In a significant stride toward regional digital integration, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has successfully validated its groundbreaking Knowledge Management Framework and Web Portal during a high-level workshop held in Trinidad and Tobago from November 19-20, 2025. This strategic initiative, funded by the 11th European Development Fund, represents a cornerstone in the implementation of the CARICOM Single ICT Space and the region’s transition to a data-driven digital economy.
The validation workshop convened senior ICT officials and technical specialists from across member states, alongside representatives from key regional organizations including the Caribbean Telecommunications Union and Caribbean Broadcasting Union. This gathering marked the second phase of validation activities under the ICT4D component of the 11th EDF program, building upon previous groundwork established through the comprehensive ICT Sector Gap Analysis completed in May 2025.
Ms. Evelyn Wayne, Director of Economic Policy and Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative during her opening address. She characterized the Knowledge Management Framework and Portal as ‘a defining step forward in supporting evidence-based economic planning, strengthening digital governance, and enabling a coordinated approach to ICT development across the Community.’ The framework is positioned as essential infrastructure for enhancing regional digital resilience and strategic integration.
The Knowledge Management Web Portal, scheduled for completion by December 31, 2025, will provide member states with advanced capabilities for secure data upload and verification, sophisticated analytical dashboards, and automated reporting functions at both national and regional levels. The platform will also feature controlled public access to aggregated regional indicators, promoting transparency while maintaining compliance with international reporting standards.
Workshop participants demonstrated strong enthusiasm for the portal’s potential to address longstanding challenges in ICT data collection, including issues of fragmentation, methodological inconsistencies, and limited access to comprehensive regional datasets. Attendees contributed practical recommendations to optimize system usability, refine validation protocols, streamline workflows, and ensure alignment with both national priorities and international obligations.
This initiative directly supports the systematic monitoring of progress toward the CARICOM Digital Agenda 2036, establishing clear targets and measurable outcomes for the region’s digital transformation journey.