Back office, e-government, online management—these might seem like abstract concepts, distant from daily life. Yet, their potential to profoundly shape how we live became clearer than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. People no longer had to travel long distances to obtain documents. Rural children continued their education from home. Small businesses streamlined operations with simplified processes. And scientists accessed research for free, fueling innovation.
However, this wasn’t the case for most countries—it was the reality in Uruguay, where efforts have focused on reducing the digital divide and improving service delivery through advanced technologies.
Digital Transformation in Motion
By 2016, 87% of Uruguayan households had internet access, nearly all schools were equipped with wireless connectivity, and 96% of public-school students had laptops provided by the state. Despite these advances, Uruguay still faced challenges: in 2016, 43% of people seeking information about an administrative process preferred visiting a public office, while only 27% opted for online services. To address these challenges, the World Bank and Uruguay launched the Improving Service Delivery to Citizens and Businesses through E-Government Project (PROMESEG), aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of e-government services.
Bridging the Education Gap
Previously, around 40% of rural schools lacked broadband. That has changed. Today, in 1,200 schools, teachers of subjects like English can teach remotely, closing the educational gap and providing digital learning opportunities to communities with limited access. PROMESEG also strengthened the Timbó portal, a digital platform offering free access to scientific and technological publications. This expansion has solidified Uruguay’s role as a leader in digital services for education, proving that technology can be a powerful tool for equity.