Japan has made significant strides in digital transformation, establishing a robust framework to enhance its digital infrastructure and services. The establishment of the Digital Agency in September 2021 marked a pivotal step in coordinating national digital initiatives, aiming to streamline government operations and promote digital integration across various sectors.
In the realm of cybersecurity, Japan enacted the Basic Act on Cybersecurity in 2014, laying the foundation for comprehensive cybersecurity policies and strategies. This legislation underscores the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its digital assets and infrastructure.
The government has also implemented a “cloud-by-default” policy, encouraging public agencies to prioritise cloud services in their IT procurements. This initiative aims to modernise public sector IT infrastructure and stimulate broader adoption of cloud technologies nationwide.
In the field of quantum technology, Japan has articulated clear strategies to foster innovation and maintain competitiveness. The Quantum Technology and Innovation Strategy, introduced in 2020, focuses on advancing quantum computing, cryptography, and sensing technologies. Building upon this, the Vision of Quantum Future Society, unveiled in 2022, outlines initiatives to integrate quantum advancements into societal and economic systems, addressing challenges such as industrial growth and sustainability.
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At the core of Samoa’s digital transformation is the Digital Transformation Strategy 2023–2030, supported by the World Bank, which outlines a comprehensive roadmap to enhance broadband access, promote e-government services, and build climate-resilient infrastructure. The strategy complements the ICT Sector Plan 2022–2027, which prioritises infrastructure upgrades, digital inclusion programs, and the establishment of a national Internet Exchange Point to reduce latency and improve the efficiency of internet services. These efforts are reinforced by the Digitally Connected and Resilient Samoa Project, designed to expand access to high-quality digital services and secure connectivity across the country.
Samoa’s legal and regulatory framework for data protection is anchored by the Privacy Act 2013, supported by the Data Protection Guidelines 2020, the Crimes Act 2013, and recent legislation such as the National Digital Identification Act 2024. These instruments collectively safeguard citizens’ rights to privacy and regulate how personal data is managed, shared, and stored. Telecommunications providers are also bound by confidentiality obligations under the Telecommunications Act 2005. While there is no dedicated data protection authority, multiple institutions are tasked with enforcement and compliance oversight.
Cybersecurity is another priority area, reflected in Samoa’s National Cybersecurity Strategy (2016–2021), which laid the foundation for developing secure infrastructure and aligning national laws with international standards. The Samoa Computer Emergency Response Team (SamCERT), established in 2019, plays a central role in detecting, responding to, and preventing cyber incidents.
Samoa’s digital infrastructure is underpinned by two key submarine cable systems: the Tui-Samoa Cable and the Manatua One Polynesia Fibre Cable. These cables provide high-speed international connectivity and are managed by the Samoa Submarine Cable Company (SSCC), which also participates in regional infrastructure projects such as the planned Central Pacific Cable and Google’s Bulikula and Halaihai subsea cables.
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São Tomé and Príncipe, an archipelago in the Gulf of Guinea, has been actively advancing its digital landscape to foster economic growth and improve public services. As of January 2024, the country reported an internet penetration rate of 57%, with approximately 133,400 users, and about 63,100 social media users, accounting for 26.9% of the population.
The government has initiated the ‘Digital São Tomé and Príncipe Project,’ supported by the World Bank, aiming to enhance telecommunications services and strengthen data governance. Additionally, the ‘National Strategy for Digital Governance’ seeks to align public policies across sectors to improve digital public services. Furthermore, the government is formulating a National Cybersecurity Strategy and Action Plan to safeguard its digital infrastructure and data.
In education, partnerships with organisations like UNICEF have led to the development of digital learning platforms, such as the ‘Learning Passport,’ integrating technology into classrooms and promoting digital literacy among students.
To bolster connectivity, the country connected to the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable in 2012, significantly enhancing internet access and reducing costs.
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Egypt’s digital profile reflects rapid transformation driven by infrastructure investment, regulatory modernisation, and strategic regional positioning. The country hosts over 10 submarine cable landing stations and carries nearly 30% of global internet traffic through its Mediterranean-Red Sea corridor, making it one of the most critical internet transit hubs worldwide. With 5G rollout underway and broadband speed improvements, the ICT sector grew by 14.4% in 2023–24, contributing over 5% to GDP—placing Egypt among the fastest-growing digital economies in Africa and the Arab world.
Digital transformation is anchored in the ‘Digital Egypt’ initiative and ICT 2030 strategy, which have connected more than 33,000 public institutions and digitised essential services through a national e‑government platform. The country has enacted comprehensive legislation, including the Personal Data Protection Law (2020) and the Cybercrime Law (2018), aligning with global norms. Notably, Egypt has become a leader in fintech growth in emerging markets, with services like InstaPay and Meeza accelerating financial inclusion and mobile wallet adoption across socioeconomic segments.
Emerging technologies are gaining traction through national AI and blockchain strategies, deep‑tech venture studios, and talent pipelines like the Digital Egypt Builders program. Egypt ranks among global leaders in AI workforce reskilling, with 85% of employers upskilling in generative AI and automation. With rising tech startup activity, expanding digital infrastructure, and a strong regional role in data transit, Egypt is positioning itself as a digital innovation hub for Africa and the Middle East.
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Ecuador is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Ecuador also includes the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific, about 1,000 kilometers (621 mi) west of the mainland. The country’s capital and largest city is Quito.
Guatemala is a country in Central America. Guatemala is bordered to the north and west by Mexico; to the northeast by Belize and the Caribbean; to the east by Honduras; to the southeast by El Salvador, and to the south by the Pacific Ocean, respectively. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America and is the 11th most populous country in the Americas. Guatemala is a representative democracy; its capital and largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, also known as Guatemala City, the largest city in Central America.
As reported by the Mexican Internet Association, Mexico had 96.8 million internet users by the end of 2022, reflecting a 9.3 percent annual growth. Data from the National System of Statistical and Geographical Information (INEGI) shows that internet access is significantly higher in urban areas, with 81.6 percent of the urban population connected, compared to only 56 percent in rural regions. Approximately 30 percent of the population resides in communities without broadband coverage, leaving them disconnected from the digital ecosystem. Additionally, 98 percent of Mexico’s internet users access the internet via smartphones.
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Internet penetration in Guinea remains relatively low compared to global averages but is steadily increasing. As of recent years, estimates suggest that around 33% of the population has access to the internet. The majority of users access the internet through mobile phones, as mobile broadband is more widespread than fixed-line services. Major mobile providers like Orange Guinea, MTN Guinea, and others have been expanding their 4G networks, which has helped to improve access, particularly in urban areas. Despite this progress, significant barriers to higher internet penetration persist. These include high costs for data plans, limited infrastructure in rural areas, and low digital literacy among the population.
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The main body overseeing telecommunications and internet services in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC). The NTRC regulates the internet under the framework of the Telecommunications Act, which aims to promote competitive practices in the sector and improve the quality of services. Internet penetration in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been growing, with significant improvements in infrastructure that enable more residents to access the internet. However, like many Small Island Developing States, challenges remain in terms of fully equitable access, especially in rural and more remote areas.
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