Digital Transformation is one of Cuba's most important strategic initiatives, conceived as a technological process and a cultural and social change that involves all sectors of society.
Approved in May 2024 and projected until 2030, it seeks to ensure technological sovereignty, national security, and efficient public management.
Likewise, "it's an evolutionary process with a direct impact on citizens' lives," stressed Communications Minister Mayra Arevich Marín at the recently concluded Sigestic 2025 event, organized by the Information Technology Company (ETI).
It combines contributions from academia, businesses, scientists, and professors, and includes the communications sector as a general concept, beyond the Ministry of Communications, with a hierarchy for formulating global and intersectoral policies and actions.
A key issue is the cross-cutting impact of Digital Transformation on each process.
Arevich Marín emphasized that the Government Program for Digital Transformation encompasses eight pillars: the regulatory framework; infrastructure; connectivity and access; economy; education and digital government; innovation; cybersecurity; and digital content.
Each agency and body of the Central State Administration must present its driving program with actions, tasks, and progress indicators.
He emphasized that leaders, at all levels, are ultimately responsible for implementing the Agenda Policy and the Strategy for the Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
When the policy was introduced, several regulations existed in the country that allowed for its implementation, although the development itself and the solutions incorporated demonstrate the need to update this regulatory framework.
He stressed the importance of achieving this progress within the parameters of ethics, inclusiveness, and sovereignty.
Furthermore, he highlighted that among the objectives of the Cuban Telecommunications Company (Etecsa) is to provide infrastructure support for all matters related to politics.
He highlighted the expansion of services through national payment gateways, the implementation of the Classic and Tropical cards in the Transfermóvil wallet, technological solutions for digital payment for tourists in the country, the consolidation of the OFA project, and its expansion to heritage cities.
He alluded to its importance in the inclusion of digital invoices and payments, the traceability of modern systems with artificial intelligence and disruptive technologies, while highlighting the promotion of digital signatures for the sake of transparency.
He added that education and digital culture are key pillars, and "we are working with high intentions so that all these new technologies can have a greater impact on knowledge, preparation, and training of people."
The Minister mentioned the educational work of the Youth Computer and Electronics Clubs in the communities, which is promoting a shift in popular digital culture.
DIGITAL GOVERNMENT, INNOVATION AND USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Arevich Marín detailed the figure of more than 263 portals in operation, with a presence in various processes.
A major step forward, he said, has been the launch of the Soberanía platform, through which each citizen obtains a digital identity and progress is being made in the digitalization of service procedures for the population, which now include digital signatures and online payments.
He explained that Sovereignty has incorporated, in a first stage, procedures such as those related to the civil registry, identity card applications, promotion licenses, and interaction with citizens, and before the end of the year, the platform will add new procedures and services,
This meant that the implementation of the Cuban government portal will allow citizens to quickly access the information and services they need.
Another key focus is innovation policy, as "it's impossible to conceive of a digital transformation in a sector as dynamic as ours without it being accompanied by innovation."
Along these lines, he noted, the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council, made up of academics, business leaders, and representatives from various sectors, is particularly important. They provide criteria on how to advance the use of these technologies more quickly and safely.
He also emphasized that artificial intelligence represents a key tool for development, but it also carries risks; therefore, the country's commitment is to use it responsibly, minimize its dangers, and ensure that it is put at the service of humanity.
In terms of innovation, sectoral programs are also being developed that encompass infrastructure, service applications, and cybersecurity. These programs involve not only ICT workers but also students. This has generated positive results and strengthens the link between the academic and productive sectors.
The Digital Transformation in Cuba continues to consolidate itself as a strategic commitment to the future, with an approach that will allow the country to move toward a more connected, inclusive society, prepared for the challenges of the digital age.
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Towards a more connected country: Advances in Digital Transformation in Cuba
https://www.granma.cu/doble-click/2025-09-23/hacia-un-pais-mas-conectado-avances-de-la-transformacion-digital-en-cuba-23-09-2025-22-09-26Digital Transformation is one of Cuba's most important strategic initiatives, conceived as a technological process and a cultural and social change that involves all sectors of society.
Approved in May 2024 and projected until 2030, it seeks to ensure technological sovereignty, national security, and efficient public management.
Likewise, "it's an evolutionary process with a direct impact on citizens' lives," stressed Communications Minister Mayra Arevich Marín at the recently concluded Sigestic 2025 event, organized by the Information Technology Company (ETI).
It combines contributions from academia, businesses, scientists, and professors, and includes the communications sector as a general concept, beyond the Ministry of Communications, with a hierarchy for formulating global and intersectoral policies and actions.
A key issue is the cross-cutting impact of Digital Transformation on each process.
Arevich Marín emphasized that the Government Program for Digital Transformation encompasses eight pillars: the regulatory framework; infrastructure; connectivity and access; economy; education and digital government; innovation; cybersecurity; and digital content.
Each agency and body of the Central State Administration must present its driving program with actions, tasks, and progress indicators.
He emphasized that leaders, at all levels, are ultimately responsible for implementing the Agenda Policy and the Strategy for the Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
When the policy was introduced, several regulations existed in the country that allowed for its implementation, although the development itself and the solutions incorporated demonstrate the need to update this regulatory framework.
He stressed the importance of achieving this progress within the parameters of ethics, inclusiveness, and sovereignty.
Furthermore, he highlighted that among the objectives of the Cuban Telecommunications Company (Etecsa) is to provide infrastructure support for all matters related to politics.
He highlighted the expansion of services through national payment gateways, the implementation of the Classic and Tropical cards in the Transfermóvil wallet, technological solutions for digital payment for tourists in the country, the consolidation of the OFA project, and its expansion to heritage cities.
He alluded to its importance in the inclusion of digital invoices and payments, the traceability of modern systems with artificial intelligence and disruptive technologies, while highlighting the promotion of digital signatures for the sake of transparency.
He added that education and digital culture are key pillars, and "we are working with high intentions so that all these new technologies can have a greater impact on knowledge, preparation, and training of people."
The Minister mentioned the educational work of the Youth Computer and Electronics Clubs in the communities, which is promoting a shift in popular digital culture.
DIGITAL GOVERNMENT, INNOVATION AND USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Arevich Marín detailed the figure of more than 263 portals in operation, with a presence in various processes.
A major step forward, he said, has been the launch of the Soberanía platform, through which each citizen obtains a digital identity and progress is being made in the digitalization of service procedures for the population, which now include digital signatures and online payments.
He explained that Sovereignty has incorporated, in a first stage, procedures such as those related to the civil registry, identity card applications, promotion licenses, and interaction with citizens, and before the end of the year, the platform will add new procedures and services,
This meant that the implementation of the Cuban government portal will allow citizens to quickly access the information and services they need.
Another key focus is innovation policy, as "it's impossible to conceive of a digital transformation in a sector as dynamic as ours without it being accompanied by innovation."
Along these lines, he noted, the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council, made up of academics, business leaders, and representatives from various sectors, is particularly important. They provide criteria on how to advance the use of these technologies more quickly and safely.
He also emphasized that artificial intelligence represents a key tool for development, but it also carries risks; therefore, the country's commitment is to use it responsibly, minimize its dangers, and ensure that it is put at the service of humanity.
In terms of innovation, sectoral programs are also being developed that encompass infrastructure, service applications, and cybersecurity. These programs involve not only ICT workers but also students. This has generated positive results and strengthens the link between the academic and productive sectors.
The Digital Transformation in Cuba continues to consolidate itself as a strategic commitment to the future, with an approach that will allow the country to move toward a more connected, inclusive society, prepared for the challenges of the digital age.