Thailand

The Thai government has prioritised the expansion of its digital economy, aiming for it to constitute 30% of the country’s GDP by 2030. This strategy includes significant investments in digital infrastructure and the promotion of technologies such as AI to enhance sectors like agriculture and boost exports. Global technology firms have recognised Thailand’s potential, with companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon committing substantial investments to establish data centres and cloud services within the country.

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Yemen

Yemen’s digital profile in 2025 reflects a complex and fragile environment shaped by conflict, limited infrastructure, and emerging efforts toward transformation. Internet connectivity remains low, with only around 17% of the population online. The country relies primarily on the FALCON and AAE-1 submarine cables for international internet access. However, these cables have faced repeated disruptions due to geopolitical tensions and maritime incidents, such as anchor drag or conflict-related sabotage. The lack of redundancy in the network makes the entire infrastructure highly vulnerable to outages.

While mobile cellular penetration is relatively high, the quality and speed of internet services remain among the lowest globally. Service providers like Yemen Mobile, Sabafon, and YOU operate across different territories but face challenges in expanding coverage due to damaged infrastructure and divided governance. The ongoing conflict has resulted in two competing systems: YemenNet and TeleYemen under Houthi control in the north and AdenNet in government-controlled areas. This split has contributed to an inconsistent regulatory environment and frequent internet shutdowns, particularly in politically sensitive periods.

Cybersecurity is a growing concern. The absence of a national cybersecurity strategy or data protection law leaves the population exposed to cybercrime, including surveillance, data breaches, ransomware, and online harassment. Women, in particular, face increased vulnerability to cyber extortion and abuse, with limited legal recourse. The establishment of a cyber extortion division in 2024 marks a modest step toward institutional response, but comprehensive policy frameworks are still lacking.

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Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago exhibits robust digital connectivity. As of early 2025, internet penetration reached approximately 84.7% of the population, placing it above the Latin American and Caribbean average. Mobile connections exceeded population numbers—at 135%, underscoring widespread access to mobile networks, with 97% of these being broadband-capable (3G, 4G, or 5G). Fixed broadband performance is also relatively high, with a median download speed of 119 Mbps, significantly improved year-over-year.

Infrastructure-wise, Trinidad and Tobago ranks first in the Caribbean for internet infrastructure resilience according to the Internet Society’s Pulse Index, reflecting the most developed local backbone compared to regional peers. It also holds the highest internet resilience score in the region—50%, compared with a Caribbean average of around 41%. Domestically, the country operates five data centers and two Internet Exchange Points (IXPs)—notable for a small island developing state and indicative of growing self-reliance in digital traffic routing.

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United Kingdom

The United Kingdom’s digital infrastructure and policies are designed to foster a robust digital economy, enhance public services, and ensure data security. The government has committed to expanding gigabit-capable broadband coverage to at least 85% of the population by 2025, with the goal of achieving nationwide coverage by 2030. Alongside this, efforts to extend 5G connectivity aim to reach the majority of the population by 2027, providing the foundation for emerging technologies and innovation.

The UK Digital Strategy, published in 2022, outlines a comprehensive approach to strengthening digital foundations, promoting innovation, and addressing regulatory and security challenges. It focuses on fostering digital infrastructure, enhancing data accessibility, and supporting the growth of the digital economy. Additionally, the Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030 emphasises the development of Digital Public Infrastructure to reduce digital divides and promote inclusive economic growth. This strategy aims to enable effective service delivery while ensuring equitable access to technology.

Recent initiatives demonstrate the UK’s proactive stance on digital transformation—the launch of the GOV.UK Wallet app in 2025 allows citizens to store digital versions of essential documents such as driving licenses and passports, streamlining interactions with government services and improving security. In the field of artificial intelligence, the government’s action plan focuses on increasing computational capacity, establishing a national data library, and integrating AI technologies across sectors. These measures aim to position the UK as a global leader in AI development and application.

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Togo

The country has significantly improved its digital infrastructure with investments in broadband expansion, mobile network penetration, and strategic partnerships with companies like Google and Huawei. The landing of the Equiano subsea cable in 2022, alongside Togo’s integration into the West Africa Cable System (WACS), has boosted internet capacity and reliability. The World Bank’s $100 million digital transformation funding aims to further connect public institutions and enhance digital accessibility.

Cybersecurity is a national priority, with the National Cybersecurity Agency (ANCy) overseeing regulations and risk mitigation. The government is centralizing its fight against cybercrime while also ensuring data protection under the Personal Data Protection Law of 2019. Togo’s commitment to digital governance extends to AI adoption, with AI-driven social protection programs like Novissi, as well as the establishment of the Togo Data Lab to integrate machine learning and data analytics into public policy.

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Vietnam

Vietnam is rapidly advancing its digital landscape, driven by significant government initiatives, robust economic growth, and increasing foreign investments. The country’s digital economy is projected to reach approximately $45 billion by 2025, with expectations to expand between $90 billion to $200 billion by 2030. In 2023, the digital economy contributed over 12% to the national GDP, placing Vietnam among the leading ASEAN nations in this sector.

The Vietnamese government has implemented comprehensive strategies to enhance digital infrastructure, focusing on nationwide 5G deployment, broadband expansion, and the development of data centres. Notably, the ‘Digital Infrastructure Strategy by 2025, with a Vision to 2030’ aims to establish 12-14 IT parks by 2025, increasing to 16-20 by 2030, to foster technological innovation and economic growth.

In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), Vietnam has set ambitious goals. The ‘National Strategy on Research, Development, and Application of Artificial Intelligence until 2030’ seeks to position the country among the top four in ASEAN and the top 50 globally in AI research and application. This initiative is bolstered by significant investments, such as Nvidia’s agreement with the Vietnamese government to establish an AI research and development centre and an AI data centre in the country.

Furthermore, Vietnam is enhancing its international connectivity through the development of new undersea fibre-optic cables. Plans are underway to add at least 10 new submarine cables by 2030, aiming to triple the country’s current international internet connections and support the burgeoning data centre industry.

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Tanzania

Internet governance in Tanzania involves a collaborative effort among government bodies, private sector entities, civil society organisations, and international partners to manage and regulate the nation’s internet resources and policies. The primary regulatory authority overseeing this domain is the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), established in 2003. TCRA is responsible for licensing, setting industry standards, managing the radio frequency spectrum, and protecting consumer interests within the communications sector.

The management of Tanzania’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD), .tz, is another critical aspect of internet governance. Initially overseen by the Tanzania Network Information Center (tzNIC), the administration of the .tz domain was transferred to TCRA in 2018 to ensure sustainable management. In March 2022, TCRA began allowing second-level domain registrations directly under .tz, expanding the digital identity options for Tanzanian entities.

Civil society organisations are pivotal in shaping Tanzania’s internet governance landscape. A key player in this arena is the Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group (IGTWG), which actively participates in policy discussions and champions the development of an inclusive digital ecosystem.

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Tonga

In May 2025, the Tongan government launched several digital initiatives to improve public service delivery. These include the TongaPass Digital ID, a national digital identification system providing unique ID numbers to individuals registered in the Civil Registration System, facilitating secure access to government services. Additionally, the E-Government Portal (gov.to) serves as a centralised platform allowing citizens to access various government services online, reducing the need for physical visits to multiple ministries. An advanced API Integration Platform was also introduced, enabling seamless data exchange between different government ministries, improving efficiency and service delivery.

Tonga’s primary international internet connection is facilitated by the Tonga Cable System, an 827 km submarine fibre-optic cable linking Tonga to Fiji. Operational since 2013, this system has significantly improved internet speeds and reduced costs. However, its vulnerability was highlighted during the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai volcanic eruption, which severed the cable and disrupted communications for weeks. To mitigate such risks, Tonga is exploring alternative connectivity solutions, including satellite internet services and the development of a second international undersea cable to provide critical redundancy and enhance resilience against future disruptions.

Tonga is actively advancing its e-commerce sector as a strategic component of national development, aiming to diversify the economy, enhance digital inclusion, and empower local entrepreneurs. In 2021, Tonga introduced its National E-Commerce Strategy and Roadmap, aligning with the Tonga Strategic Development Framework and the Digital Government Strategic Framework (2019–2024). This strategy focuses on expanding ICT infrastructure and connectivity, developing legal frameworks for digital transactions and consumer protection, enhancing logistics and customs systems, promoting digital payments and financial inclusion, and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with an emphasis on women and youth entrepreneurs.

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Venezuela

Beyond large cities, Venezuela faces stark digital gaps. Rural areas often lack reliable internet, with speeds frequently below 5 Mbps. State-owned CANTV remains the main ISP in many regions, though private companies like Fibex Telecom and IP Net are slowly expanding coverage. Frequent electricity blackouts, especially outside Caracas, severely affect connectivity. Despite this, community Wi-Fi hotspots, called ‘puntos digitales,’ have emerged in some neighbourhoods, offering shared internet access to residents who cannot afford home connections.

Alongside dominant platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, TikTok has seen fast growth, particularly among younger users. Many small businesses and food vendors operate exclusively through Instagram and WhatsApp for sales and customer service. Online food delivery services like Yummy (Venezuela’s largest delivery app) have expanded rapidly, offering deliveries in Caracas and other major cities. Additionally, freelancers and remote workers use digital job platforms such as Workana and Freelancer.com to offer services like graphic design, coding, and digital marketing.

Digital payment methods are now essential in Venezuela’s economy. Apps like PagoFlash and VenezuelaPay allow QR code-based payments in shops and markets. Cryptocurrency ATMs—though limited—exist in cities like Caracas, reflecting the country’s strong crypto adoption. Some universities, such as the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), have launched tech incubators focused on digital solutions for education and fintech. Digital tools are also increasingly used in health services, with telemedicine platforms like Doctores24 offering online medical consultations across the country.

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