Caribbean digital transformation faces infrastructure challenges

Digital transformation efforts across the Caribbean are gaining momentum, driven by the potential for economic growth and the adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, and the Internet of Things. Projections from the GSMA’s Mobile Economy Caribbean 2026 report suggest that mobile technologies and services could contribute approximately US 23 billion to the region by 2030.

However, experts warn that digital ambitions like data sovereignty and AI readiness require a stable foundation. In The Bahamas, Opposition Senator Rick Fox has emphasized that pursuing a digital economy is unfeasible without addressing persistent electricity outages, suggesting that countries must first achieve “power sovereignty and grid sovereignty.”

Successful implementation depends on robust physical infrastructure, including resilient energy grids, high-speed broadband, and submarine cable redundancy. While the Caribbean Telecommunications Union is prioritizing AI, cybersecurity, and digital governance, the region must overcome geographical barriers and ensure reliable power to support data centers and digital public services.