Tonga, along with Fiji and Palau, stands out in Oceania for being in the high EGDI (E-Government Development Index) group according to the UN survey. This is a notable achievement, considering the unique challenges faced by small island nations.
The EGDI itself is a composite indicator that provides insights into the state of e-government development across countries. It consists of several key components.
First, there is the Online Service Index (OSI), which for Tonga is categorized as medium. This indicates that while there are some online services available, there is significant room for improvement in terms of accessibility, comprehensiveness, and user-friendliness.
The Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII), also rated as medium for Tonga, suggests that the foundational infrastructure necessary for effective e-governance is not yet fully developed. This could include internet connectivity, mobile network coverage, and other essential telecommunications services.
In stark contrast, Tonga boasts a very high Human Capital Index (HCI), reflecting a well-educated population capable of engaging with and benefiting from digital services. Despite this strength, the E-Participation Index (EPI) is only middling, pointing to a gap in how effectively the population can engage with and influence governmental processes through digital means.
How does digital Tonga rank?
According to the UN E-Government Knowledgebase, Tonga ranked 124th in e-governance and 132nd in e-participation out of 193 countries assessed back in 2022 (which is the latest report available.) This ranking highlights that while Tonga has made some kind of progress, there’s a considerable journey ahead in terms of digital governance and involving its citizens in e-participation initiatives.
Moreover, according to the World Bank report on East Asia and Pacific countries, Tonga (along with six other nations) shows “some focus on GovTech.” This means that Tonga is beginning to recognize the importance of leveraging technology to enhance government operations and service delivery. However, “some focus” is a far cry from a strong, strategic commitment. For Tonga to truly transform, it must move beyond tentative steps and embrace a more aggressive approach to GovTech.
Connectivity in Tonga
As of the start of 2024, there were 62.2 thousand internet users in digital Tonga. This means that internet penetration stood at 57.5%. Now…that’s more than half of the population, which is quite significant for a small island nation. But it also means that 46.0 thousand people in Tonga were not using the internet at the start of the year. So, about 42.5% of the population remained offline, which is quite a sizable portion.
Interestingly, the number of social media users in Tonga was even higher. In January 2024, there were 66.5 thousand social media users, equating to 61.4% of the total population. This tells me that social media is a huge part of daily life for many Tongans. They might be using social media platforms for staying connected with friends and family, sharing news, or even conducting business.
Also, the cellular mobile connections in Tonga are another point of interest. There were 117.6 thousand active cellular mobile connections in early 2024. This figure is equivalent to 108.7% of the total population. It’s clear that many Tongans have more than one mobile connection, perhaps for different purposes like work and personal use.
But what does all this mean for Tonga? On one hand, it shows that there is a strong foundation for digital connectivity. More than half the population is online, and the majority are active on social media. Plus, the number of mobile connections suggests that the infrastructure for mobile communication is robust.
On the other hand, the fact that 42.5% of the population is still offline points to a significant digital divide. This could be due to various reasons like affordability, lack of digital literacy, or limited access to infrastructure in remote areas.
For Tonga, bridging this gap is essential. Ensuring that more people have access to the internet can open up numerous opportunities for education, business, and social engagement. It can also enhance the delivery of e-government services, making them more accessible to the entire population.
The state of the digital economy according to UNCDF
In 2021, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) initiated its first Inclusive Digital Economy Scorecard (IDES) data collection in Tonga, making it the second country in the Pacific to participate in this effort. The Digital Economy Score (DES) in 2022 in Tonga, which indicates the level of development of the digital economy, stood at 53%.
The government policy and regulation component scored 61%, reflecting the country’s dedication to creating a conducive environment for digital growth. This score indicates that Tonga is on the right track but still has room for improvement in terms of policy and regulatory frameworks to further support digital transformation.
When it comes to infrastructure, Tonga scored 59%. This score reflects the country’s significant investments in internet connectivity, having good coverage thanks to fiber optic and satellite connections from international private sector companies like Star link. What’s more… Tonga has implemented a national ID system that allows citizens to identify themselves easily, facilitating access to services from both the public and private sectors. Also, the widespread penetration of mobile phones among the population has also contributed to this relatively fair infrastructure score.
Another notable aspect of Tonga’s digital economy is its focus on education. The country’s score of 63% on the Skills component highlights just that. With free education provided for the first 12 years of a child’s life, coupled with appropriate curriculums at primary and secondary schooling levels, digital Tonga is laying a solid foundation for a digitally literate population.
Final thoughts
The nation’s strong educational infrastructure, as highlighted by the Very High HCI, provides a solid base to build upon. However, the moderate telecommunication infrastructure and online services need significant investment and development.
Sources:
https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-tonga?rq=tonga
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/173-Tonga
