The Digital Government Strategic Framework (DGSF) 2019–2024 of the Kingdom of Tonga

The Digital Government Strategic Framework (DGSF) 2019–2024 of the Kingdom of Tonga is a policy document that articulates the country’s vision and roadmap for transforming its public sector through the use of digital technologies. It sets the direction for modernising government operations, enhancing service delivery, and fostering more efficient and transparent decision-making processes. At its core, the DGSF seeks to position Tonga’s government as an innovative, responsive, and enabling institution fit for the demands of the 21st century.

The framework emphasises the transformative potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in reshaping how the government interacts with citizens, businesses, and development partners. It promotes the transition from paper-based systems to a digital-first approach, thereby aiming to simplify administrative processes, reduce costs, and improve the quality and timeliness of services.

Key to this transformation is the integration of information systems across ministries and agencies, addressing longstanding issues such as data duplication, fragmented service delivery, poor coordination, and weak interoperability. The DGSF outlines how current ICT disparities—such as inconsistent access to data, varied ICT maturity levels, and disconnected government platforms—have hindered holistic governance and service delivery. In response, the framework proposes a coordinated system architecture and strategic redesign of government workflows to enable data sharing and joint decision-making.

The institutional governance of the DGSF is led by the Prime Minister’s Reform Task Force, which plays a central role in setting methodologies, aligning ministerial activities, and overseeing implementation across all government levels. The framework applies a change management approach, tailored to the varying capacities and priorities of government departments and stakeholders. This structure supports iterative improvements and localised implementations, ensuring adaptability and responsiveness to emerging challenges.

Aligned with Tonga’s overarching Strategic Development Framework (TSDF), the DGSF advances national priorities by contributing to sustainable and inclusive development. It supports eight national outcomes and is built on five strategic goals that are reviewed and updated annually to remain aligned with technological advances and institutional developments.

Security and privacy are also foundational to the DGSF. It highlights the need for protecting personal data, safeguarding national information assets, and maintaining trust in digital systems. The strategy follows international security principles, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and controlled access to data.

Ultimately, the DGSF is a guiding document that calls for whole-of-government and whole-of-society collaboration. It encourages ministries, public enterprises, private actors, and communities to actively participate in the digital transformation journey, ensuring that the benefits of digital government reach all Tongans and contribute meaningfully to national development.