AI is rapidly becoming central to development strategies across the Pacific, with governments and businesses treating it as a driver of economic growth, digital transformation, and public service reform. Countries like Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa are increasingly integrating AI into national planning, infrastructure, and cybersecurity strategies, often alongside broader digital government programs and sovereign data initiatives. At the same time, regional cooperation—through summits, subsea cable investments, and ICT conferences—is emphasising resilience, cybersecurity, and responsible AI adoption. However, a major constraint remains uneven infrastructure, limited regulatory frameworks, and dependence on offshore systems, which raises sovereignty and security concerns. Research across the Pacific shows AI adoption is still in early stages but expanding quickly, especially in government services, ICT, and economic planning, with strong emphasis on building skills, data governance, and trust frameworks for long-term sustainability.
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