European Union provides TTD 23 million grant for Major Digitalisation Initiatives, in collaboration with CAF
The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), has provided a TTD 23 million (3 million Euros) grant to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to support its national digitalisation programme. This funding will assist the Ministry of Digital Transformation (MDT) in implementing key components of the country’s digital transformation strategy, including the development of electronic identity (e-ID), a public data interoperability platform, and a government data centre, bringing tangible benefits to citizens in terms of efficient accessibility to public services.
The grant agreement was officially finalised on Tuesday the 4th of February, during a signing ceremony between the European Union, CAF, and Government of Trinidad and Tobago at the head office of the Ministry of Digital Transformation. In attendance were the Honourable Colm Imbert, Minister of Finance; the Honourable Hassel Bacchus, Minister of Digital Transformation; the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs; Gianpiero Leoncini, Executive Vice President, CAF; David Mogollon, Head of Cooperation of the European Union in the Caribbean; and Bernardo Requena, CAF’s Director Representative in Trinidad and Tobago.
This signing marks the digital transition from planning to implementation, bringing tangible benefits to citizens. The project aims to enhance the efficiency, security, and accessibility of public services through modern, interoperable digital technologies.
The 3 million Euros grant is financed by the European Union through its Latin America and Caribbean Investment Facility (LACIF) and represents the first with CAF in the Caribbean Region within this framework. The grant builds on a partnership established in 2024 between CAF and EU to land the Global Gateway Strategy in the Caribbean Region. In a nutshell, the Global Gateway is the EU’s offer to bridge the existing investment gap in the areas of fair, green and digital transition by using EU public financing to leverage private capital and investment for projects that deliver on key public policy objectives.
“This project represents a crucial step in Trinidad and Tobago’s digital journey. By supporting the development of critical digital infrastructure, we are not only enhancing government efficiency but also empowering citizens with secure, accessible, and innovative public services” said David Mogollon of the European Union.
Meanwhile, CAF’s Executive Vice President Gianpiero Leoncini, stated “Digital transformation is a cornerstone in accelerating economic growth and innovation in our region. When countries have modern digital infrastructure and public services, they are better positioned to improve service delivery, stimulate private sector expansion and support economic growth. We are fully committed to supporting the advancement of technology and sustainable development in our member countries and we are proud to support this initiative in Trinidad and Tobago.”
In his address to the gathering, Minister Browne complimented the leadership role of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, and he emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement, stating, "This collaboration is crucial for advancing the digital agenda of Trinidad and Tobago and the broader CARICOM region. It demonstrates our commitment to sustainable and inclusive development and strengthens our valued partnerships with the European Union and CAF.”
Digitalization is a key pillar of CAF’s action in Trinidad and Tobago. Since 2019, CAF has collaborated with the Government through diverse initiatives to support the implementation of its Digital Strategy. To date, CAF has granted a Sector Wide Approach Program (SWAP) for USD 120 million to support the overall Digital Strategy and has implemented a USD 350,000 technical assistance program to digitalize tax payments in the country, with a second phase of USD 227,000 scheduled for implementation in 2025.
Additionally, CAF has completed a USD 225,000 feasibility study for the construction of a Tier 4 Government Data Center, which will be financed through a CAF Investment Loan.
About CAF
The mission of CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean is to promote sustainable development and regional integration through the financing of projects in the public and private sectors, providing technical cooperation and other specialised services. Created in 1970, the Bank has 22 shareholder countries: 19 Latin American and Caribbean, together with Spain and Portugal, and 13 private banks. CAF is one of the main sources of multilateral financing and an important generator of knowledge for the region. More information at www.caf.com
About the European Union
In 2025 the European Union and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations and partnership. The relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the European Union (EU) has progressed from one based on development cooperation to a more comprehensive partnership that also addresses political issues, security, economic and trade relations, and other areas of mutual interest between the two partners in national development. Enhanced cooperation between the EU and Trinidad and Tobago has brought benefits to the business, agriculture and health sectors and boosted the nation’s progress through support to infrastructure development, crime and security, as well as protection of the environment and human rights.
The European Union manages the Latin America and Caribbean Investment Facility (LACIF), a regional blending mechanism. LACIF promotes the mobilisation of funds from European and regional financial institutions, governments and the private sector to carry out projects in key sectors for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
