Gamechangers for T&T: UN Collaboration on Digitalisation

Trinidad and Tobago has made significant progress in digitalisation, underpinned by strong political will and a clear commitment to leveraging technology for development. The country benefits from high internet penetration and extensive smartphone coverage, providing a solid foundation for digital transformation. With well-established infrastructure and a tech-savvy population, Trinidad and Tobago is poised to expand its digital economy. Additionally, ongoing initiatives in e-governance, digital financial services, and innovation hubs demonstrate the nation's growing capacity and readiness to harness digital tools for economic growth and improved public services. These advancements position Trinidad and Tobago as a regional leader in digital transformation.

That said, digital transformation in Trinidad and Tobago faces significant challenges. Public sector processes often operate in silos, impeding evidence-based decision-making and the efficient delivery of services such as education, healthcare, and social protection. Furthermore, the country’s digital economy remains underdeveloped, limiting the innovation and economic diversification opportunities that can arise through the adoption of e-money and online banking. In fact, the National Financial Inclusion Survey found that 75% of people have savings, but 82% of those savings are kept in cash, leaving many vulnerable to crime. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also struggle to adopt digital payment systems, reducing their competitiveness. Social service delivery and healthcare are also in the early stages of adapting to modern data processing and service delivery models.

UN Engagement

The UN stepped in to address these gaps, recognising digital transformation as a critical lever for sustainable development. Efforts have been geared towards enhancing digital infrastructure, improving governance frameworks, and fostering inclusive digital economies.

Drafted by UNESCO, the Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap for the Caribbean is providing ethical guidelines for digital transformation. A new National Digital Economy Strategy, prepared by UNCDF, aims to enable digital finance and foster economic growth.

Promoting advanced technological solutions, UNICEF launched the DataNETT Platform for the Central Statistical Office, allowing members of the public and policymakers to access a user-friendly dashboard for all nationally approved data and statistics.

FAO rolled out a system of e-extension and online repository services for farmers, giving them digital tools for real-time support on crop production. FAO also helped integrate digital data collection at farms and produce markets to make value chain information more accessible, thereby reducing the cost of data collection and generating crucial information to guide decision-making.

In the health sector, the Pharmaceuticals Inventory System was improved by UNFPA to prevent stock shortages in public hospitals. Robots were introduced as a pilot programme by PAHO/WHO to support healthcare personnel in their work at T&T’s hospitals.

To support more efficient processing of refugee needs, UNHCR implemented a virtual filing system and a zero-paper policy. They also introduced a QR code in refugees' ID documents, allowing law enforcement units to verify the authenticity of documents from their phones.

UNCDF has supported the development of the digital economy through its work on a National Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth through the productive utilisation of digital technology.
UNDP developed the national e-ID platform and enhanced the efficiency of government service delivery through better interoperability among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, UNDP supported better project management and reporting across major projects under the Ministry’s purview. Additionally, across four government agencies, UNDP assisted with the rollout of digital processes and services that could facilitate online delivery of core government services for citizens.

A National Register of Vulnerable Persons was developed by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, the UWI Health Economics Unit, and UNDP. This register will help decision-makers more effectively target vulnerable people who may require assistance from the social protection system. Similarly, UNDP piloted a mobile wallet with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services for members of society to apply for and receive emergency benefits using their mobile phones, increasing the speed and convenience of access to benefits for those in greatest need.

Promoting the use of big data analytics, in 2023, the UN country team hosted the Caribbean's first Big Data Forum. In 2024, the UNDP-led SIDS 2.0 conference for the Caribbean brought UN system experts together with government, international financial institutions, and private sector leaders to chart a digital transformation pathway for the region.
In 2022, UNDP conducted an evaluation of the country’s digital strengths and opportunities to provide a baseline for the development of the National Digital Strategy and Roadmap.

Impact of the Intervention

The impact of UN actions has been significant.

First, there has been enhanced good governance. Collaborations with public sector partners have improved public service delivery through e-governance platforms and more streamlined processes, alongside data-driven policymaking and stronger transparency and accountability.

Additionally, in the pursuit of more effective social protection, the monitoring and targeting of social services for vulnerable populations, including children and survivors of gender-based violence, have improved. Farmers gained direct access to technical tools and guidance, boosting productivity and resilience. Public hospitals reduced pharmaceutical shortages, ensuring uninterrupted patient care. In terms of economic diversification, the ongoing cooperation with UNCTAD to have the first e-commerce policy will position Trinidad and Tobago as a potential regional hub for digital trade.

Trade-offs and Challenges

While promoting digitalisation, the UN must always consider the digital divide, the cost of connectivity, and the risk of marginalisation for populations with limited access to digital tools. Ensuring equitable access to digital tools and infrastructure remains a challenge. Data roaming is expensive, and laptops and tablets are unaffordable for more than one-third of families.

A major challenge in rolling out complex solutions is access to development funding and financing. As a high-income country, Trinidad and Tobago has limited ODA or concessional financing for large-scale digital projects.
This is where partnerships can help overcome challenges.

Citizens can evolve from being consumers to creators, adding value to the digital economy – even as knowledge workers.

Support for the most vulnerable – whether the elderly, who may need digital literacy education, or those in rural areas, who may struggle with access to digital networks – will be crucial in overcoming the digital divide. Innovative approaches, such as low-cost, community-based solutions, can bring people and businesses into a participatory, collaborative process that meets local needs.

Within government, more seamless coordination across various ministries and national institutions requires alignment in strategies, systems, and priorities – all while maintaining a people-centred approach. This can help avoid fragmentation and inefficiencies.

In conclusion, UN Trinidad and Tobago’s coordinated efforts in digital transformation highlight the importance of multilateral partnerships and multi-sectoral approaches to overcome systemic challenges. By supporting Trinidad and Tobago's digitalisation agenda, the UN has facilitated more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable development pathways.