Gabon aims to position itself as a leader in digitalisation in Africa by 2025. The country is already recognised as the sixth most performing nation in Africa in the ICT sector and the first in its sub-region. The government’s Strategic Plan for an Emerging Gabon (PSGE) outlines various measures to achieve these goals, including:
Burkina Faso has been proactive in addressing internet governance through various initiatives and regulatory frameworks. The country hosts the annual National Internet Governance Forum, organised by the Initiative pour la Gouvernance de l’Internet au Burkina Faso (IGF-BF). The 10th edition, held in November 2023, focused on ‘digital sovereignty and cybersecurity in Burkina Faso,’ bringing together stakeholders to discuss digital sovereignty and cybersecurity challenges.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
