The Commonwealth Digital Roadshow made its inaugural stop in Vanuatu from March 23 to 27, bringing together policymakers, businesses and communities in a coordinated push to accelerate digital transformation and expand access to emerging technologies.
Led by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation in partnership with the Vanuatu government’s Department of Communications and Digital Transformation, the initiative builds on the country’s broader Digital Transformation Initiative launched in September 2025.
Officials said the roadshow is designed to strengthen digital capacity, promote inclusive access to technology and support the development of a more connected and resilient digital economy.
The programme convened senior government officials, ICT regulators, private sector leaders, technology entrepreneurs, academics and development partners, alongside grassroots stakeholders including farmers, small business owners, youth and women’s groups, educators and health workers.
Organisers said this multi-stakeholder approach is intended to ensure that digital transformation efforts are inclusive and responsive to the needs of both urban and rural communities, including those in outer islands.
Focus on practical digital adoption
In remarks during the event, the secretary-general of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation said the roadshow goes beyond dialogue by promoting practical applications of digital tools.
The initiative aims to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and community stakeholders with the skills needed to adopt e-commerce platforms, improve productivity and access regional and global markets.
“We will not only engage in discussions; we will educate, demonstrate and cultivate practical partnerships that empower SMEs and communities to harness digital tools and future-proof Pacific economies,” the official said.
The emphasis on hands-on engagement reflects a broader shift among development partners toward implementation-focused programmes that translate policy ambitions into measurable economic outcomes.
Regional e-commerce push gains traction
Andrea Ibba, Pacific e-commerce coordinator at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, highlighted ongoing regional initiatives aimed at strengthening digital trade and e-commerce readiness across Forum Island Countries.
Ibba commended Vanuatu’s progress in advancing its e-commerce ecosystem and led a technical session focused on ICT adoption among SMEs. The session examined scalable approaches to increasing digital uptake, particularly in geographically dispersed and resource-constrained environments.
Discussions centered on the role of enabling policy frameworks, digital infrastructure, capacity-building programmes and cross-sector partnerships in supporting SME participation in the digital economy.
Participants also explored how targeted interventions can help bridge persistent gaps in access to technology and digital skills, which remain key barriers to inclusive growth in many Pacific island economies.
Aligning with regional strategy
The roadshow aligns with Strategic Output 6.2 of the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap, which prioritises skills development and awareness-raising initiatives to support digital transformation across the region.
By linking national initiatives with regional frameworks, organisers aim to create a more coordinated approach to digital development—one that leverages shared knowledge, resources and best practices.
For Vanuatu, the roadshow represents both a milestone and a stepping stone, as the government continues to expand its digital agenda and integrate technology into key sectors such as commerce, education and public service delivery.
As Pacific economies navigate the challenges of geographic isolation and limited infrastructure, initiatives such as the Commonwealth Digital Roadshow are expected to play a critical role in unlocking new economic opportunities and strengthening regional connectivity through digital innovation.
