Latest news with #E-GovernmentDevelopmentIndex
Morocco World
17 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Kazakhstan's Digital Leap: From E-Government Pioneer to AI Stalwart
Rabat — In less than a decade, Kazakhstan has transformed itself from a resource-driven economy into one of Central Asia's most ambitious digital innovators. What began in 2017 with the launch of the Digital Kazakhstan strategy has grown into a sweeping national project reshaping government, finance, education, and entrepreneurship. Since then, the country has been positioning itself as a potential leader in the global AI race. Kazakhstan's digital strategy is set out to bring services online, close the digital divide, and use technology to boost growth. Today, officials can claim real progress: more than 92% of public services are now available online. Through the electronic government portal and mobile app, used by around 11 million people, citizens can access over 1,200 services, from applying for passports to registering vehicles. This digitization push has catapulted Kazakhstan into the top 10 globally for online public services and lifted it to 24th place in the UN's E-Government Development Index — ahead of Germany, China, and Australia. The country has successfully installed fibre-optic lines in more than 1,200 rural areas, 918 5G base stations have gone live, and broadband now reaches over 4,800 remote settlements. In healthcare, medical records are digitized, and sick leave can be processed online. Parents can enroll children in kindergartens without leaving home. Drivers can report accidents through the Europrotocol mobile app. Digital ID systems now underpin much of public administration. Banking without branches The financial sector has been just as transformed. In 2018, only a quarter of Kazakhstan's population used online banking. However, the country's strategy led to a surge to nearly 100% by 2024. The share of digital transactions jumped from 7% to 89% in the same period. Average per-capita digital financial activity, measured in transaction value, rose from around $20 in 2014 to about $13,800 in 2023. Now, the country is piloting the Digital Tenge — a central bank digital currency (CBDC) that runs on an open-source distributed ledger. It allows tokenised currency to be stored in offline digital wallets, promising financial access even without an internet connection. Betting big on AI If e-government was phase one of Kazakhstan's transformation, phase two is artificial intelligence. In 2024, the government launched the AI Development Concept (2024-2029), setting the legal and infrastructural groundwork for AI adoption in the country's vital sectors, namely governance, industry, and education. The investment? Central Asia's most powerful supercomputer, unveiled in July this year, is set to support universities, startups, and private enterprises working on AI projects. Called the Astana Hub, it is already home to over 1,300 startups from 28 countries and generated around $270 million in revenue just last year. The government has launched the Qazaqstan Venture Group, a $1 billion investment fund, alongside Astana Hub Ventures. Talent for a digital economy The Tech Orda program aims to train 20,000 IT specialists by 2029 across 18 regional IT hubs. Initiatives such as TECHNOWOMEN, Tech Girls, and She Commerce aim to bring more women into tech, while programs spread skills beyond major cities. Partnerships with global education platforms are also paying off in boosting the country's educational strategy. A collaboration with Coursera in October 2024 has integrated online courses into university curricula, replacing or supplementing over 3,000 courses across 93 institutions. By the end of 2023, 46,000 learners had earned 73,000 certificates, often in fields like AI, data science, and business technology. Economic gains and gaps In its first two years, Digital Kazakhstan generated nearly US $2 billion in returns and created 120,000 jobs. Approximately 82% of public services are automated, which cuts costs and reduces corruption risks. Yet adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises remains low , with only about 11% using advanced digital technologies. Meanwhile, connectivity challenges persist in some remote areas, and regulatory frameworks for AI and blockchain are still developing. Central Asia's emerging tech leader Among its neighbors, Kazakhstan stands out for the speed and scope of its transformation. Observers say its experience offers lessons for other emerging economies: invest early in digital public infrastructure, build talent alongside technology, and treat digital transformation as a cross-government priority. A digital identity In Astana's government complexes, digital transformation is now the default. In villages, farmers apply for permits via smartphone. In Almaty, young programmers experiment with AI on the national supercomputer. Not only is Kazakhstan's story about technology, but it is mainly about reshaping the relationship between citizens, the state, and the economy, addressing the whole structure in the Central Asian country. Whether the country can turn early momentum into lasting leadership will depend on bringing the private sector along and ensuring the benefits of its digital revolution reach all corners of its vast territory. Tags: AI transition in KazakhstanKazakhstanKazakhstan AI
GMA Network
30-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
PH bags UN E-Government Award for improved digital governance
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for E-Government David Almirol Jr. receives the UN E-Government Award for the Philippines from officials of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) during the 2025 UN Public Service Forum held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in June 2025. Courtesy: UNDESA via RTVM The Philippines was recognized by the United Nations for its progress in digital governance. The country's ranking in the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) has improved from 2022 to 2024, a UN report stated. The UN E-Government Award was conferred to the Philippines by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) during the 2025 UN Public Service Forum held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. It was indicated in the report that the Philippines has improved its classification from 'High' to 'Very High' after increasing its spot in the EGDI global ranking. Further, its rank also moved from 'High' to 'Very High' in the Online Service Index (OSI) after achieving an increase of over 15% between 2022 and 2024. ''These countries have made significant progress in their digital transformation journeys, focusing on enhancing their telecommunications infrastructure, improving online services, and investing in human capital development,'' the report stated. ''They have implemented various strategies and initiatives to boost their digital capabilities, such as expanding broadband access, developing e-government platforms, and promoting digital literacy among their populations,'' it added. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for E-Government David Almirol Jr. underscored that these milestones reflect the government's sustained efforts to digitalize public services as well as make them more accessible and secure. 'This global recognition by the UN validates the Philippines' digital transformation roadmap under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aligning with his vision to make government services more efficient, inclusive, and future-ready,' Almirol said in a press release. Almirol said the recognition follows the successful rollout of several major digital platforms by the DICT, particularly the eGov PH Super App, which has more than 13 million users and offers 47 integrated service modules with over 150 million transactions. The eGovDX platform, meanwhile, has facilitated over 500 million transactions connected to more than 1,000 national and local government agency systems. —KG, GMA Integrated News
Euronews
24-06-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Digital inclusion, not illusion: How govts transform public sector
This week, Uzbekistan's historic city of Samarkand became more than just a host city. As the 2025 UN Public Service Forum opened its doors for the first time in the country, it became a stage for a vital question facing governments worldwide. How do public administrations serve better, faster, and fairer in the digital age? Albania's minister of public administration and anticorruption, Adea Pirdeni, who attended the Forum, told Euronews about the country's digital journey, from began with just a handful of online services to a full-scale transformation. 'When Albania began its digital transformation in 2013, just 13 public services were available online. Today, that number exceeds 1,200, covering over 95 per cent of all services', said Pirdeni. 'Digital services reduce corruption by removing physical interaction, cutting queues, and creating transparency. Citizens no longer wonder who's behind the counter. They simply get the service'. Pirdeni emphasised the importance of accessibility, noting Albania's efforts to support elderly citizens and those with impairments. 'Efficiency means little without inclusivity,' she added. She also said old habits mean civil servants can resist innovation. 'It's not rejection. It's habit. That's why we train them in AI, challenge bureaucratic thinking, and encourage them to become reformers themselves'. Albania is now developing AI-powered tools to improve public procurement transparency and training public servants to adopt generative AI across government functions — a move supported by international partners. 'Digital systems are only as effective as the people who use them,' Pirdeni said. Uzbekistan's digital momentum Host country Uzbekistan used the Forum to spotlight its own progress. In just two UN assessment cycles, it jumped 24 positions in the global E-Government Development Index. With over 760 services now available via a unified online portal, and more than 11 million users, the country has built what the country's digital technologies minister Sherzod Shermatov called a 'citizen-first' system. 'We've created a digital government platform that processes over 12 million requests a day,' Shermatov said. 'And we're just getting started. By 2025, IT exports will hit 1 billion dollars, and we're launching a national cloud platform and training one million AI prompters'. The country's GovTech strategy now integrates over 390 services from 49 government agencies through a single digital ecosystem. Uzbekistan also plans to build 20 data centres in partnership with private investors, aiming to boost capacity and ensure digital resilience. According to Shermatov, these steps are part of a broader shift toward smarter governance - one where automation, open data, and public trust go hand in hand. Mobile public service centres In Georgia,** digital access is no longer limited to urban centres. The country's justice minister, Georgia Paata Sali, described how the country's mobile public service centres, vans equipped with full digital infrastructure, bring over 500 services to rural communities. Their new e-wallet initiative aims to give every citizen access to digital documents through biometric authentication. 'These tools make our system more efficient,' Salia said, 'but they also reconnect people to the state, especially those who felt left behind'. Georgia has also introduced a law on data protection, established an oversight body to regulate privacy, and created online platforms that allow citizens to transfer property or access notary services without visiting an office. Trust, paper, and transformation Not all states are at the same stage. 'In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we still use too much paper,' said the country's justice minister, Davor Bunoza. 'But the path is clear. Digital tools are crucial for restoring trust in public institutions, especially after years of complexity and fragmentation'. Bunoza noted that with Bosnia and Herzegovina recently entering EU accession negotiations, there is growing momentum to reform the justice sector and modernise public administration. He pointed to Uzbekistan's progress as a source of encouragement, particularly in reducing bureaucracy and investing in citizen-facing platforms. Collaboration over competition Held under the theme 'Five years to 2030 accelerating public service delivery for a sustainable future,' the UN Public Service Forum brought together ministers, technologists, and reformers from more than 100 countries. With Uzbekistan hosting the event for the first time, the gathering underscored how digital transformation is becoming the default agenda not just in capitals but across continents. Saida Mirziyoyeva, who has recently been appointed as head of the presidential administration, delivered the official speech on behalf of the President of Uzbekistan at the opening of the UN Public Service Forum. In his address, the President emphasised the urgency of transforming public service in light of global challenges such as climate change, political tensions, and digital threats. He highlighted Uzbekistan's ongoing reforms, including a new Public Service Law, increased women's participation in public administration (now 35 per cent), and the expansion of online services through a one-stop 'single window' system. He noted that Uzbekistan rose 24 places in the UN's global e-government ranking and proposed launching two international initiatives: a Global Knowledge Centre for Digital Transformation in Public Service and an International School for Young Leaders. The President expressed hope that the Samarkand Declaration would become a roadmap for inclusive, people-centred public service reforms worldwide. The country's 208 Public Service Centres and the national portal were often mentioned in discussions as examples of accessible design. These platforms are used not only by individuals but also by businesses and regional governments, illustrating how digital public infrastructure can scale. 'We see ourselves as part of a global community,' said Shermatov. 'Digital transformation isn't a race, it's a collective responsibility,' he added.
Tahawul Tech
10-02-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Cloudera showcases key solutions to accelerating Saudi Arabia's Digital Economy
As the Kingdom accelerates its digital economy initiatives, Cloudera, the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics and AI, is set to spotlight cutting-edge solutions tailored for key sectors, including government, telecommunications, banking, energy, and smart cities at LEAP 2025. These advancements aim to drive increased adoption of AI, data governance, and scalable cloud technologies, directly supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 transformation. The Middle East's cloud market, especially in Saudi Arabia, is experiencing rapid growth. The public cloud market is projected to reach $2.82 billion by 2025, with a 16.54% annual growth rate from 2025 to 2029, potentially expanding to $5.19 billion by the end of the period. This expansion is driven by Saudi Arabia's commitment to digital transformation and its vision of a data-driven economy. As part of the government's cloud-first policy, major investments are being made in AI. The Saudi government's most recent submission to the UN for the E-Government Development Index (EDGI) reveals significant investment in digital transformation, with AI serving as a crucial pillar of its technological accomplishments. Ahmad Issa, Regional Vice President Cloudera Middle East, says, 'We are committed to helping organizations across various sectors to unlock the full potential of their data while ensuring security, scalability, and compliance. LEAP 2025 offers a good opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment and accountability within the industry. As Saudi Arabia accelerates its transition to a knowledge-based economy, we are keen to contribute to its ambition with our true hybrid platform, which nurtures innovation while effectively addressing ethical and security concerns.' Cloudera's presence in the Kingdom has continued to grow, as it meets the evolving needs of customers by delivering innovative, best-in-class solutions that empower businesses to stay ahead in a rapidly growing digital era. The business performance and strong outlook has solidified Cloudera as one of the market leaders. Cloudera's innovations at LEAP 2025 will specifically highlight the role of AI, data analytics, and hybrid cloud technologies in transforming Saudi enterprises. Attendees can connect with Cloudera experts to explore real-world applications of these technologies, designed to harness data for smarter decision-making and accelerate digital transformation in the Kingdom. Image Credit: Cloudera
TECHx
08-02-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Cloudera Showcases AI & Data Solutions at LEAP 2025 - TECHx Media Cloudera Showcases AI & Data Solutions at LEAP 2025
Cloudera Showcases AI & Data Solutions at LEAP 2025 News Desk - Share As Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital economy initiatives, Cloudera, the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI, is set to showcase cutting-edge solutions at LEAP 2025. The company will highlight innovations tailored for key sectors, including government, telecommunications, banking, energy, and smart cities, supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 transformation. The Middle East's cloud market is experiencing rapid growth, with Saudi Arabia at the forefront. The Kingdom's public cloud market is projected to reach $2.82 billion by 2025, growing at an annual rate of 16.54% from 2025 to 2029, potentially expanding to $5.19 billion by the end of the period. This surge is driven by Saudi Arabia's commitment to digital transformation and its cloud-first policy, which prioritizes AI and data governance. Recent submissions to the UN's E-Government Development Index (EDGI) highlight the Saudi government's significant investment in AI and digital transformation, positioning technology as a key pillar of its future economic vision. Ahmad Issa, Regional Vice President of Cloudera Middle East, emphasized the company's role in this transformation: 'We are committed to helping organizations across various sectors unlock the full potential of their data while ensuring security, scalability, and compliance. LEAP 2025 provides a key opportunity for us to showcase our innovations and reinforce our accountability within the industry. As Saudi Arabia transitions to a knowledge-based economy, we are eager to contribute with our true hybrid platform that fosters innovation while addressing ethical and security concerns.' Cloudera continues to expand its presence in the Kingdom, delivering best-in-class solutions that empower businesses to stay ahead in an increasingly digital landscape. At LEAP 2025, the company will spotlight AI, data analytics, and hybrid cloud technologies, demonstrating their impact on transforming Saudi enterprises. Attendees can engage with Cloudera experts to explore real-world applications designed to harness data for smarter decision-making and accelerate digital transformation in Saudi Arabia.
