In depth

Closing the digital divide 

As of January 2025, approximately 80.2% of Moldova's population, equating to 2.42 million individuals, are internet users. However, disparities in access quality and affordability persist across socio-economic groups, geographical locations, and genders. Notably, 71% of the wealthiest Moldovan households own computers, compared to only 35% of the poorest households. Although Moldova offers some of the lowest average costs for mobile data, the absence of broadband networks and last-mile connectivity hinders rural populations from fully engaging in digital activities.

To address these challenges, UNDP Moldova has been equipping schools nationwide, including those in the Găgăuzia region and left bank of Nistru River, with modern technology such as desktop computers, laptops, smartboards, projectors, interactive boards, portable STEEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Arts, and Mathematics) laboratory devices, and tablets. This initiative aims to future-proof students, teachers, and school managers by enhancing their digital competencies early in their educational and professional journeys. To achieve this goal, UNDP collaborates with programs and organizations like "Tekwill in Every School," Future Classroom, UNICEF, the European Union, and other leaders in this field in Moldova. 

Additionally, since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, UNDP has created opportunities for refugee children and women to familiarize themselves with STEEAM disciplines and acquire tech skills, promoting their integration and empowerment within Moldovan society. Furthermore, UNDP Moldova has implemented digital literacy programs in partnership with the Moldovan Association of ICT Companies. These initiatives aim to bridge the digital divide by equipping participants with essential skills, such as English for IT and fostering greater inclusion in Moldova's rapidly growing ICT sector.

These concerted efforts are integral to closing the digital divide in Moldova, ensuring equitable access to digital resources and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location.

From e-Governance to digital government

In September 2023, the Republic of Moldova approved the Digital Transformation Strategy for 2023–2030, developed with the support of UNDP, marking a significant shift from traditional e-Governance to a comprehensive digital government framework. This strategy aims to develop an accessible, safe, transparent, and inclusive digital society and economy, aligning with the European integration agenda and focusing on citizen’s needs. 

By the end of 2023, over 50% of public services had been digitalized, a notable increase from 38% earlier that year. At the same time, a significant increase in the adoption of digital services by entrepreneurs who prefer to use online services is observed.

To ensure a secure digital environment, the government established the Agency for Cyber Security in 2023, tasked with overseeing compliance, facilitating national and international cooperation, and responding to cyber incidents. 
Moldova's commitment to digital transformation has been recognized internationally. In the 2024 United Nations E-Government Survey, Moldova moved from the high to the very high E-Government Development Index group, reflecting substantial improvements in online services, telecommunication infrastructure, and human capital.

These advancements underscore Moldova's proactive approach to digital government, emphasizing not only the digitization of existing services but also the creation of new value through innovation. By focusing on inclusivity, security, and citizen-centric services, Moldova is reimagining development for the digital age and positioning itself as a regional leader in digital transformation.

Expanding digital transformation across key sectors

UNDP Moldova is extending digital transformation efforts beyond governance into social protection, energy, agriculture, cybersecurity, and elections.

In partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, UNDP is supporting the modernization of social assistance systems through a comprehensive reform initiative. This includes integrated digital architecture, a Digital Center of Social Innovation, and regional Territorial Agencies for Social Assistance, with a focus on inclusion and data-informed service delivery.

In the energy sector, UNDP supports the Ministry of Energy in advancing a just and inclusive transition through Moldova’s Energy Innovation and Technology Sandbox. UNDP supports pilot initiatives like smart meters and renewable energy communities.

In agriculture, UNDP partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry to pilot the Digital National Farmers Registry to track land use, farm operations, and subsidies in real time. Complementary actions include piloting land parcel information system and use of AI tools, developing the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) roadmap, and enhancing legal and institutional frameworks.

To strengthen cybersecurity, UNDP is facilitating the establishment of the first public sector Security Operations Center to monitor and respond to digital threats. A broader national initiative is also underway to improve cyber resilience in critical sectors, supported by policy advice, capacity building, and a national incident response framework.
In elections, UNDP works with the Central Electoral Commission to enhance electoral integrity and inclusiveness. Support includes IT infrastructure upgrades, remote voting for the diaspora, improved polling station accessibility, and digital civic education platforms.

Data for policy

Advancing digital transformation in Moldova has generated substantial data, creating valuable opportunities to improve decision-making and governance. One notable example is the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund (EVRF), established in response to the 2022 energy crisis. Developed with UNDP support, the EVRF was implemented using a streamlined enrolment process that relied on administrative data and required minimal input from applicants. By employing data analytics, the government can refine its vulnerability criteria and optimize support measures. As a result, the digitalization of social protection through the EVRF has enabled targeted assistance to vulnerable households, reducing energy and income poverty while helping to prevent food insecurity.

Following this experience, UNDP is working to create a Data Governance Framework to provide standards and best practices on how data must be collected, processed, verified and validated. It will ensure that data collected is accurate, trustworthy, safe, secure and compatible for exchange on a national and cross-border level, especially in the fields of health, agriculture, social security, and justice. In alignment with UNDP's Data Principles—which emphasize responsible data management, safeguarding personal data and promoting reusability and interoperability—the framework seeks to empower stakeholders to work effectively with data while upholding the highest ethical standards.

Additionally, UNDP has launched the Data to Policy Training initiative, designed to equip policymakers with the skills to leverage data for informed decision-making. This programme focuses on framing policy problems, mapping data ecosystems and understanding data governance concepts, thereby enhancing the capacity of government officials to utilize data effectively in policy development. 

Intelligence Unit for Policy Development

Positioned within the Prime Minister’s Office, UNDP Moldova’s Intelligence Unit for Policy Development (IUPD) supports both tactical and strategic decision-making. The IUPD has made progress in enhancing transparency in public procurement, improving social care, increasing tax collection efficiency, and assessing rural development programmes.

Upcoming focus areas include using data intelligence in policy development, particularly for EU negotiations, energy vulnerabilities, and road and food security. UNDP Moldova also prioritizes enhancing digital literacy and promoting data-driven decision-making among public sector employees through training sessions. These efforts aim to improve Moldova’s business environment and national competitiveness.

Digital literacy for a digital society

To foster a digitally inclusive society in Moldova, UNDP is actively working to enhance digital literacy across all demographics, irrespective of gender, age, education level, or income. Recognizing the necessity for citizens to possess at least basic digital skills to effectively utilize electronic public services and adapt to the evolving job market, UNDP has initiated several programmes aimed at bridging the digital divide.

In collaboration with the European Union and UNICEF, UNDP aims to modernize Moldova's education system by creating inclusive and modern learning environments, thereby equipping students and educators with essential digital competencies.

Furthermore, UNDP has been instrumental in modernizing public services and the underlying digital infrastructure to meet contemporary standards. Since 2021, UNDP has supported the development of two new digital solutions as key enablers of digital transformation of public services alongside other governmental e-products. These include an advanced digital signature/identity application (EVOSign) and the digital wallet (MWallet) part of EVO app.  These innovations are designed to enhance the accessibility and security of digital public services, with the expectation that at least 70% of the Moldovan public will become active users.

In addition to these efforts, UNDP has supported the modernization of digital public infrastructure and introduced or improved internal information systems and processes in various public sectors. These range from transparent democratic participation and decision making (e-Parliament, Elections Information System), to efficient and merit-based management of human capital in the public sector (e-recruiting system for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, e-admission and e-testing of future judges and prosecutors at the National Institute of Justice) or health services delivery (digital platform for video supported treatment of people on opioid substitution treatment, informational system for the management of health procurement needs). 

Furthermore, UNDP is currently assisting the digital transformation efforts of forensic institutions, police services and the legal aid system by introducing e-case management systems and enabling the digital delivery of core functions by rule-of-law institutions. And following the successful collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection on reducing energy vulnerability, UNDP has committed to supporting the comprehensive redesign and digitalization of social assistance services. This commitment aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of social services for the Moldovan public.

Women in STEEAM

The digital divide is also affecting girls and women. Because demand for workers in STEEAM occupations is only expected to grow in the future, governments and communities cannot afford to deny half of humanity the opportunity to succeed in this high-growth sector. Globally, between 40 million and 160 million women will need to change occupations by 2030 into more skilled roles requiring complex digital, cognitive, social, and emotional skills. 
The Republic of Moldova has 18 higher educational institutions that offer IT-related studies. But only 4.6% of girls studying in higher education choose STEEAM careers and only 31% of jobs in the ICT sector are occupied by women. These women also earn 33% less than men on average. 

UNDP Moldova is supporting women’s and girls’ integration in the field of science and technology, particularly promoting STEEAM-based education. UNDP’s initiatives are implemented with the direct involvement of academia, schools, civil society organisations, media and parents to increase students’ interest in STEEAM education. This has resulted in, for example, about 50% female participation in the “Tekwill in Every School” Programme. 

UNDP Moldova is also supporting women entrepreneurs, providing grant opportunities for women to establish and grow their businesses, including in ICT. Successful examples include women working in agri-tech (digitalization of agriculture) and cybersecurity. 

Private sector engagement 

UNDP Moldova recognizes the pivotal role of the private sector in advancing e-Governance and transitioning to a digital government—one of the six objectives laid out in the Strategy for Digital Transformation of the Republic of Moldova for 2023-2030 developed with the support of UNDP Moldova. To foster this transformation, UNDP has established platforms for dialogue between the government, private sector, and international partners, promoting a shared vision for digital development. These collaborative efforts have contributed to the creation of a comprehensive ‘Whole-of-Society’ approach to digital transformation, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and multi-stakeholder engagement.

To facilitate private-sector engagement, UNDP has initiated several Innovation Challenge Schemes aimed at enabling ICT companies and start-ups to develop innovative digital solutions. Since 2021, UNDP Moldova has supported the development of innovative digital solutions in govtech, fintech, e-commerce, agri-tech, education, data, digital identity, etc.