Benefits of DPI for SIDS, the Caribbean, and Trinidad and Tobago

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) holds remarkable promise, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including those in the Caribbean and Trinidad and Tobago. For SIDS, a robust DPI can transform the economic landscape by diversifying economies and fostering innovation. A recent research report by UNDP has shown that, by adopting finance-related DPI, countries could accelerate GDP growth by 20–33%, allowing them to hit economic targets two to three years earlier. For example, Togo’s Novissi program leveraged DPI to deliver contactless social protection payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing financial access for vulnerable groups. Overall, digital technologies are expected to contribute an astounding $1.36 trillion to developing countries’ GDPs by 2025, underscoring their potential for resilience.

Enhanced digital platforms also improve access to essential services and connectivity, which is crucial for SIDS, where mobile internet penetration averages around 63%. DPI also strengthens disaster resilience, a vital factor for island nations prone to natural disasters. Real-world systems like Bangladesh’s early warning system for cyclones have proven how digital platforms can deliver life-saving alerts in real time, minimizing damage and protecting communities.

In Trinidad and Tobago, DPI could enhance sectors like healthcare, education, finance, and agriculture. With a secure digital identity system, citizens can access services seamlessly, participating more fully in the economy and society. Schools can use digital platforms for better educational outcomes, while farmers can utilize digital tools to access markets and financial services, as seen with Kenya’s mobile money system, M-Pesa, which revolutionized financial inclusion for underserved populations by allowing users to send and receive money, pay bills, and access financial services directly through mobile phones, even without a traditional bank account.

Economic Growth and Job Creation

DPI not only improves access to services but also drives economic growth and job creation. Well-developed DPI can foster innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the tech sector. By 2030, 12–16% of the population in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) could gain access to digital payments, boosting economic activity and increasing GDP by 1–1.4%. In Brazil, the Pix payment system, which offers real-time, zero-fee transactions, has significantly increased financial inclusion and digital participation. Its accessibility and cost-effectiveness have encouraged widespread adoption, with over 140 Million registeredactive users, particularly among people who previously had limited access to banking services, boosting digital financial engagement across the country.  A similar system in Trinidad and Tobago could empower young entrepreneurs to launch startups or engage in freelancing, thus contributing to the local economy and creating a new generation of digital creators.

Promoting Transparency and Good Governance

DPI plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and good governance. E-government services built on open platforms can reduce corruption and inefficiencies, enhancing public trust. For instance, India’s Aadhaar digital identity system has been used to reduce leakages in government-to-person (G2P) transfers, saving billions in social welfare distribution. Similarly, as described in the UNDP economic report on the economic impacts of DPI, these systems could reduce Trinidad and Tobago’s G2P transfer leakages by 2–3%, redirecting significant resources to improve social protection programs. By making government processes more accessible and transparent, DPI enables citizens to hold governments accountable and engage more meaningfully in political and community affairs.

Tackling Societal Challenges

DPI is pivotal in addressing societal challenges in healthcare and education. Unified digital health records allow doctors to provide faster, more accurate care. Togo’s Novissi program, which used DPI to distribute social benefits by using machine learning algorithms to identify those most in need and disbursing payments directly through mobile money platforms, showed how digital infrastructure can quickly target and support vulnerable groups during crises. Similarly, Trinidad and Tobago could implement DPI in our healthcare and social welfare services to provide proactive and personalized benefits, digital health services and reduce administrative bottlenecks.

In education, DPI can bridge gaps by offering online learning platforms that provide quality education regardless of a student’s location. Digital platforms like India’s Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) have demonstrated how DPI can improve education access and outcomes by providing a versatile online platform that offers a wide range of learning resources, including interactive lessons, teacher training modules, and assessment tools, benefiting millions of students and teachers. 

The Future is Digital: Time to Invest in DPI!

So, what does the future hold for Trinidad and Tobago if we efficiently and safely leverage our Digital Public Infrastructure? Well, the potential is unlimited. By investing strategically in DPI, we can enhance economic growth, improve governance, and create a more inclusive society. We can give our citizens access to essential services, boost job creation, and unlock new opportunities for innovation.

In essence, it’s time for SIDS to invest intelligently in digital public infrastructure. Let’s protect our citizens’ identities, make transactions secure, and connect better than ever before! The journey to a brighter future is already underway, and with the right approach, we’ll harness the full power of technology to uplift our society.

At the “Digital Pathways for SIDS” Conference, UNDP, in collaboration with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and CAF Development Bank, announced the launch of a Digital Support Facility for the Caribbean, aimed at providing technical assistance and financial support for digital development in the region. This Facility will serve as a comprehensive resource for Caribbean countries, facilitating the adoption of advanced digital technologies and fostering collaboration to address common challenges and enhance digital transformation across multiple nations.

In the end, Digital Public Infrastructure isn't just about tech for tech’s sake; it’s about building a better quality of life for everyone in our islands. It’s about bridging the digital divide, ensuring that no one is left behind as we move forward. So, let’s open our minds to the possibilities, advocate for change, and work towards unlocking the full potential of digital public infrastructure. It's time to embrace our digital future, leaving no one behind!