As a lower-middle-income country in South-Eastern Asia, Timor-Leste faces a host of challenges that somewhat hinder its progress in digital governance. Of course, these challenges are not unique to this island-nation but reflect the broader struggles experienced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in enhancing their telecommunications infrastructure, online service provision, and human capital development.
Countries like Timor-Leste (seeking to uplift their economies) often face barriers in building telecommunications networks and expanding online services. This not only impacts their ability to connect globally but also limits opportunities for economic growth and human capital development.
How does digital Timor-Leste rank in international reports
According to the UN survey, Timor-Leste is classified with a middle Online Service Index (OSI), indicating moderate availability and quality of online services for its citizens.
Medium Telecommunication Infrastructure (TII) suggests that while there is connectivity, there is room for improvement in expanding and enhancing telecommunications networks across the country.
On the other hand, high Human Capital Index (HCI) reflects strong investment in education and skills development, which are very important for advancing digital initiatives. Lastly, middle E-Participation Index (EPI) signifies good participation of citizens on digital governance.
According to the UN e-government Knowledgebase, Timor-Leste ranked 147th in e-governance and 81st in e-participation out of 193 countries assessed in 2022. This placement underlines the country’s progress in providing digital government services and engaging citizens in decision-making processes. Notably, Timor-Leste has improved its e-participation ranking by 33 places over the span of two years (!!), highlighting its efforts to enhance civic engagement through digital platforms.
In the World Bank’s report on East Asia and Pacific countries, Timor-Leste is noted to have “some focus on GovTech,” alongside three other nations. This suggests that the country is exploring and investing in government technology solutions to improve service delivery and administrative efficiency. GovTech initiatives can streamline public sector operations and enhance transparency, ultimately benefiting both government agencies and citizens.
Connectivity remains a bit of a problem
With 742.4 thousand internet users and a penetration rate of 54.2%, it’s clear that a significant portion of the population remains offline in digital Timor-Leste. This suggests that despite increasing access, barriers like affordability, infrastructure limitations, and digital literacy still impact connectivity.
What I find interesting is the disparity between mobile connections and internet users. With 1.67 million mobile connections, surpassing the total population and reaching 122.1%, it indicates that many individuals have multiple SIM cards or devices. However, this doesn’t directly translate to internet access for everyone, as highlighted by the 627.8 thousand people who remained offline.
Factors like network coverage, data costs, and the relevance of digital services play crucial roles in determining who can effectively use the internet. It’s not just about having the hardware; it’s about ensuring affordable and reliable connectivity. This disparity highlights a significant digital divide within the country. While urban areas and some parts of the population might enjoy relatively good connectivity, rural and marginalized communities often face challenges in accessing and benefiting from digital resources and services.
What about digital literacy
When looking at digital literacy in Timor-Leste, there are several key points to consider. Nearly half of Timorese adults, about 46%, feel that technology is progressing faster than their ability to keep up. This sentiment is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where 54% of residents express concerns about falling behind compared to 37% in urban areas.
Moreover, the level of engagement with online government services remains remarkably low, with only 10% of adults having completed or submitted a government form online. This low engagement reflects broader challenges related to limited internet access and usage across the country.
In terms of digital and financial literacy, Timorese adults have achieved moderate levels, scoring an average of 20.47 out of a possible 52 points on the Digital and Financial Literacy (DFL) Index. This index – developed by UNCDF and UNDP in collaboration with Tebbutt Research – provides a snapshot of how well individuals understand and navigate digital and financial concepts.
This index, a barometer of sorts, highlights both progress and substantial gaps in equipping citizens with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Final thoughts
By embracing GovTech solutions and advancing e-participation, digital Timor-Leste has been laying a foundation for inclusive development and responsive governance. But… to further accelerate progress, continuous investment in telecommunications infrastructure and digital literacy programs will be essential. Strengthening these areas can ensure that all citizens, including those in remote areas, can fully access and benefit from digital services.
Sources:
https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-timor-leste?rq=timor-leste
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/171-Timor-Leste
