A decree to digitally forge a new chapter in development for Laos

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In the heart of Southeast Asia, Lao PDR (Laos) is making strides in an ambitious journey to transform its government and society through digitalisation. 

Recognising the importance of digital transformation, President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, issued a decree in 2023 to establish the Lao National Digital Transformation committee to spur social and economic development in the country, chaired by nation’s Prime Minister along with 21 other senior government officials. 

“We recognise that in today's interconnected world, digital technology is not merely an enabler but a driver of economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development,” says Vannapha Phommathansy, Deputy Director General of the Digital Government Center in Lao PDR, (Laos) to GovInsider. 

Operating under the Ministry of Technology and Communications (MTC), Phommathansy highlights DGC’s key role as the focal point for digital governance in the country. 

“We work towards establishing a whole-of-government approach to digital transformation by developing legal frameworks, implementing digital platforms, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration,” she says. 

Beyond her team, department, and ministry, Laos is actively scripting a new chapter in its development where digital transformation holds potential to fundamentally reshape its government and society.   

An architect of change 

Coordinating across a slew of short-, medium-, and long-term blueprints, the Laotian digital transformation agenda aims to digitalise public services through three main pillars: digital economy, digital society, and digital government.

On its digital government pillar, Phommathansy shares that Laos has made substantial progress by enacting multiple laws and has developed a robust legal and regulatory framework to foster digital transformation - from payment systems to telecommunications. 

On its digital economy, Phommathansy sees this pillar as a backbone for “regional integration” across its diverse population of 7.6 million. 

“For Lao PDR, enhancing economy means more than just building physical infrastructure - it involves creating an ecosystem where digital networks, data flows, and digital services are equally accessible, affordable, and reliable for all,” she says.  

Phommathansy highlights that DGC’s digital building efforts have reaped results in society. 

She shares that more than 98 per cent of the population have access to telecom infrastructure, with the country having launched 5G services last year across major cities in the north and south.  

“We are investing in expanding our broadband networks, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that all citizens have access to high-speed and secured internet. This is critical for enabling e-commerce, e-governance, and digital education,” she adds. 

For its digital society, the Lao Gov-X Super App serves a symbol of progress for Phommathansy which she proudly presented to fellow public officials across the region at GovInsider’s Festival of Innnovation event in March. 

Gov-X is a mobile application launched by the Ministry of Technology and Communications of Lao PDR, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed at enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of government services for citizens, businesses, and government officials in Laos. 

As part of the national Digital Transformation agenda, Gov-X serves as a one-stop platform integrating various public e-services like social welfare, business registrations, and government documentation. 

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Digital challenges 

While Phommathansy is proud of her nation’s progress, she admits that digitalising government services is a complex process. In this context she outlines the challenges Laos has encountered.  

These include limited digital infrastructure, digital literacy gaps, interoperability issues, regulatory constraints, and cybersecurity concerns. 

“Many areas, especially in the rural regions, still lack reliable internet access and connectivity and government agencies need IT infrastructure to support digital services,” she says. 

Moreover, Phommathansy highlights that many government officials and citizens are not yet fully comfortable with digital tools and services, and different agencies often use separate systems that do not communicate with each other effectively. 

Looking to the future, Phommathansy outlines DGC’s key priorities over the next five to 10 years, providing a roadmap for continued progress in Lao PDR's digital transformation.    

Strengthening digital infrastructure remains a core focus, with plans to expand high-speed internet networks to all government agencies, especially at the city and provincial levels. 

Enhancing interoperability is another key priority, as DGC is looking to develop a unified government data exchange platform, enhance its National Information Center as well as to improve government-to-government (G2G) service delivery systems to streamline internal management.  

Promoting digital literacy is also essential, with initiatives to upskill both civil servants and citizens through various training programmes.  

Finally, the DGC aims to scale smart government initiatives, leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Internet-of-Things (IoT), and blockchain to improve public services, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of life for citizens and businesses.    

Through strategic planning and proactive initiatives, Laos is actively building a strong foundation for its digital future, with the DGC playing a central and crucial role in driving this transformative process. 

“This also attracts investment that will contribute to the development of public services which are widely used by citizens and businesses, forming a foundation for other systems,” Phommathansy concludes.