Digital Economy in Dominica

The Digital Economy in Dominica is emerging as a central pillar of the country’s long-term development strategy, driven by an ambitious transformation agenda that aims to modernise governance, expand employment, and boost business resilience. This effort, led by the Ministry of Public Works and the Digital Economy, is guided by the National Digital Transformation Strategy 2022–2026, a roadmap developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It is also aligned with broader regional efforts supported by the World Bank and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) under the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP).

Foundations of Dominica’s Digital Strategy

Dominica’s digital journey began with a Digital Readiness Assessment conducted in 2021, which laid the groundwork for a coordinated and inclusive digital economy framework. The strategy that followed is structured around three key domains: People, Business, and Government. These interconnected pillars reflect a national commitment to empowering citizens with digital skills, enabling enterprises to adopt technology, and modernising the delivery of public services through digital platforms.

A core principle of the strategy is inclusion, ensuring that remote communities, youth, the elderly, and marginalised groups are not left behind in the digital shift. This focus on equity is evident in launching programs like Work Online Dominica, which targets unemployed or underemployed individuals, and digital literacy workshops tailored for groups such as the Kalinago community.

Government and Governance in the Digital Age

Digital governance is a major focus of Dominica’s transformation. The country is taking bold steps to transition from manual public services to efficient e-government platforms. Ministries are now adopting digital tools for document management, communication, and public engagement. A major leap forward was the implementation of the Health Management Information System (HMIS) under CARDTP, which digitally links all public health centers and hospitals, enabling faster patient registration and more coordinated care.

Additionally, legislation has been introduced to regulate data protection, electronic transactions, and digital identity. These legal frameworks are essential in establishing public trust and ensuring compliance with international standards of cybersecurity and privacy. The digital identity initiative, in particular, is expected to streamline access to public services while improving transparency.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Reliable infrastructure is the backbone of any successful digital economy. Dominica is investing heavily in broadband expansion, with a focus on reaching underserved rural areas. In partnership with regional agencies and the World Bank, the country is strengthening its fiber optic networks, increasing bandwidth, and supporting disaster-resilient telecoms infrastructure. The government views internet access not as a luxury but as a fundamental right necessary for education, commerce, and civic participation.

The national digital backbone also includes a series of Community Resource Centres, digital learning hubs, and co-working spaces in key locations across the island. These centers provide access to high-speed internet and digital tools for those who may not have them at home, bridging the digital divide and fostering innovation at the grassroots level.

Empowering People through Digital Skills

The success of any digital strategy ultimately depends on the capacity of its people. Recognizing this, the government has launched several programs aimed at building digital skills and creating pathways to remote employment. Work Online Dominica is the flagship initiative in this regard. The 12-week program provides training in freelancing, digital marketing, virtual assistance, and other online skills, enabling participants to earn income from international clients.

Participants are selected through an application process, and many have gone on to secure work with clients in North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. Some graduates have even formed small businesses offering digital services, marking the beginning of a new type of economic activity on the island.

Other initiatives include introductory courses in coding and ICT for students, ongoing training for public servants, and specialized workshops for women and vulnerable youth. These are supported by partnerships with international NGOs and regional tech experts.

Business Innovation and SME Empowerment

Dominica’s private sector is being actively encouraged to embrace technology through targeted support and funding mechanisms. The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) has been instrumental in this regard, offering direct support to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through digital innovation grants, mentorship, and access to e-commerce platforms.

Rather than merely providing equipment, the program facilitates training in online business models, financial technology tools, customer relationship management software, and data analytics. Workshops have helped business owners transition from traditional brick-and-mortar models to online storefronts, many using locally developed platforms or international tools like Shopify, PayPal, and QuickBooks. This shift is also contributing to the formalization of informal businesses, with more entrepreneurs registering their operations to take advantage of government incentives and export opportunities.

Special focus has been placed on agro-processors, craft vendors, and creative industries. For example, farmers are now experimenting with mobile apps for inventory tracking and digital marketing of organic produce. In Portsmouth and Mahaut, fish vendors and seamstresses have begun digitizing their customer outreach using smartphones and WhatsApp Business accounts.

The rise of digital entrepreneurship is being supported by new incubation spaces and co-working labs. Some of these are based at Dominica State College, while others are part of wider regional hubs supported by the OECS Commission and international partners.

Cybersecurity and Legal Reforms

As Dominica’s digital ecosystem grows, so do concerns around online safety, data privacy, and digital fraud. Recognizing these challenges, the government has introduced several policy and legislative frameworks to secure its digital infrastructure and citizen data.

The Cybercrime Act has been updated to address emerging threats, and the establishment of a Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (CSIRT) is currently underway in partnership with regional cybersecurity agencies. The CSIRT will be tasked with monitoring digital threats, advising businesses and government agencies on data protection, and responding to breaches when they occur.

Data protection laws modeled after international standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are also being drafted, ensuring that citizens have rights over their personal information, and that organizations have clear obligations regarding its handling.

These legislative efforts are reinforced by public education campaigns on cyber hygiene, password safety, and phishing awareness—especially targeting youth, seniors, and public officers. Local banks and telecom providers have also joined these efforts to enhance online financial safety and protect customers from digital fraud.

Digital Inclusion in Education and Public Services

The education sector is one of the key beneficiaries of Dominica’s digital agenda. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and UNICEF, schools have been outfitted with computer labs, smart boards, and learning management systems. More than 100 educators have received training in online classroom tools and blended learning approaches.

Efforts are underway to integrate coding and digital problem-solving into the national curriculum. In 2023, pilot coding bootcamps were launched in partnership with Israel-based education firms, targeting upper-primary and secondary students. These camps are laying the foundation for a generation of tech-literate students who can participate in regional and global digital economies.

Meanwhile, the government continues to digitalize public services. Online portals for tax filing, business registration, passport applications, and bill payments are now either operational or in advanced development stages. The Government Digital Service Portal, expected to be fully launched in 2025, aims to provide a one-stop platform for citizens to interact with multiple government departments.

In the health sector, the Health Management Information System (HMIS)—currently implemented in over 50 clinics—has reduced wait times and improved data access. Medical practitioners now access patient histories and lab results through digital tablets, improving diagnosis and follow-up care.

Future Outlook and Development Trajectory

Dominica’s digital economy is poised for significant growth over the next decade, particularly as regional and international partners continue to provide support through funding, technical expertise, and knowledge-sharing platforms. Still, the country faces a number of hurdles, including connectivity gaps in remote communities, lack of locally available advanced tech skills, and resistance to change in some sectors.

To address these challenges, the government plans to:

• Expand rural broadband under the Universal Service Fund initiative.
• Launch an official digital ID card for all citizens and residents.
• Finalize the CSIRT and national data protection authority.
• Deepen ICT integration into teacher training and student testing.
• Facilitate fintech development, including mobile wallets and blockchain services for remittances.

The Ministry of Public Works and Digital Economy has also signaled intentions to explore smart-city concepts in Roseau, with features such as digital parking meters, sensor-based garbage collection, and solar-powered public Wi-Fi. These advancements, though modest compared to larger nations, represent meaningful steps toward the modernization of civic life in a small island developing state.

As global competition intensifies and digital markets evolve, Dominica’s strategy reflects not only a desire for economic diversification but also a recognition that survival and resilience in a climate-vulnerable region demand digital readiness. By investing in people, reforming institutions, and strengthening infrastructure, Dominica is carving out a place for itself in the global digital future.