Laos Advances Digital Transformation: Digital Week and ID Rollout
Laos will hold its first Lao Digital Week from October 21–25 in Vientiane under the theme “Accelerating Digital Governance, Cultivating a Digital Workforce, and Driving Innovation into the AI Era.” Organized by the Ministry of Technology and Communications and the Lao ICT and Digital Association, the event will support implementation of the country’s 2026–2030 development plan and digital economy strategy. The event will feature a Lao Digital Forum, technical seminars, and an exhibition showcasing more than 200 domestic and international startups, with sessions covering artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, blockchain, and smart technologies. The digital economy currently contributes 3% to Laos’ GDP and is projected to reach 10% by 2040.
The Ministry of Public Security is also advancing digital infrastructure through the nationwide rollout of the LAeID digital identity application, formally phasing out old paper identity cards. The rollout has already exceeded 5,000 downloads, with a confirmedbiometric update which will require the platform to integrate documents such as academic and health certificates. One important area of future digital economy innovation for the Lao government is integrating e-services into national healthcare and education.