The Portuguese Institute for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (IPDAL) is leading the “Triangular Alliance for the Digital Transformation of Príncipe”, an initiative aimed at boosting digital inclusion and modernising public services on the second-largest island of São Tomé and Príncipe. With technical support from the Argentine Foundation for an Open and Digital Country (PAD), the project focuses on the exchange of best practices in cooperation to promote digital transformation in the African archipelago.

The project is part of the “Portugal–Latin America–Africa Triangular Cooperation Fund”, financed by the Government of Portugal through Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language, and managed by SEGIB. It seeks to strengthen the technological capacities of local institutions, enhance digital accessibility, and streamline bureaucratic processes.

“The project aims to maintain ongoing dialogue to identify the needs and challenges faced by different institutions in their digitalisation processes, and to help them find concrete actions that will have a real impact on the population,” said Gastón Ocampo, Secretary-General of IPDAL, during a visit to the island.

María José Martelo, a technology consultant at the PAD Foundation, highlighted the potential of the local population: “When we visited São Tomé and Príncipe, we saw great potential because everyone here has a mobile phone, but what’s lacking is access to apps and technology for work or study — and that calls for going further. We suggested setting up a digital classroom for the school, equipped with computers, as well as creating another space for citizens that would offer tech-based skills geared towards employability.”

This initiative reinforces IPDAL’s commitment to promoting innovative solutions for sustainable and digital development in Lusophone countries and Latin America.