The Plan Nacional TIC 2022–2030of Paraguay

August 2022

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The Plan Nacional TIC 2022–2030 (PNTIC) of Paraguay is a comprehensive national digital strategy that outlines the country’s vision to become a connected, digital, and secure nation by closing ICT access gaps, boosting transparency in public management, and enhancing competitiveness through human capital and digital transformation.

Vision and strategic lines

The plan envisions a Paraguay that is:

  • Equitable, ensuring inclusive access to digital services
  • Transparent, leveraging technology for accountable governance
  • Competitive, using digital tools to boost economic productivity

To achieve this, it defines four strategic lines:

  1. Consolidation of digital infrastructure
  2. Digital transformation of the state
  3. Strengthening the digital ecosystem, especially talent and innovation
  4. Strengthening cybersecurity

Key components and objectives

1. Digital infrastructure

Focus: Improving broadband access, national fibre optics, and public connectivity.

Goals:

  • Connect public buildings and underserved areas
  • Develop a National Cloud and operate data centres
  • Expand exchange points (IXPs) and ensure international bandwidth

Initiatives include:

  • Internet gratuito en espacios públicos (free public internet)
  • Broadband access for homes and SMEs
  • Digital infrastructure for health, education, and civil security

2. Digital transformation of the state

Focus: Making government efficient, paperless, and citizen-centred.

Goals:

  • Update legal frameworks (e.g., new digital government law)
  • Digitalise public services (zero paper strategy)
  • Build systems for document sharing, e-health (HIS), and cadastral services

Key initiatives:

  • Unified government portal with e-ID and citizen folders
  • Open data portals and multichannel service models
  • Platforms like GovLab for innovation in smart governance

3. Strengthening the digital ecosystem

Focus: Human capital, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Goals:

  • Boost digital skills and certification
  • Create and internationalize tech-based startups
  • Promote fintech and emerging technologies

Projects:

  • Red InnovandoPY (innovation network)
  • Digital sectoral transformation initiatives
  • Creation of a “Distrito Digital” (Digital District) innovation hub

4. Cybersecurity

Focus: Building a resilient national cyber defense system.

Goals:

  • Strengthen the national cybersecurity system and CERT-PY
  • Protect government systems and critical infrastructure
  • Raise public awareness and capacity

Actions include:

  • Enhancing incident response
  • Establishing information-sharing platforms
  • Promoting national cyber hygiene and training programs

Institutional framework and legal support

The PNTIC is spearheaded by MITIC (Ministry of ICT), created by Law 6207/2018. It coordinates with multiple public and private actors, including:

  • CONATEL (telecom regulator)
  • Ministries (Health, Education, Justice, etc.)
  • International organizations (BID, ITU, World Bank)

Supporting laws and decrees include:

  • Law 642/1995 (telecom)
  • Law 4610/2012 (digital signatures)
  • Law 4868/2013 (e-commerce)
  • Law 6562 (Zero Paper Law)
  • Law 6822/2022 (electronic trust services)

Financial support

The plan benefits from substantial support:

  • A $130 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (BID)
  • National co-financing and international cooperation

Cross-cutting themes

  • Sustainability and governance of digital services
  • Inclusion, targeting rural areas and vulnerable populations
  • Interoperability and alignment with the Paraguay 2030 Plan and the UN Sustainable Development Goals