Boosting the digital economy in Small Island Developing Countries
TrainForTrade’s project TrainForTrade blended learning strategy to boost the digital economy in Small Island Developing States of Africa, the Caribbean and Asia and the Pacific (2022–2025) has been completed.
The project improved understanding of legal and practical aspects of the digital economy and boosted policymakers’ capacity to design policies that promote digital services and develop authentication methods.
Between February 2023 and July 2025, TrainForTrade organised three online courses:
– Digital identity for trade and development
– Legal aspects of e-commerce
– Statistics on the digital economy, e-commerce, and digital trade
These courses engaged 920 participants from 58 countries or territories. Sixty percent of the participants were women. The overall satisfaction rate was 87 percent. Participants posted 1212 messages on the discussion forum.
A final seminar for the course took place in Singapore in November. Participants finalized 18 policy recommendations to boost the digital economy in SIDS. These recommendations are listed in Chapter 5 of the Technical Cooperation Outcome document.
For many participants, this project served as an eye-opener to the digital economy.
“Before taking part, I did not understand the level of importance of the digital economy. We often focus too much on trade in goods and overlook that digital services and tools are major contributors to economies and trade. I hope to bring this matter to the attention of my government, since we currently do not collect much data on these growing sectors”, commented Joycelin Itza from BELTRAIDE, Belize.
“I am now equipped with practical tools to improve data systems, enhance policy coordination, and advocate for digital inclusion in my country. The workshop has reaffirmed my belief that accurate data and sound governance are not just technical goals but instruments of empowerment and progress for people and communities”, said Rushaa Banu Badaloo from the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“The overall course training strengthens the ability to go beyond simple definitions by offering strategic, actionable, and contextually grounded advice. This includes providing valuable insights into trade promotion and enhancing my communication and strategic planning skills in my work as an e-Trade Promotion Officer”, thought Baneawa Margret Moantau from the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Kiribati.
“This course allowed me to learn firsthand about the difficulties some nations face in the digital economy and data in general, as well as those that have advanced and adapted to the modern age. But it also helped me understand what needs to be prioritized in the trade department”, stated Catherine Francis from the Central Statistical Office, Ministry of Finance, Grenada.
The technical cooperation outcome of the project presents the background, results, and 18 policy recommendations.
