Dominica National Digital Transformation Strategy 2022-2026
November 2022
Strategies and Action Plans
Author: Ministry of Public Works and the Digital Economy, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme
The Dominica National Digital Transformation Strategy 2022-2026 aims to harness digital technology to drive economic growth, improve public services, create jobs, and build resilience, positioning Dominica as a climate-resilient nation. The strategy envisions Dominica as a vibrant digital economy by 2026, characterized by affordable, accessible internet, and efficient online services supporting growth, innovation, and sustainable development. Its objectives include:
- Establishing a secure, digitally enabled business environment.
- Promoting digital literacy across all demographics.
- Boosting job creation and income-generating opportunities.
This strategy is structured around three primary pillars: People, Business, and Government.
1. People:
- Skills development: A focus on equipping all citizens, from schoolchildren to adults, with digital skills, ensuring broad technological literacy to support the economy.
- Access and affordability: Ensuring all Dominicans have access to affordable, high-speed internet and devices. Programs like digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness aim to foster a safe digital environment.
- Opportunities: Initiatives such as the Work Online Program aim to connect Dominicans to remote job opportunities, retain local talent and reduce brain drain.
2. Business:
- Digital tools for efficiency and innovation: The strategy supports businesses in adopting digital tools to enhance efficiency and expand into global markets, especially in critical sectors like tourism, agriculture, and fisheries.
- Incentives and skills for transformation: Programs to support digital skills among entrepreneurs, incentives for digital adoption, and a Digital Business Incubator are in place to foster innovation and business growth.
3. Government:
- Efficient digital public services: Modernising public administration to improve the quality of services, making it more efficient and accessible, particularly through digital identity and secure data exchange systems.
- Legal framework: Updating regulations to safeguard data privacy, cybersecurity, and e-commerce and to promote fair market competition.
- Infrastructure development: Investments in high-speed connectivity, secure networks, and digital identity systems form the backbone of this transformation, allowing the government to deliver efficient services.
Implementation and funding
The strategy includes a roadmap with specific milestones for the first two years, involving coordinated leadership, public-private partnerships, and continuous funding from national budgets and international donors. A monitoring and evaluation framework will track progress, with periodic reviews every three years to stay updated on technological advancements.
This transformation approach is collaborative, involving stakeholder engagement from private, public, and civil society sectors, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that the digital benefits reach all Dominicans.