As global economic volatility rises, Caribbean countries are prioritising digital public infrastructure (DPI) as a core pillar of national resilience. This article highlights ways in which the region is moving from fragmented services to a seamless digital economy, and key strategies that can provide a blueprint for impactful and resilient development.

 

In an increasingly interconnected world, the phrase “digital public infrastructure” (DPI) is becoming a cornerstone of national development strategies. In the report of the recently concluded United Nations (UN) review of the World Summit on the Information Society outcomes, it was recognised as a critical driver of inclusive digital transformation and innovation.

Further across the Caribbean region and over the past year or so, the concept of DPI has been gaining visibility, with more sensitisation events being held and governments highlighting projects that are being implemented. But what exactly is DPI, and why is it drawing so much attention, especially in dynamic regions such as the Caribbean?

 

What is digital public infrastructure (DPI)?

At its core, DPI refers to the foundational digital systems that are essential for the functioning of a modern economy and society—essentially, the digital equivalent of roads, bridges, and utilities. It comprises three key layers:

  • Digital identity, with secure and verifiable digital identification systems for individuals and entities, thus allowing seamless and trusted interactions across various digital platforms.
  • Payments, with interoperable and real-time digital payment systems that facilitate financial transactions, from person-to-person transfers to business payments and government disbursements.
  • Data exchange, with secure and standardised platforms for the exchange of data, which ought to be aligned with privacy and data protection requirements, but enabling innovation and personalised services across sectors, including healthcare, education, and finance.

Beyond these core layers, DPI often includes components such as digital document vaults, consent management systems, and public notification platforms. The defining characteristics of effective DPI are its openness, interoperability, and the ability to be leveraged by both public and private sectors to build a wide array of services.

To that end, the significance of DPI cannot be overstated. Globally, it acts as a powerful accelerator that addresses a broad range of societal challenges. For example, it can facilitate increased financial inclusion to unbanked and underbanked populations by providing accessible and affordable digital payment options. Further, by implementing digital identity and data exchange systems, government services can be streamlined, bureaucracy reduced, and transparency enhanced, resulting in more efficient governance.

Additionally, a robust DPI ecosystem can foster economic growth and innovation by providing a fertile ground for startups and businesses to build new digital services, leading to job creation and economic diversification. Moreover, DPI can address social inequity by making essential services more accessible, thus helping to bridge digital divides and promote greater social equity.

 

DPI in the Caribbean: A region ripe for transformation

The Caribbean region, with its unique blend of small island developing states (SIDS) and developing countries, faces particular challenges and opportunities that make DPI especially crucial. In recent years, several national or regional DPI-driven initiatives have been or are in the process of being implemented, which have the potential to transform our societies.

First, several countries, including Barbados, Belize, the Cayman Islands, Guyana and Jamaica, are actively developing or implementing national digital identity (ID) systems. These initiatives aim to provide citizens with secure and verifiable digital IDs that can be used to access government services, open bank accounts, and participate in the digital economy. Further, there have been calls for these systems to adopt common standards to foster interoperability, with the potential to foster greater regional cohesion and ultimately, the realisation of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy.

Second, across the region and cognisant of the thrust towards seamless and whole-of-government, Caribbean governments have been investing in e-government portals to deliver a range of services online, from business registration to tax payments and permit applications.  Although these systems are still not fully integrated with comprehensive DPI, as reported in the UN’s most recently completed e-government surveys, these efforts can lay the groundwork for more seamless digital interaction, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity for both the government and the broad range of clients it serves.

Finally, the launch of the central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in The Bahamas (Sand Dollar) and Jamaica (JAM-DEX), and the piloting of DCash in the Eastern Caribbean, seek to reduce the use of cash, enhance financial inclusion and streamline transactions in the participating countries. However, to date, the initiatives have experienced limited adoption, as the enabling environment to allow CBDCs to thrive is still underdeveloped.

 

Key strategies for effective DPI deployment in the Caribbean

A recurring challenge across the Caribbean region is that innovative and potentially transformative projects are being implemented, yet they do not produce the results or the full benefits envisaged. Though there might be many reasons for this, as evidenced by the state of CBDCs in the countries in which they have been implemented, all too often, the supporting ecosystem is not addressed or improved, essentially undermining project success. Below are key strategies that could be adopted to improve the meaningful impact of DPI projects and initiatives.

First, to foster a vibrant ecosystem, existing silos must be broken down, and DPI components must be designed to be interoperable, allowing different systems and services to communicate seamlessly. For example, a government’s ministries, departments and agencies should not be implementing the same DPI component that uses different standards. Interoperability should be prioritised so that a seamless and connected government can (eventually) be realised. Further, adhering to open standards encourages innovation, prevents vendor lock-in, and provides opportunities for local tech entrepreneurship to create customised solutions.

Further, harmonised regional efforts could be encouraged, given the interconnectedness and interdependence of the Caribbean countries. Regional collaboration on DPI standards, policies, and initiatives can yield significant benefits, reduce duplication of effort and foster greater regional integration.

Second, trust is paramount for DPI adoption. Arguably, it is one of the reasons for the slow uptake of the CBDC in The Bahamas and Jamaica. Furthermore, noting the uptick in network breaches, data theft and ransomware incidents across the region, robust cybersecurity measures and strong data privacy regulations are essential to protect citizens’ information and build confidence in digital systems. As noted in the recently published 2025 cybersecurity maturity assessment conducted by the Inter-American Development Bank, although Caribbean countries’ cybersecurity posture has improved, there are still some significant deficiencies, especially in relation to cybersecurity culture and society (Dimension 1) and standards and technologies (Dimension 5).

Finally, it is crucial that DPI is designed with all citizens in mind, including those in rural areas, the elderly, individuals with disabilities and other marginalised constituencies. This may mean, to facilitate inclusion and accessibility, that among other things, offline alternatives, providing digital literacy training, and ensuring user-friendly interfaces are considered.

It must also be emphasised that digital literacy, though critical to ensure that all citizens are properly equipped to operate in an increasingly digital society, is not enough. A more comprehensive investment in human capital is essential. So, in addition to programmes to enhance digital literacy among the general population, there is also a need to develop specialised tech skills that will ensure that citizens and businesses can effectively utilise the DPI implemented.

 

The journey to fully realise the potential of DPI is ongoing, but for Caribbean countries and the region, it represents a profound opportunity to build more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous societies. However, DPI deployment is a complex undertaking. It thus requires careful and coherent strategies to implement robust digital public infrastructure through which the region can truly unlock its digital future.

 

 

Image credit: Gerd Altmann (Pixabay)