Foundations for a trusted digital economy in the Eastern Caribbean: a readiness diagnostic across 11 OECS jurisdictions in support of the digital economy harmonization agenda

This report provides a readiness diagnostic of the foundations required to build a trusted, inclusive and integrated digital economy across the 11 jurisdictions of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Prepared by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in cooperation with the OECS Commission, it assesses the legal, institutional, technical and operational conditions underpinning digital transformation, as well as the systemic risks affecting digital trust and regional integration. The assessment identifies significant progress in areas such as digital government, digital payments, connectivity, cybersecurity and data governance. Nevertheless, readiness remains uneven. Legal frameworks are not always fully operational, institutional capacities remain constrained, and digital platforms and public services are still insufficiently interconnected. These gaps continue to limit interoperability, secure cross-border data exchange and the sustainability of digital investments. While recognizing the diversity of legal systems, institutional capacities and reform trajectories across OECS jurisdictions, the report identifies shared regional priorities. Its findings provide the evidence base for advancing regulatory convergence, strengthening institutional coordination, improving interoperability and supporting a more integrated, trusted regional digital economy.