of the top 1,000 websites are locally served from in‑country caches or servers—exceeding the Internet Society’s 50 percent benchmark and significantly outperforming the regional average of 33 percent.
On the digital infrastructure and innovation front, Eswatini exhibits noteworthy strengths. It ranks second in Africa (after South Africa) in terms of internet speed, leading the region. According to the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2023, the country ranks globally 6th for mobile apps development, 47th for firms with websites, and 49th for internet access in schools—highlighting leadership in these specific sub‑pillars.
Overall, Eswatini’s digital ecosystem reflects a mixed performance: while the country achieves above‑average results in areas such as internet usage, content localisation, speed, and digital education uptake, broader gaps remain, particularly in emerging technology investment, e‑participation, and international bandwidth infrastructure.
Consult Eswatini’s digital strategies and regulations
Tunisia has steadily evolved into a regional digital player by investing in infrastructure, promoting innovation, and pursuing supportive public policies. Its National Digital Strategy, complemented by ambitious AI and cybersecurity roadmaps, illustrates a commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth and enhanced public services. Reforms since 2011 lifted much of the prior internet censorship, yet recent legislation like Decree-Law 54 signals ongoing tensions over online freedoms. The country’s data centres and submarine cables strengthen international connectivity, boosting prospects for e-commerce and cloud services. While social and regional gaps remain, Tunisia continues to refine its digital ecosystem through policy modernisation, startup support, and stronger regulatory frameworks.
Consult Tunisia’s digital strategies and regulations
Türkiye’s network footprint is unusually strong for a regional crossroads. Multiple Mediterranean/Black Sea cable landings feed dense metro interconnection, anchored by DE-CIX Istanbul, which positions the country as a bridge between Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. In October 2025, Türkiye concluded a nationwide 5G spectrum tender (700 MHz and 3.5 GHz), with commercial service scheduled to start on 1 April 2026, a timeline that aligns it with leading regional roll-outs.
Regarding services and payments, the state e-Devlet gateway centralises access to hundreds of public services and is operated by the Presidency’s Digital Transformation Office with Türksat, an integrated model common to top regional performers. Meanwhile, the central bank’s FAST rail provides 24/7 instant payments with funds available within seconds, underpinning modern checkout and P2P experiences across providers.
Governance and trust frameworks have tightened markedly. Türkiye is executing a National Cyber Security Strategy and Action Plan 2024–2028 and, in March 2025, enacted a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Law (No. 7545) that centralises responsibilities for critical-sector protection. Data flows are supported by updated KVKK rules, including a By-Law and Standard Contracts (July 2024) for cross-border transfers. The .tr namespace now runs on TRABİS, BTK’s real-time registry. These measures put Türkiye near the regional frontier on practical enablers: resilient interconnection, imminent 5G, instant payments, and a modernised security and data framework.
Consult Türkiye’s AI and digital strategies and regulations
A combination of regulatory frameworks, national policies, and international collaborations guides Internet governance in Bhutan. The government has made significant strides in shaping a digital environment that prioritises accessibility, security, and the sustainable use of digital resources.
The Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) plays a central role in overseeing the telecommunications and internet sectors, ensuring that services meet regulatory standards and comply with national laws. This includes managing issues such as quality of service (QoS), consumer protection, and fostering competition. BICMA is responsible for ensuring that internet services are reliable and accessible while maintaining a fair and competitive market.
In terms of digital infrastructure, Bhutan has invested heavily in expanding connectivity and modernising its digital services. Initiatives like the Digital Drukyul program and the National Digital Identity (NDI) System are key to improving broadband access across the country. The NDI, based on blockchain technology, provides secure digital identities for citizens, enhancing both governance and access to online services.
Internationally, Bhutan collaborates with neighbouring countries such as India to improve digital connectivity and bolster cybersecurity. The country’s participation in global forums on internet governance allows it to align with international standards while contributing to broader regional discussions on digital diplomacy and cybersecurity.
Bhutan also places a strong emphasis on cybersecurity and privacy in its internet governance approach. By ensuring compliance with national cybersecurity laws and focusing on data protection, the government aims to safeguard citizens’ digital identities and promote trust in the digital ecosystem.
Consult Bhutan’s digital strategies and regulations
Cabo Verde boasts solid connectivity backed by multiple submarine cables—EllaLink, WACS, Atlantis‑2, SAT‑3, and SHARE—connecting the archipelago to Europe, West Africa, and South America. Domestic connectivity is ensured by an inter-island fibre-optic backbone, currently being upgraded through the CSII‑4 project to support faster, more stable broadband and upcoming 5G rollouts.
About 71% of the population has internet access, primarily via mobile devices. Cabo Verde ranks 111th globally in the UN E‑Government Development Index (0.624) with an e‑Participation score of 0.548. The government aims to digitalise 60% of public services by 2026 and exceed 80% by 2030.
Supported by frameworks like the Digital Economy Strategy and TechPark CV, Cabo Verde is nurturing entrepreneurship, innovation, and data-driven governance. Investments in ICT education—through programs like WebLab and vocational training, are helping build a digitally skilled workforce, positioning the country as a regional digital hub
Consult Cabo Verde’s digital strategies and regulations
Colombia has rapidly upgraded its digital infrastructure and now ranks among the best in Latin America. It sits fourth-largest in data center development in the region, accounting for around 17 % of all projects, with global operators like Equinix, ODATA, and Ascenty investing heavily in Bogotá . The digital infrastructure boom is supported by Colombia’s strong renewable power portfolio, which ranks second in the Americas on the WEF’s Energy Transition Index, bolstering reliability for cloud and AI workloads . This convergence of power, stability, and digital capacity has elevated Colombia as a preferred tech hub.
On connectivity, Colombia is served by eight undersea cables—including AMX‑1, SAm‑1, CFX‑1, and PCCS, with additional routes like MANTA and Firmina adding capacity and resilience. It ranks second in Latin America for deployment of submarine systems, reinforcing its position as a core node in regional internet infrastructure . By 2023, 63 % of Colombians were regular internet users (up from 38 % in 2014), making it a leading driver of digital adoption in the region .
Despite gaps in rural coverage and digital skills (ranking 94th out of 141 in WEF’s Digital Skills Index), Colombia shines in digital innovation and infrastructure leadership. It hosts 12.8 % of Latin America’s digital firms, trailing only Brazil and Mexico, and places fourth among upper-middle-income economies in the Global Innovation Index. In summary, Colombia excels in data center capacity, renewable-powered digital infrastructure, connectivity, and regional tech presence—strengths that position it among the digital leaders globally within its band.
Consult Colombia’s AI and digital strategies and regulations
Chad’s digital landscape is in an early stage of development, with internet governance shaped largely by state oversight and limited institutional frameworks. The country does not have a comprehensive national digital policy, though elements of digital regulation exist in telecommunications and media laws. Internet access remains low, hindered by infrastructure gaps, high costs, and limited rural connectivity, with governance structures focused primarily on controlling content and maintaining cybersecurity in line with public order concerns. The absence of independent regulatory bodies or multistakeholder forums restricts broader participation in internet policy discussions.
Digital strategies in Chad are fragmented, with no overarching plan comparable to comprehensive ICT or digital transformation strategies seen in other African nations. Initiatives tend to emerge through sector-specific programs or donor-supported projects, aiming to improve telecommunications infrastructure, expand mobile coverage, and enhance public administration through e-government pilots. However, implementation is constrained by financial limitations, low digital literacy, and a lack of sustained institutional coordination. E-commerce and AI adoption are still minimal, with activity limited to small-scale initiatives by private entrepreneurs and NGOs, rather than large-scale national programs.
Cybersecurity and data protection frameworks are underdeveloped. Chad lacks dedicated cybersecurity and data protection legislation, relying instead on general criminal law provisions and sectoral regulations to address cybercrime and privacy concerns.
Sudan’s internet activities are primarily governed by the Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority (TPRA), established under the Telecommunications and Post Regulating Act of 2018. The TPRA is responsible for regulating all matters related to telecommunications and postal services in Sudan.
The digital divide in Sudan reflects significant disparities in access to information and communication technologies (ICT), influenced by factors such as geography, gender, economic status, and political instability. The urban-rural divide significantly impacts digital access. At the start of 2024, 36.6% of Sudan’s population resided in urban centers, while 63.4% lived in rural areas. Rural regions often face infrastructural challenges, including limited electricity and internet connectivity, exacerbating the digital divide.
Consult Sudan’s digital strategies and regulations
Belize has developed a structured framework for digital governance through recent legislation and strategic plans. The Digital Government Act of 2022 established the E-Governance and Digitalisation Department to modernise public services, while the National Digital Agenda 2022–2025 outlines priorities such as improving infrastructure, fostering digital inclusion, and strengthening trust in online services. Supporting laws, including the Data Protection Act (2021) and Cybercrime Act (2020), provide legal safeguards for privacy and cybersecurity, while the Electronic Transactions Act enables e-commerce and digital signatures. These measures form the foundation for a more connected and secure digital ecosystem.
Connectivity has improved through investment in submarine and terrestrial fibre infrastructure. Belize participates in the ARCOS-1 regional submarine cable system and developed the SEUL cable to strengthen mainland–island connections, providing broadband capacity of up to 32 Tbps to Ambergris Caye. These initiatives place Belize among the better-connected states in the Caribbean, particularly for its size. Mobile penetration is high at over 90%, and social media usage exceeds two-thirds of the population, although overall internet penetration remains below 50%, highlighting a persistent urban-rural divide.
Consult Belize’s digital strategies and regulations
