Connectivity has expanded quickly relative to income peers: 73.2% of the population was online at the start of 2024, a level that compares favorably with many lower-middle-income countries tracked by international statistics. International bandwidth is anchored by the ALBA-1 submarine cable (activated 2013), which remains the principal undersea link for the island.
On the governance side, Cuba has adopted modern data-protection legislation (Law 149/2022) and launched a national AI strategy (2024) as part of its digital-transformation package, placing the country among the region’s governments with formal privacy rules and an articulated AI policy direction.
Despite being landlocked, Botswana has built diverse international routes. The state wholesale carrier BoFiNet is a consortium member of both WACS and EASSy submarine cables and has also secured capacity on Equiano, reached over terrestrial fibre via Namibia and South Africa; a national IXP (BINX) helps localise traffic. On the access side, Botswana was early to 5G (Mascom pilot in Feb 2022; Orange launched commercially in Nov 2022, ~30% population at launch), and LEO satellite service (Starlink) became operational in Aug 2024, broadening rural options.
The governance layer is comparatively mature for the region. The .bw domain is managed by the national regulator BOCRA; a national CSIRT (Botswana-CSIRT/BwCIRT) is established and accredited; and a modern Data Protection Act, 2024, entered into force on 14 January 2025, creating an independent Information and Data Protection Commission and strengthening compliance duties for public and private sectors. These institutions underpin a digital environment with relatively high adoption, multiple international paths, and clearer trust safeguards than many regional peers.
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The primary regulatory body overseeing electronic communications and postal services in Albania is the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP). AKEP is responsible for implementing the regulatory framework established by national laws and development policies defined by the Council of Ministers. Its functions include managing the .al country code top-level domain (ccTLD) and ensuring compliance with electronic communications regulations.
Another key institution is the National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI), which operates under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office. AKSHI’s mission is to coordinate the development and administration of state information systems and promote the advancement of the information society in Albania. It developed and administers the e-Albania portal, providing electronic services to citizens
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Singapore serves as a pivotal hub in the global network of submarine communications cables, facilitating extensive international connectivity. The nation currently hosts 26 subsea cables, with landing sites strategically located at Changi North, Tanah Merah, and Tuas. These cables are essential for transmitting over 99% of Singapore’s international telecommunications traffic, underscoring their critical role in the country’s economic stability and national security. To further enhance its digital infrastructure, Singapore plans to double its submarine cable landing facilities by 2033.
This expansion aims to accommodate the growing demand for data services and reinforce Singapore’s position as a leading connectivity hub in the Asia-Pacific region. The Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) oversees the deployment of submarine cable systems, requiring interested parties to obtain a Facilities-Based Operations (FBO) license and adhere to established guidelines.
Recent developments include collaborations between Singaporean and Vietnamese firms to develop new undersea fiber-optic cables, supporting the burgeoning data center industry in Southeast Asia. Additionally, projects like the Australia-Asia PowerLink aim to transmit renewable energy from Australia to Singapore via a 4,300km submarine cable, reflecting the multifaceted applications of submarine cable technology.
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Seychelles transitioned from satellite dependence to high-capacity global connectivity through submarine cables, including SEAS (since 2012) and connections via PEACE and 2Africa, with domestic fiber networks linking main islands and national data centers established by Airtel and Cable & Wireless. Mobile network penetration exceeds 160%, with over 91% of connections supporting broadband (3G–5G), and recent agreements with Hytera aim to modernize emergency and mission-critical communication systems.
Seychelles ranks among Africa’s top performers in e‑Government Development and invests heavily in digital public services, from e‑immigration and biometric digital IDs to AI-driven analytics in public administration. Government efforts include the SeyID system, digital certification programs through the Seychelles Qualifications Authority, and the Strategic Innovation Hub partnership with Presight to support sectoral transformation.
The country actively promotes a digital economy through initiatives such as the Seychelles Fintech prijects and digital skills bootcamps, attracting investment in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity roles, with tech sector growth projected at over 17% by 2024. Innovation is further supported by incubators and government–private partnerships, including Accenture and WISeKey, fostering AI, blockchain, and e‑ID technologies.
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Internet governance in Afghanistan has evolved in the context of a challenging socio-political environment. The country has faced numerous obstacles in developing its digital infrastructure, largely due to prolonged conflict, instability, and limited resources. However, there have been efforts to establish and regulate internet governance, focusing on expanding access, ensuring security, and promoting digital literacy. Internet penetration in Afghanistan remains relatively low compared to global standards, although there has been significant growth in recent years. The expansion of mobile networks has played a crucial role in increasing internet access, especially in urban areas.
In digital governance, Afghanistan ranks modestly rather than leading: it has a Global Cybersecurity Index preparedness score of 5.20 (on an unspecified scale) and an e‑government readiness score of 58.39. While not among the highest globally or regionally, the presence of foundational institutional structures indicates room for growth in cyber policy and digital systems.
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The digital economy in Argentina has been steadily growing, driven by a tech-savvy population and a robust entrepreneurial spirit. Argentina boasts a vibrant startup scene, especially in Buenos Aires, which is often considered the Silicon Valley of South America. The country has produced several unicorns, startups valued at over $1 billion, including MercadoLibre, an e-commerce giant, and Globant, an IT and software development company.
Argentina boasts a robust fibre-optic backbone, anchored by ARSAT’s Red Federal de Fibra Óptica (ReFeFO) spanning over 34,500 km and expanding toward its 52,000 km goal to connect hundreds of localities nationwide. This backbone supports infrastructure upgrades, shifting from 10 Gbps to 100 Gbps speeds via DWDM, and enables private providers and cooperatives to build on its network, enhancing reach across provincial areas.
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Tajikistan demonstrates notably high mobile connectivity, with approximately 10.8 million cellular connections, equating to 101% of its population as of early 2025—an indicator of widespread access to mobile devices and networks in the region. According to the 2023 Network Readiness Index, the country scores particularly well for ‘mobile broadband traffic within the country’, ranking 5th globally. Additionally, Tajikistan holds a high adult literacy rate, ranking 10th, which supports its broader digital engagement.
However, the country lags in internet speed and affordability. As of early 2025, mobile internet speed ranks 139th out of 143 countries, with fixed broadband in similarly low positions—reflecting limited performance compared to global standards. Only about 57% of the population uses the internet, leaving a significant offline share (43%) at the beginning of 2025. Challenges in fixed broadband penetration and high costs persist, particularly in rural and underserved areas
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Saint Kitts and Nevis has built a robust digital foundation by enacting progressive laws for internet governance, enhancing its submarine cable connectivity, and investing in government-wide networks that bolster internet penetration. It has introduced secure digital identity systems, electronic transactions laws, and cybersecurity training programs that protect online services, while AI initiatives in areas like judicial proceedings and traffic management signal an openness to innovation. Regulatory frameworks such as the Virtual Asset Act support cryptocurrency adoption, and the government actively fosters collaborations at regional and international levels, positioning Saint Kitts and Nevis as a forward-thinking leader in digital transformation.
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Armenian internet governance focuses on creating an open, secure, and accessible internet through a regulatory framework that promotes universal access, cybersecurity, and freedom of expression. The Ministry of High-Tech Industry oversees digital policies, working to expand broadband access and reduce the digital divide, particularly in rural areas. Armenia’s national cybersecurity strategies address online threats while fostering innovation in the IT sector. The government also promotes e-government initiatives as part of its digital transformation strategy, enhancing public services and transparency. Multistakeholder involvement, including government, private sector, and civil society, ensures balanced policy-making. International collaborations with organisations like ICANN and ITU help align Armenia with global internet governance standards, ensuring the internet remains a tool for development and public welfare.
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