Lao PDR ranks ninth out of the ten ASEAN countries in terms of digital access, affordability, and quality of internet services.  To support the Government of Lao PDR (GoL) in understanding how digital interventions can continue to improve operational efficiency and user satisfaction, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has joined hands with the Ministry of Technology and Communications (MTC) to develop the Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA).

The official launching ceremony of the DMA report was held on August 3^rd 2022, chaired by H.E. Mr. Santisouk Simmalavong, Vice Minister of MTC and co-chaired by Ms. Ricarda Rieger, UNDP Resident Representative in Vientiane. The DMA is a strategic tool for assessing the digital readiness of systems, services and digital capacities to develop an innovative, open, agile and accessible digital government, through focused implementation of identified digital/information and communications technology (ICT) pilot projects.

H.E. Mr. Santisouk Simmalavong remarked, “As technology has rapidly developed, it is undeniable that we become a part of it. It helps to smooth out works and ease daily life. The technology Increases effectiveness on works in both central and provincial level during the pandemic of the covid-19. Given the Importance of the technology, the government of Lao PDR has encouraged digital readiness assessment as a base for digital development plan in order to align with the regional and global level.  Together with UNDP, this project is a part of the government's priority plan that has already started operating in 2021.”

The DMA framework is designed to help governments worldwide, in assessing their readiness to undertake digital transformation. It evaluates the current potential for digital government development across six key pillars including: Digital Maturity Assess Technology and Solutions; Policy and Regulations; Skills and Capacity Building; User Centricity; Service Definition and Delivery; and Institutional Framework and Collaboration. 

“We now know the current status of digitalization in government and need to use this as a base to help prioritize actions in support of the National Digital Economy Vision 2021 – 2040. As part of our commitment to leave no one behind, UNDP is engaging with these issues. While the government remains our main partner, we also engage with users and developers,” remarked Ms. Rieger. “The government could tap into the energy and creativity of young people to leapfrog and break barriers between authority and users.” She added.

Upon the completion of the DMA Launching, field trips to provinces will be conducted in order to disseminate the findings and discuss options for a masterplan.  UNDP will continue to collaborate and provide capacity building to MTC officials and establish a digitalized, modern system focusing on efficiency, effectiveness and user centricity.

To download the full report in English and Lao, please click here.

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For more information, please contact:

Ms. Aksonethip Somvorachit, UNDP Communications Analyst,

020 5502 1550,

aksonethip.somvorachit@undp.org