Digital Kyrgyzstan is one of those lower-middle-income nations with remarkable progress when it comes to e-governance.
With a high Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII), very high Human Capital Index (HCI), and high E-Participation Index (EPI), Kyrgyzstan is systematically applying digital methods, both within the government and beyond.
Looking at specific indices, the high TII signifies a significant investment in technological infrastructure. This investment lays a crucial groundwork for further digitalisation efforts… enabling better connectivity and access to digital services across the country.
Also, the very high HCI and high EPI reflect a well-educated and engaged population when it comes to digital matters. This indicates that Kyrgyzstan is investing not only in technology but also in developing the skills and capabilities of its people to utilise digital tools and platforms effectively.
In fact, in the UN’s E-Government survey of 2022, digital Kyrgyzstan ranked 81st out of 193 countries assessed. This shows that the country is on the right track in terms of its digital development, building strong foundations and structures to benefit both the government and the people.
Internet access and connectivity in digital Kyrgyzstan
Analysing internet access in Kyrgyzstan, I think it’s evident that there’s been significant growth in recent years.
With 6.5 million active subscribers out of a population of 7 million back in 2022, it’s clear that internet usage is becoming increasingly widespread. In 2021, there were 5.8 million subscribers.
However, I would add that there are some concerns regarding the reliability of the data provided by the Ministry of Digital Development’s Service for the Regulation and Supervision of the Communications Sector (SRSCS). Some analysts have questioned the accuracy of the SRSCS’s figures, especially since they rely on data from service providers.
For instance, according to data from DataReportal in February 2023, Kyrgyzstan’s internet penetration rate was reported to be 77.9% or 5.21 million users. Which is lower than the figures provided by the SRSCS.
This raises questions about the true extent of internet access in the country and highlights the importance of using multiple sources for assessing such metrics.
Additionally, while internet access may be more readily available, I believe there are disparities in the quality of connections. Mobile internet connections, for example, are noted to be slower and of lower quality compared to fixed-line connections. According to data from Ookla’s Speedtest in May 2023, the median download speed on mobile internet was just 26.65 Mbps, whereas fixed-line connections boasted a median download speed of 55.25 Mbps.
While internet access is becoming more accessible in digital Kyrgyzstan, there are still challenges to overcome, particularly in ensuring consistent and high-quality connections, especially on mobile networks. Addressing these challenges will be important for further improving internet access and connectivity in the country.
International support and funding
Kyrgyzstan has been receiving significant international support and funding to boost its digital transformation efforts.
For instance, under the EU-funded twinning project “Support to Digitalisation Agenda in Kyrgyzstan,” experts from Estonia, Finland, and Italy provided over 900 days of consultations and engaged hundreds of government officials through seminars, meetings, and workshops between 2021 and 2023. This initiative aimed to enhance digital capabilities and promote the adoption of best practices in digital governance.
Moreover, at the beginning of 2024, the World Bank approved an additional $7 million in financing for the ongoing Digital Central Asia South Asia (Digital CASA) project in the Kyrgyz Republic. This funding supplements the original $50 million Digital CASA – Kyrgyz Republic Project, which was initiated in March 2018.
The project should facilitate the country’s digital transformation by:
– improving internet accessibility,
– encouraging private investment in the ICT sector,
– and enhancing the delivery of digital government services.
Final thoughts
Overall, I’m optimistic about Kyrgyzstan’s digital prospects. With continued investment, education, and strategic planning, I believe the country has the potential to leverage technology effectively to drive socio-economic development and enhance the well-being of its citizens.
Alongside infrastructure development, I think it’s important to focus on raising awareness and educating citizens about the benefits of digital services. By deploying systematic approaches to education and awareness-raising, more people can understand and take advantage of the digital services provided by the government.
Sources:
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/91-Kyrgyzstan
https://education-profiles.org/central-and-southern-asia/kyrgyzstan/~technology
