Analyzing e-Mongolia’s digital progress, I think it’s remarkable how, despite being a lower-middle-income country, it boasts above-average EGDI values.
EGDI (or E-Government Development Index) measures a country’s digital governance performance. Ranking 74th in e-government in 2022, according to the UN’s report, e-Mongolia has shown substantial improvement… particularly among landlocked nations.
In 2022, Mongolia experienced one of the most significant leaps in EGDI values and ranking, rising by more than 18 positions. This remarkable progress also extended to e-participation, with a notable jump of 30 positions. That’s pretty impressive progress in just two years.
Now, when we talk about Mongolia, we’ve got to consider its unique traits. It’s the second largest landlocked country globally, which means it doesn’t have direct access to the sea. Despite this, Mongolia manages to maintain a decent telecommunication infrastructure. But what really sets it apart is its high value in human capital.
What does that mean exactly? Well, it means Mongolia has a solid workforce. People here are well-educated and skilled. This is crucial because a strong human capital base can drive technological advancements and innovation, which are key components of a thriving e-government system.
More connected
e-Mongolia has really amped up its ICT infrastructure, especially in urban areas, and that’s making a noticeable impact on connectivity.
Data from the International Telecommunication Union shows a significant rise in mobile broadband subscriptions. From 2017 to 2022, subscriptions shot up from 80 to 118 per 100 people. That’s quite the leap!
Plus, over 99% of the population now has access to 4G/LTE networks, which is pretty impressive in terms of internet accessibility.
Now, let’s talk about online shopping.
It’s on the rise among Mongolians aged 15 years and older. In just that short span from 2017 to 2022, the percentage of people shopping online surged from 7% to 42%. That’s the highest growth rate among landlocked developing countries and one of the highest globally.
What does all this mean?
Well, it tells us that Mongolia is becoming more digitally connected. With better ICT infrastructure and increased internet accessibility, more people are getting online. And the spike in online shopping shows that people are embracing digital platforms for their everyday needs.
In my view, this shift towards greater connectivity not only reflects technological progress but also opens up new opportunities for economic growth and social development. It’s a sign that Mongolia is moving forward in the digital age, and that’s definitely something to keep an eye on.
Urban-rural divides and logistics challenges.
While Mongolia has made progress in its digital development, there are still hurdles to overcome, particularly when it comes to bridging the gap between urban and rural areas – both physically and digitally.
In rural parts of the country, access to reliable ICT infrastructure and the internet remains a challenge. This means people living in these areas might not have the same opportunities to connect and engage in the digital world as their urban counterparts.
Additionally, access to affordable financial services isn’t readily available for everyone, which can further widen the gap between different segments of the population.
Then there’s the issue of logistics. Mongolia’s vast and thinly populated landscape poses quite a challenge for e-commerce. With many roads being unpaved and no standardized address system, delivering goods becomes a logistical puzzle.
Add to that the limited transportation networks and tough weather conditions, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for costly and difficult deliveries.
So, despite the progress made, these challenges remind us that digital development isn’t evenly distributed. There’s still work to be done to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to the benefits of the digital age.
Finding solutions to these urban-rural divides and logistical hurdles will be crucial for Mongolia to fully leverage the potential of digital technologies for its economic and social advancement.
Final thoughts
Overall, I’m optimistic about Mongolia’s digital future. With a proactive approach to digital governance and a focus on inclusive development, Mongolia is poised to unlock new opportunities and drive progress for its people, economy and governance.
Sources:
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/113-Mongolia
