Three bids have been received for the E-Governance Academy's digitization project in Cuba, despite criticism of the initiative due to the country's political situation.
The E-Governance Academy of Estonia has received three bids for its controversial procurement aimed at acquiring ICT equipment for Cuba, a country criticized for its lack of democracy and alignment with Russia in the Ukraine war. The tender, worth €441,000, was launched in January as part of a European Union initiative, with the academy emphasizing that aiding Cuba aligns with European moral obligations despite the potential risk that such aid could benefit the existing regime rather than the Cuban populace.
The project has attracted criticism for the implications of supporting a government accused of suppressing freedoms and being on the side of Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Critics argue that such digital modernization efforts will primarily empower the authoritarian regime and do little to improve living conditions for the Cuban people. Nevertheless, the E-Governance Academy defends the project as a necessary step in pursuing EU obligations and support for technological advancements in developing nations.
As the deadline for receiving bids has passed, three proposals were submitted, including one from the Estonian company Delta OÜ and two from Spanish firms. Among these is CT Impex Trading, based in Barcelona, specializing in comprehensive solutions for industrial and technological projects. The outcome of these bids will determine the next steps in implementing the digitization effort, with all eyes on how the project will unfold and what impact it may have on Cuba's future.
