The Ministry of Communications (MINCOM) in Cuba has launched a new digital platform called Cubagob, as part of its strategy to move towards a more efficient digital government. Currently in the institutionalization phase, the system aims to integrate existing and new IT solutions, allowing for the creation of a digital identity and facilitating the management of government services and procedures online.
This initiative appears to be the technological advancement hinted at by Miguel Díaz-Canel in May, which he claimed would simplify and digitize administrative processes. Key features of Cubagob include handling civil status registration, identity card services, social protection services, and job offers. Additionally, citizens will be able to make payments and digitally sign documents through the platform.
According to the pro-government site Granma, since the end of 2022, the number of digitized procedures has increased significantly. Out of the 328 existing procedures, 139 have been computerized. Procedures requiring tax payments on documents can also be handled digitally, with a total of 3.41 million transactions conducted in 2023 using the digital stamp through Transfermóvil.
Despite these advancements, MINCOM acknowledges ongoing challenges, such as the need to improve the generation of relevant and engaging content on government portals. Visits to these portals have increased, with a 10% growth in visits to central state administration bodies' portals and a 52.8% increase in provincial portals during the first five months of 2024 compared to the previous period.
Since January 2023, the use of the digital form in the D' Viajeros app has been mandatory for entering the country, reducing transit time at airports. Additionally, digital platforms toDus, Picta, and apklis have been updated, improving efficiency and recognition among Cuban users.
The development of digital government in Cuba is also supported by an observatory created at the University of Havana, which evaluates the impact of these advancements from a scientific perspective. The Cuban government's Digital Agenda outlines key objectives such as promoting the digital transformation of the government, ensuring citizen participation, and strengthening interoperability and digital administrative process management.
Public policies based on digital technologies, the extended use of digital signatures, and the creation of a unique citizen record are also anticipated.
Understanding the New Digital Government Platform in Cuba
The launch of Cubagob raises several important questions about its implementation and impact. Below, we address some of the most common inquiries regarding this new digital platform.
What is Cubagob?
Cubagob is a new digital platform launched by the Ministry of Communications in Cuba to facilitate the management of government services and procedures online.
What services are available through Cubagob?
Cubagob offers services related to civil status registration, identity card services, social protection services, job offers, and more. It also allows for payments and digital document signing.
How has the number of digitized procedures increased?
Since the end of 2022, the number of digitized procedures has increased significantly, with 139 out of 328 existing procedures now computerized.
What are the main challenges facing Cubagob?
One of the main challenges is improving the generation of relevant and engaging content on government portals. Additionally, ensuring the system's efficiency and user-friendliness remains a priority.