Malta's performance towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives.
In 2023, Malta made notable progress in connectivity infrastructure, and specifically in the roll-out of Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) networks. However, challenges persist in basic digital skills and in filling the ICT specialists’ gap. In the past year, Maltese enterprises have progressed in the uptake of artificial intelligence and cloud.
Two main strengths or areas of progress
Connectivity infrastructure
Malta already reached the 100% coverage for Very High-Capacity Network (VHCN) and basic 5G.
Adoption of advanced technologies by enterprises and digitalisation of SMEs
The SME ecosystem is very dynamic, with 76.5% of SMEs having at least a basic level of digital intensity in 2023, and 68.3% of Maltese enterprises adopting AI, cloud or data analytics, against an EU average of 54.6%.
Two main weaknesses or areas to improve
ICT specialists
The share of ICT specialists in employment is stagnant (4.7% vs the EU average of 4.8%), and it remains low in comparison to the required demand, with under-representation of women.
Basic digital skills
Although Malta performs well in this indicator, the annual growth is low compared to other KPIs.
Malta’s Key Performance Indicators
Malta’s Digital Decade strategic roadmap
Malta’s roadmap demonstrates that the country plans a very significant effort to achieve the Digital Decade objectives and targets. It sets targets for 12 out of 14 key performance indicators (KPIs) and, in most of the cases, targets are aligned with the EU 2030 ambitions. To achieve its digital transformation, Malta plans to allocate a total budget (excluding private investments) estimated at EUR 285 million (1.5% GDP).
Digital rights and principles
The Special Eurobarometer 'Digital Decade 2024' reveals that, despite a significant 16-point decrease, 49% of Maltese respondents believe the EU protects their digital rights, slightly above the EU average of 45%. Positive trends include the high importance of digital technologies, e.g. for connecting with friends and family (86%), above the EU average of 83%, and confidence in digital privacy (56%), also higher than the EU average of 51%. Concerns have increased significantly, with 55% worried about online safety for children (+24% compared to 2023), and 36% about control over personal data (+16%). These findings underscore the need to reinforce digital rights at national level.
Country-Specific Recommendations
Malta must improve its performance towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives, to foster competitiveness, resilience, sovereignty, and promote European values and climate action.
Basic digital skills
Continue encouraging people to take part in digital skills trainings by raising awareness and facilitating access, with a special focus on vulnerable groups.
ICT specialists
Continue skills forecasting and improve cooperation with industry and the civil society to regularly evaluate and adjust education and training offers to labour market needs and encourage women to become ICT specialists.
Technological leadership
Further facilitate access to secure and sovereign advanced digital technologies and solutions and encourage investment in digital research and innovation.
More on the Digital Decade Report 2024
Digital Decade 2024 report: Country fact pages
Check out the progress of all Member States and extracts of country-specific recommendations.