Belarus features a centrally managed digital infrastructure anchored by Beltelecom and the National Traffic Exchange, with the government controlling international peering via BY‑IX and backbone links to Russia, Europe, and neighbouring countries. Internet penetration is high—91.5% of the population was online in January 2025, with median fixed‑line speeds at ~75 Mbps and mobile speeds ~13 Mbps, supported by broad 4G coverage and ongoing plans for state‑run 5G rollout led by a unified operator.
The IT industry, especially the Hi‑Tech Park (HTP), is the primary driver of the digital economy. Under Decree No. 8 (2017), HTP companies enjoy tax incentives and are pioneering in blockchain, smart contracts, and AI. As of Q1 2025, HTP hosts ~1,000 resident firms employing ~59,000, with exports at $459 M (+7% y/y) and domestic IT sales topping Br 2 B (+24%). The ICT sector accounted for about 7.4% of GDP in 2021 but has eased to roughly 4–5% in recent years.
Digital governance is overseen by the Operations and Analysis Center (OAC) under presidential authority, which manages government cloud services (beCloud), cybersecurity, data peering, and DDoS protection. Though Belarus lacks a standalone digital law, recent decrees—such as No. 66 (2021) and No. 102 (2023)—expand e‑government, smart‑city deployment, and regulatory oversight. AI readiness and digital standards are also gaining traction, with Belarus integrating CIS-model AI law frameworks by 2040 .
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Comoros has adopted the ‘Comores Numérique 2028‘ strategy—first drafted in 2018 and adopted in 2019—to develop national digital infrastructure, public services, regulatory frameworks, cybersecurity, ICT-driven economic growth, and education. It aims to raise ICT’s share of GDP to 5 %, boost internet penetration from ~8 % in 2017 toward 54 %, and launch 14 e-government platforms with a budget of around 8 billion KMF ($17.5 million).
Digital infrastructure investments include a new Tier‑III national data centre operational since May 2025—built via an AfDB-funded project (~€9.5 million)—to host government and public services locally and support digital identity, interoperability, and e‑payments. Meanwhile, telecom operator Yas Comoros, supported by IFC (€13 million in 2019 and €25 million in 2025), is deploying 5G, fibre-to-home/office, and improved inter-island connectivity to meet rising demand.
These efforts are coordinated by ANADEN (National Digital Development Agency) and overseen by ANRTIC, with support from international partners (World Bank, ITU, AfDB, IFC). Despite progress in infrastructure and institutional setup, key challenges remain: extending services to rural areas, scaling e‑government platforms, strengthening cybersecurity and data protection, and nurturing digital skills. Future progress hinges on closing those gaps
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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 centers 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.
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Botswana officially the Republic of Botswana (Setswana: Lefatshe la Botswana, [lɪˈfatsʰɪ la bʊˈtswana]), is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Botswana is topographically flat, with up to 70 percent of its territory being the Kalahari Desert. It is bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. It is connected to Zambia across the short Zambezi River border by the Kazungula Bridge.A country of slightly over 2.3 million people, Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. About 11.6 percent of the population lives in the capital and largest city, Gaborone.
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.
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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.
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Cuba is an island country comprising the island of Cuba, as well as Isla de la Juventud and several minor archipelagos. Cuba is located where the northern Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean meet. Cuba is located east of the Yucatán Peninsula (Mexico), south of both the American state of Florida and the Bahamas, west of Hispaniola (Haiti/Dominican Republic), and north of both Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Havana is the largest city and capital; other major cities include Santiago de Cuba and Camagüey.
Belize is a Caribbean country on the northeastern coast of Central America. It borders Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. It is the least populated and least densely populated country in Central America. Its population growth rate of 1.87% per year (2018 estimate) is the second-highest in the region and one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Its capital is Belmopan, and its largest city is the namesake city of Belize City.
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
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