Digital Agenda of Albania 2022–2026

The Digital Agenda of Albania 2022–2026 is a strategic plan designed to accelerate the country’s transformation into a digitally advanced society. The initiative builds upon the successes of the previous Digital Agenda (2015–2020) while addressing new challenges posed by technological evolution and increasing global competition.

Albania envisions a future where digital technologies are seamlessly integrated into governance, business, and daily life, ensuring that citizens, businesses, and public institutions benefit from the efficiency and innovation these technologies offer. The agenda’s main focus is on harnessing advanced information technology, AI, and cybersecurity to elevate the quality of public services and foster economic and social growth.

Current landscape

The Digital Agenda 2015–2020 laid a strong foundation by transforming public services, with over 95% of them now available online through the e-Albania platform. This progress has resulted in significant cost reductions, streamlined procedures, enhanced transparency, and improved public access to services. Over the years, Albania has also earned recognition for its digital governance efforts, with international organisations such as the UN, OECD, and EU acknowledging the country’s strides in e-government.

Vision for 2022–2026

The vision for this new phase of digital transformation is rooted in inclusivity, accessibility, and efficiency. The Albanian government seeks to establish a proactive digital ecosystem that caters to the diverse needs of its citizens and businesses. Digital services are to be available ‘anytime, anywhere,’ emphasising real-time, tailored solutions that are secure, accessible, and aligned with international best practices.

Goals:

1. Digital government: The government plans to create a fully digitalised governance model where public services are integrated, secure, and user-friendly. Citizens and businesses will interact with institutions through advanced platforms like e-Albania, eliminating paperwork and bureaucracy. Services will also incorporate technologies like AI and blockchain for greater efficiency.
2. Digital economy: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be encouraged to adopt digital tools to enhance their competitiveness. Innovations such as electronic invoicing, tax digitisation, and automation will streamline business operations and reduce costs.
3. Citizen participation and transparency: Platforms like Opendata.gov.al will promote transparency by publishing government data in accessible formats. Feedback loops will ensure citizen input is incorporated into service improvements, fostering trust and accountability.
4. Education and digital skills: Digital literacy programs will equip citizens with the skills needed for a tech-driven economy. The educational system will incorporate digital tools, transforming how students learn and how teachers deliver lessons.
5. Cybersecurity and resilience: As digital dependency grows, the agenda emphasises the need for robust cybersecurity measures. This includes protecting sensitive data, securing government systems, and raising public awareness about cyber threats.

Strategic components

The agenda relies on robust infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and human capital development. Central to this transformation is the GovNet, a private, fiber-optic government network that connects over 250 public institutions. This network supports the secure exchange of data and facilitates services provided by the e-Albania portal, which currently hosts over 1,200 digital services.

The e-Albania portal is pivotal to the agenda, serving as the gateway through which citizens and businesses access legal documents, health certificates, educational services, and more. By eliminating the need for physical document collection, this platform saves time, reduces costs, and enhances service delivery. The government also plans to expand the platform’s functionalities, integrating emerging technologies such as AI for predictive analytics and blockchain for secure transactions.

In healthcare, digital tools have already modernised processes like medical referrals and prescription issuance. The system is now capable of recording patient histories, enabling doctors to deliver faster and more accurate diagnoses. Other sectors, including education, agriculture, and justice, are also being transformed through digitalisation. For instance, farmers can now apply for subsidies online, while educational institutions offer e-learning platforms and digital records for students and parents.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite significant progress, the agenda recognises key challenges, such as ensuring equal access to digital services across all regions and demographics. Digital infrastructure must be expanded to rural areas to reduce the digital divide, and platforms like e-Albania must be adapted to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, the government is focused on making its systems interoperable with those of neighbouring countries and the EU, facilitating cross-border transactions and regional cooperation.

Another critical aspect is fostering a culture of cybersecurity. The government acknowledges that digital transformation increases vulnerability to cyberattacks, and as such, it aims to enhance cybersecurity protocols and awareness campaigns. This involves working with private sector partners to secure digital services and train professionals in advanced cybersecurity techniques.

Implementation and monitoring

The success of the Digital Agenda will be measured through globally recognised indices, such as the UN e-Government Survey and OECD benchmarks. A detailed action plan, complete with financial resources and performance indicators, will guide the implementation process. The government will also actively monitor progress, ensuring that objectives are met on time and within budget.

This strategic vision places Albania on a trajectory toward becoming a leader in digital transformation within the region, creating a more connected, inclusive, and innovative society. Would you like more information on a specific aspect of the agenda?