Tonga Reveals Series of Digital Initiatives to Boost Access to Public Services

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The Tongan government has unveiled a series of digital initiatives to streamline access to public services and make digital governance in the country more efficient. Announced on 29 May 2025, these initiatives include the launch of the TongaPass national digital ID system, a new e-government portal at gov.to, and an expanding API integration platform.

The TongaPass scheme assigns everyone in Tonga’s Civil Registration System a unique digital ID. This ID serves as the foundation for identity verification when accessing government services in the country. 

The gov.to e-government portal is intended to serve as a hub that streamlines citizen access to online public services. One way this centralization is anticipated to boost efficiency is the removal of the need to visit multiple ministries when accessing certain services. For example, business licenses may now be renewed via the e-government portal rather than by making appointments with separate ministries.

Another key initiative in Tonga’s digital overhaul is the implementation of an advanced API integration platform. This API will facilitate secure data exchanges between various government ministries and enable a more cohesive user-friendly experience. It also allows for future expansions of the country’s digital services, meaning more digital e-services can be introduced as more ministries are onboarded onto the new system. 

Tonga’s digital initiatives are being led by the Tongan Digital Transformation Department, with support from the World Bank and various international specialists. This latest wave of digital initiatives follows a general commitment made earlier in 2025 by the recently elected Tongan prime minister to make public services more accessible in the country.

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