Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are being urged to embrace digital transformation to remain competitive in the global economy.

Delivering the keynote address at the Digital Jamaica Summit and Showcase, held recently at Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, minister of industry, investment and commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, underscored the critical role of digital transformation in Jamaica’s future economic success.

“In the rapidly evolving global environment, embracing digitisation, digitalisation, and digital transformation is necessary, as technological advancement holds the key to unlocking new levels of efficiency, productivity and innovation,” Minister Hill said.

He also noted that productivity is achieved when technology is utilised to streamline processes and eliminate inefficiencies, leading to greater output.

To ensure that MSMEs can tap into new markets, Jamaica, through the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), is collaborating with the European Union to increase equitable access to information and communications technology (ICT) throughout the country as the nation transitions towards a digital society.

This is being achieved through a €9.5-million initiative, dubbed ‘Digital Jamaica’, which is funded by the EU.

The programme, officially launched in October 2023, focuses on two core goals — expanding broadband connectivity across the island and providing essential digital skills training to those in the education and business sectors.

Highlighting the significance of the EU’s investment in Jamaica’s MSME sector, he urged stakeholders to use this support efficiently to ensure that Jamaican goods and services meet global standards, one such way being the proper packaging of goods for export.

MSMEs were also encouraged to adopt digital tools from the outset, particularly for managing human resources (HR) and accounting.

“Even if you have a small business, start by putting your HR and accounting on a digital platform. Don’t wait, you’ll only create more paperwork to input manually later,” the minister said.

The programme is expected to significantly benefit key sectors, including ICT, education, and MSMEs.

The Digital Jamaica Summit and Showcase served as a key platform for stakeholders to discuss and explore opportunities for digital transformation in Jamaica’s MSME sector, aligning with the country’s broader national development goals.