Overview

The principal guidelines for the ICT public policy across the Central America region are very similar, and include promotion of national industry, general access to technology services and education, permanent learning, and introduction of ICTs in the educational curricula, development and support of e-government, e-health and e-commerce, and the promotion of research and development at a university level.

In Honduras, there are several government agencies developing different areas of the ICT sector including, promotion, access, research, and development. In the last eight years, there has been an increased interest in to promote and adopt new ICTs, at the central and municipal government levels. 

The Honduran Institute of Science and Technology is tasked with incentivizing interest in education and research, promoting the culture of scientific research, and technological development in the country. It also supports applied research to find optimal solutions to the complex problems facing society. The focus for the institute centers around materials development, environmental technologies, applied electronics, biotechnology and ICT research and development.

E-Government initiatives are led by the Honduran Digital Republic, under the Ministry of General Coordination. The Ministry of Economic Development has also taken steps to introduce e-registration platforms for investors in Honduran free trade zones.

Honduras and 5G

The Honduran Digital Republic is the regulatory entity aimed at developing the road map for digital transformation and standardization in Honduras. The digital initiative Master Plan outlines the roadmap for a technological modernization process, providing public and private sector opportunities for U.S. companies in the areas of 5G solutions, data protection, end user privacy, and operational transparency.

Although non-U.S. competitors are generally leading the 5G agenda in Honduras, 5G implementation is not expected over the next three years. The Honduran government is very willing to connect with U.S. companies to learn more about their solutions and, most importantly, connect with those that can provide robust cybersecurity solutions over any IT infrastructure currently being implemented.

A key player in developing the government’s ICT policy is the Honduran National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL), which regulates the industry.

Units: USD millions

Source: Central American Economic Integration Secretariat – SIECA

Leading Sub-Sectors

Cloud services, analytics, forecasting, logistics and development software, computers, and peripherals, as well as advanced telecommunications and digital security products and services are at the top of the list of needs for both the private and public sectors in Honduras. Due to budgetary constraints associated with the negative effects of Eta and Iota hurricanes, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, funding for large scale ICT implementation is delayed.

Opportunities

An increasingly digital economy, driven by non-physical outputs (e.g., service delivery, software, and computing), will be the challenge for both the Honduran government and private sector going forward. While the percentage of bilingual skilled labor is among the highest in the region, the lack of transparency and ease of doing business deters from any significant investment in the ICT Sector. The energy grid is also vastly unreliable and expensive compared to other countries in the region. Despite these challenges, there are many clear opportunities and a willingness to overcome the obstacles on all sides of the Honduran market.

Smart Cities is at the forefront of the government long term ICT goals. The city of San Pedro Sula and the Port of Cortes are leading the charge with ambitious programs aimed at the modernization of urban infrastructure, digital connectivity, and community engagement.

Integration of Smart City Objectives:

• Model School Construction and Educational Technologies 
• Agricultural Optimization Technology
• Entrepreneur Development Programs and Digital Directory
• Digital Municipal Services (Digital Application Development)
• Basic Logistics Infrastructure
• Social Housing Development
• Municipal Television Channel
• City Monitoring Systems
• Water Management & Quality Monitoring
• Sustainable Solar Energy Generation Program

Resources

• The Honduran Institute of Science and Technology
• The Honduran National Telecommunications Commission
• San Pedro Sula Smart City Program
• Puerto Cortes Digital Transparency Portal
• Global Security Expo: September 11-13, 2023, Dallas, TX.
• ISC West 2023: March 28-31, 2023, Las Vegas, NV.

U.S. Commercial Service Contact:

Name:           Rossana Lobo

Position:         Senior Commercial Specialist

Email:             Rossana.Lobo@trade.gov