Countries

Cameroon is progressively enhancing its digital infrastructure, aiming to establish itself as a regional digital hub in Central Africa. As of 2024, approximately 43% of the population were internet users, reflecting a steady increase in digital adoption. The growth is primarily driven by the expansion of mobile broadband services, with 3G and 4G networks covering significant portions of the country.

A critical component of Cameroon’s digital connectivity lies in its access to multiple submarine fibre-optic cables. The country benefits from four major subsea cable systems:

1. SAT-3/WASC: This cable connects Portugal and Spain to South Africa, with landing points in several West African countries, including Douala, Cameroon.
2. West Africa Cable System (WACS): Spanning from South Africa to the United Kingdom, WACS has a landing point in Limbe, Cameroon.
3. Nigeria-Cameroon Submarine Cable System (NCSCS): This system directly links Cameroon to Nigeria, enhancing regional connectivity.
4. South Atlantic Inter Link (SAIL): Connecting Kribi, Cameroon, to Fortaleza, Brazil, SAIL is a significant transatlantic cable that bolsters Cameroon’s international bandwidth capacity.

Despite the presence of these submarine cables, the World Bank has noted that Cameroon is not fully utilising its fibre infrastructure, leading to underused capacity and limited international bandwidth per capita. Efforts are ongoing to address these challenges, including partnerships between CAMTEL and international operators to expand and optimise the country’s fibre network.

In addition to submarine connectivity, Cameroon is part of the Central African Backbone (CAB) project, a regional initiative aimed at improving terrestrial fibre-optic infrastructure across Central Africa. This project enhances inter-country connectivity and supports the broader goal of regional digital integration.

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Iceland’s digital strategies aim to enhance innovation, improve public services, and promote digital inclusion for all citizens. Central to this agenda is the Digital Iceland initiative, led by the Ministry of Transport and Local Government, which focuses on modernising e-government services, strengthening digital literacy, and ensuring accessibility. The initiative includes the development of secure digital identity systems, interoperable government platforms, and user-friendly service portals. Efforts to boost digital skills span from school curricula to community training sessions, with particular support for older adults and rural populations. Investments in digital infrastructure target nationwide broadband access and the deployment of 5G networks, supporting smart services and the internet of things. Inclusivity is a priority, with services designed for accessibility and accompanied by user support mechanisms.

At the regional level, Iceland collaborates with other Nordic-Baltic countries to align digital policies and create a seamless digital environment. This cooperation supports the EU’s Digital Single Market and enables cross-border digital services such as electronic identification and digital signatures. Joint efforts also focus on cybersecurity through information sharing, joint response strategies, and training exercises. The region fosters innovation and startup ecosystems through shared resources and programs like the Nordic Innovation House. In education, countries work together to integrate digital skills into learning systems. The Nordic Council of Ministers for Digitalisation coordinates shared goals in public services, the data economy, and industry digitalisation. Regional cooperation also extends to implementing the eIDAS regulation for secure digital identities, accelerating 5G deployment through harmonised policies, and advancing sustainability by leveraging digital tools to reduce environmental impact.

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​Iran is actively advancing its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities through substantial investments and strategic initiatives. In January 2025, the country allocated $115 million to AI research and development, underscoring its commitment to technological advancement. A significant milestone in this endeavour is the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Organization (NAIO) in July 2024. Operating under the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution and the Iranian president, the NAIO is tasked with formulating and executing a comprehensive 10-year AI strategy, encompassing 40 distinct programs aimed at fostering AI development and integration across various sectors. ​

In March 2025, Iran unveiled a prototype of its national AI platform, developed in collaboration with Sharif University of Technology. Designed to operate in domestic languages and maintain functionality during internet disruptions, the platform’s full release is anticipated by March 2026. Additionally, plans are underway to establish Iran’s first AI park within the next two years, aiming to showcase technological developments and provide practical AI-related services to the public. ​

Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Iran is enhancing its role as a digital hub in the Persian Gulf region. The ‘Iran Corridor’ initiative exemplifies efforts to promote regional cooperation by enhancing interconnected digital infrastructures, thereby advancing the digital economy. To support this vision, Iran is expanding its fibre-optic networks and submarine cable projects, aiming to meet regional demand and strengthen its position in global digital connectivity.

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Israel’s digital landscape in 2025 reflects a nation at the forefront of technological innovation, underpinned by robust infrastructure, a dynamic tech ecosystem, and proactive regulatory frameworks.

Israel boasts high internet penetration, with over 90% of its population online. The country has significantly expanded its fibre-optic broadband network, enhancing connectivity nationwide. Initiatives like Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion collaboration with Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud, have modernised public sector IT systems and ensured data sovereignty by establishing local cloud services.

Israel’s data protection framework is anchored in the Protection of Privacy Law, 1981, overseen by the Privacy Protection Authority. In August 2024, the Knesset approved Amendment No. 13 to this law, introducing significant changes such as expanded definitions, reduced obligations for database registration, mandatory appointment of privacy protection officers for certain organizations, and enhanced enforcement powers for the Privacy Protection Authority.

Israel is internationally recognised as a cybersecurity powerhouse, with a robust ecosystem comprising numerous startups, established companies, and research institutions. In 2024, Israeli cybersecurity firms raised $4 billion, more than double the amount from 2023, driven by increased needs for cloud and AI security. Notably, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, announced its largest acquisition to date by purchasing Israeli cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion, aiming to enhance its competitiveness in the cloud services market.

In December 2023, Israel unveiled its first comprehensive national AI policy, developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Innovation and the Ministry of Justice. The policy outlines ethical principles aligned with OECD guidelines and recommends a sector-based, risk-driven regulatory framework focusing on transparency and accountability. Additionally, in March 2024, Israel signed the world’s first binding international treaty on AI, led by the Council of Europe, committing to uphold democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law in AI development and deployment.

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Djibouti has strategically positioned itself as a digital connectivity powerhouse, hosting 12+ submarine cables that land at four self-sufficient landing stations. Located at the geographic crossroads of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, it serves as a pivotal gateway linking Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Major cable systems like SEA‑ME‑WE 6, AAE‑1, EIG, EASSy, and the upcoming DARE‑1 further underscore its importance in the global internet infrastructure.

This dense submarine cable network has drawn over US $200 million in investments, building a robust, secure digital corridor and establishing Djibouti as East Africa’s primary internet node. Djibouti Telecom manages international connectivity for 50+ operators and provides access to clients in 90+ countries, ensuring low-latency, high-capacity services crucial for cloud, AI, and fintech ecosystems.

Beyond transit, Djibouti is actively leveraging this infrastructure: its Tier‑3 Djibouti Data Center and ‘Smart Nation’ initiatives aim to build a regional digital hub, attract data center investment, and kick-start a digital economy contributing ~8% of GDP. Despite high electricity costs, the government is promoting regulatory reforms, liberalizing the telecom sector, and improving infrastructure resilience—setting the stage for expanded digital services and regional leadership in connectivity.

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Jamaica has emerged as a regional leader in digital development, particularly in public infrastructure and intellectual property reform. It has deployed over 380 public Wi‑Fi hotspots nationwide, significantly expanding access in underserved areas. The country also ranks 4th in Latin America and the Caribbean for intellectual property protection, supported by the 2020 Patents and Designs Act, which modernised outdated IP laws and aligned Jamaica with key international treaties.

The country has shown strong progress in digital government and regulatory reform. The Data Protection Act (2020) is now fully in force, with over 1,000 entities registered as data controllers, and a dedicated Office of the Information Commissioner is actively overseeing compliance. Jamaica is also implementing a national digital identity system (NIDS), backed by interoperable platforms like the Jamaica Data Exchange, and is investing in AI readiness through policy frameworks, public AI labs, and education programs.

Jamaica is among the top 8 countries in the region for digital business capacity, according to World Bank rankings, reflecting the relative strength of its digital firms and entrepreneurship. Its e‑commerce sector is growing by over 20% annually, and the country is taking part in global initiatives like the ’50 in 5′ digital public infrastructure program. While challenges remain in cybersecurity, logistics, and skills development, Jamaica’s coordinated policy approach, public investments, and institutional reforms place it among the most digitally advanced Caribbean nations.

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Gabon is one of the most digitally connected countries in Central Africa. As of early 2025, internet penetration reached 71.9 percent, with approximately 1.84 million users—a significant figure given the population of around 2.57 million. This places Gabon well ahead of its neighbours—for example, Cameroon’s rate is around 42 percent, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s is under 30 percent. Mobile broadband connectivity is strong: mobile subscriptions exceed the population (124 percent of total population), with 88 percent being broadband-capable through 3G, 4G, or 5G networks.

In the broader Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Gabon leads in e‑commerce readiness: about 38.3 percent of the population is considered prepared for online shopping. Gabon’s internet services are also generally recognised as reliable and relatively affordable, which supports its comparatively advanced digital infrastructure in the region.

On the regulatory and infrastructure side, Gabon has a modest but growing digital ecosystem. Internet resilience metrics indicate medium capacity at around 42 percent, with only three data centers and one active Internet Exchange Point (IXP). Gabon has completed its segment of the Central African Backbone (CAB) fiber‑optic project, which greatly enhanced national connectivity.

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The Dominican Republic has made significant strides in enhancing its digital landscape, focusing on infrastructure development, strategic planning, and technological innovation. Central to this progress is the Agenda Digital 2030, a comprehensive framework aimed at driving digital transformation and economic growth. This agenda emphasises the importance of robust governance, improved connectivity, digital education, cybersecurity, and overall economic development. In line with these objectives, the government has invested heavily in expanding broadband connectivity and upgrading telecommunications infrastructure.

The nation’s commitment to digital advancement is further evidenced by its participation in international initiatives. In January 2024, the Dominican Republic joined the 50-in-5 campaign as a first-mover nation. This global initiative advocates for the development of inclusive digital public infrastructure, aiming to provide digital identification and other essential services to underserved populations within a five-year timeframe.

The Dominican Republic has distinguished itself as the first Caribbean nation to implement a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (ENIA), launched in October 2023. This strategic framework aims to integrate AI across various public sectors, including justice, health, education, security, and transportation, to enhance service delivery and promote technological innovation.

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Burkina Faso combines relatively low internet penetration with a strong security and governance profile in the digital sphere. Internet Society’s 2024 country report notes that around 20% of the population are internet users, but the country scores 70.39 on the Global Cybersecurity Index, placing it among the better-prepared cybersecurity environments in Africa, and reports three data centres and two active IXPs.

The country is also an early mover on data protection in Francophone sub-Saharan Africa. Burkina Faso adopted a data-protection law in 2004 and, in 2007, became the first French-speaking country in sub-Saharan Africa with an operational data-protection authority, the Commission de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CIL). This framework has since been updated and is complemented by participation in regional instruments and initiatives on cross-border data transfers.

On infrastructure and emerging tech, Burkina Faso was the first West African nation to deploy a government cloud, the G-Cloud, launched in 2015 to host e-government, e-learning and e-health services over a national fibre backbone. In AI, the country hosts CITADEL, an Interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence in AI for Development that serves Burkina Faso and the sub-region and is part of the pan-African AI4D network, positioning the country as a regional reference point for francophone AI research and capacity-building.

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