The Suriname National Digital Strategy 2023-2030

Strategies and Action Plans

Author: The Presidential Working Group on e-Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Suriname National Digital Strategy 2023-2030 outlines a comprehensive framework to achieve a digitally transformative environment that benefits all citizens of Suriname. This journey is founded on inclusivity, international collaboration, and the strategic deployment of digital tools and resources. The strategy aims to leverage digital technology to drive economic prosperity, enhance public service delivery, and foster social well-being while addressing challenges associated with digital transformation.

The strategy is structured around six interlinked strategic priorities:

  1. Strengthening digital infrastructure: A robust digital infrastructure forms the backbone of the digital transformation journey. It includes digitizing data registries, establishing centralised data centers, and enhancing e-government services. This ensures interoperability, sustainability, and reduced dependency on external vendors.
  2. Providing affordable and accessible internet: By improving internet penetration, especially in underserved areas, the strategy addresses digital inclusion. Investments in technologies such as fiber optics, Wi-Fi hotspots, and satellite connectivity are pivotal. Legal reforms and infrastructure expansion ensure that connectivity is accessible and affordable to all.
  3. Delivering digital identity: Central to the strategy is the rollout of the e-ID system, which supports the digital economy and public service delivery. This includes integrating digital identities with financial systems and ensuring robust legislative frameworks to safeguard privacy and data security.
  4. Improving access to government services: Efforts focus on digitizing public services to enhance their accessibility and efficiency. Initiatives include creating interoperable systems, improving user experience, and promoting awareness to encourage adoption.
  5. Ensuring hybrid and distance learning: Digital technologies are utilised to expand access to education, especially in remote regions. Strengthening the digital literacy of educators and students, enhancing infrastructure, and developing e-learning platforms are key actions.
  6. Increasing citizen awareness and mindset shifts: To ensure inclusivity, the strategy emphasises creating a digitally literate population and fostering a culture of innovation. Targeted awareness campaigns, cybersecurity education, and stakeholder collaboration are central to these efforts.

Broader strategic framework

This strategy also involves:

  • Multistakeholder collaboration: Digital transformation is envisioned as a shared effort involving the government, private sector, and civil society.
  • Capacity development: Developing ICT skills in the workforce and fostering a culture that values digital innovation are vital.
  • Sustainability: Financial planning and legislative support are emphasised to ensure long-term impact and resilience.

Monitoring and evaluation frameworks align with these priorities to measure success and adapt to emerging needs.

The roadmap for implementation spans short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. In the short term (2023-2025), focus areas include filling infrastructure gaps, promoting e-ID usage, and improving digital literacy. Medium-term goals (2025-2027) prioritise scaling up services and establishing partnerships. Long-term objectives (2027-2030) envision regional integration and innovative solutions to sustain the digital transformation journey.

The strategy highlights the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI is framed as an indispensable tool for achieving Suriname’s broader digital transformation goals. Its applications are diverse, spanning sectors from education to oil and gas, reflecting the potential to enhance economic development, social progress, and the delivery of public services. However, the strategy also emphasises the importance of building local expertise in AI, ensuring data privacy, and fostering public awareness about its benefits and implications.

Here’s how the strategy addresses AI:

Data utilisation:
The strategy acknowledges AI’s role in leveraging big data for predictive modelling across various domains. This includes its ability to forecast trends, identify risks, and recommend actions based on historical and real-time data.

Education sector:
AI plays a critical role in personalising education delivery and streamlining administrative processes. The strategy acknowledges AI-based grading systems, predictive learning, and Learning Experience Platforms that offer curated educational content based on individual preferences and learning pace. It also highlights AI’s role in enhancing engagement through gamified and interactive learning experiences, which can motivate students and improve educational outcomes.

Healthcare sector:
AI is recognised as a driver of innovation in healthcare, particularly through predictive analytics and precision medicine. It supports healthcare providers by analysing patient data, predicting trends, and streamlining workflows. AI-powered tools, such as virtual health assistants and diagnostic systems, help optimise healthcare management, reduce the workload on healthcare professionals, and improve patient care.

Agriculture sector:
AI contributes to the development of precision agriculture, helping farmers optimise resource use and decision-making. AI tools can predict crop yields, identify diseases, and recommend best farming practices. These capabilities enable better planning, higher efficiency, and reduced costs for the agricultural sector.

Oil and gas sector:
AI supports data analytics, operational efficiency, and safety improvements in the oil and gas industry. For example, AI-powered systems can analyse large datasets to identify oil reserves, simulate structural designs, and optimise drilling processes. AI-based virtual assistants also provide quick solutions to operational challenges, reducing errors and costs.

Public service delivery:
AI’s potential in automating routine tasks, such as tax assessments and public service management, is emphasised. Chatbots and AI-powered virtual assistants can improve citizen-government interactions, reduce processing times, and increase the efficiency of public service delivery.