Montenegro Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in montenegro, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Digital Economy
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Overview

Montenegro treats digitalization as a central pillar for economic growth and EU accession. The Digital Transformation Strategy of MNE 2022–2026, adopted in December 2021, serves as a comprehensive roadmap to digitalize governance, empower citizens and businesses, and align with EU digital plans, such as the Digital Compass 2030. The strategy prioritizes building modern ICT infrastructure, strengthening e-government, improving interoperability, enhancing cybersecurity, and fostering innovation in both the public and private sectors.

To coordinate implementation, the Government established a Digital Transformation Coordinating Body in February 2023, bringing together stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector. Key objectives include streamlining digital services in line with “once-only” principles, such as reducing reliance on paperwork, and modernizing public administration through enhanced digital skills, standardized systems, and interoperability across institutions.

Cybersecurity is a growing priority for Montenegro as digitalization expands and as Montenegro continues to recover from a painful government-wide ransomware attack in 2022. The country hosts the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), which serves as a hub for training, capacity building, and regional cooperation on cybersecurity. Montenegro is also working to strengthen its national cybersecurity legislation, improve incident response mechanisms, and expand the role of its national Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). Efforts are underway to align Montenegro’s cybersecurity framework with EU directives, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure, financial services, and digital communications networks. To this end, Montenegro established a National Cyber Security Agency in its amended Law on Information Security in late 2024, but the Agency has yet to be formally operationalized.

In 2025, Montenegro presented its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Readiness Assessment, which identified tourism, energy, and environmental protection as priority sectors for AI application and called for development of a national AI strategy. The government has established a stakeholder working group, comprising representatives of government, academia, civil society, the private sector, and others to inform a planned national AI strategy.  

By late 2024, Montenegro had delivered more than 45 new electronic services, including online enrollment for kindergartens, schools, and universities, with over 90 percent of students now registering online. The government has also expanded e-services to NGOs, cultural institutions, and political parties. Public awareness of e-services reached over 50 percent of the population in 2024.

In 2025, Montenegro launched a national blockchain initiative with Agile Dynamics to develop interoperable blockchain infrastructure for digital identity, cross-border trade, and tokenized capital markets, seeking to position itself as a regional hub for digital innovation.

Financial digitalization advanced in July 2025 with a World Bank–supported project (€8 million) to modernize Montenegro’s payments system, align it with SEPA standards, and expand digital financial services, particularly to underserved communities. The government anticipates this project will boost digital payment usage by one-third by 2030.

Market Challenges

Public Procurement

Transparency and competitiveness in public procurement remain concerns for ICT and digitalization projects. Companies have raised issues about inconsistent procedures and limited opportunities for foreign bidders, particularly in infrastructure and telecom projects. See the Selling to the Public Sector section above for additional information.
Artificial Intelligence. AI is not yet regulated under a dedicated legal framework in Montenegro. Lawmakers in 2025 acknowledged the need to close gaps around data protection, liability, and ethical use. The forthcoming National AI Strategy (expected 2025–2026) will seek to address these concerns. For now, the sector presents opportunities but also risks due to legal uncertainty.

Cybersecurity

Montenegro faced multiple cyberattacks in recent years, notably in 2022, which disrupted public administration and services across the government. The government has since prioritized strengthening CERT capacity and aligning with EU cybersecurity standards. However, limited resources and expertise at both national and municipal levels pose continuing challenges.

Cloud Technologies

There is no clear regulatory framework for the classification of state data, limiting use of commercial cloud solutions hosted abroad. The Ministry of Public Administration’s 2022–2026 Strategy anticipates development of such a framework, but as of 2025, most government data must be hosted domestically. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for investors in data centers.

Foreign Malign Influence

Untrusted ICT companies and products remain present in Montenegro’s telecom infrastructure. While Western providers (Ericsson, Nokia, Cisco) are also active, many service providers rely on untrusted equipment, raising concerns about data security.  EU and U.S. partners, in coordination with the government, are advocating for trusted ICT technology, particularly in critical infrastructure.

Digital Trade Opportunities

Montenegro’s digital transformation presents opportunities for U.S. technology providers in areas such as e-government platforms, data center development, broadband expansion, AI solutions, and cybersecurity services.  The planned national data center, upcoming AI strategy, and the presence of the WB3C create openings for U.S. companies to provide infrastructure, cloud, analytics, and cyber defense solutions. Growing e-commerce and SME digitalization initiatives also open space for U.S. fintech, logistics, and digital payment platforms.

Broadband Connectivity

Mobile broadband (4G) coverage is widespread in Montenegro, though fixed broadband penetration remains limited. The government recognizes the need to expand infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and has aligned its broadband goals with EU standards. 5G coverage reached 70 percent of Montenegro’s population at the end of 2024, and is expected to accelerate by 2026.

Next Generation Networks

Montenegro has adopted regulatory frameworks harmonized with the EU for spectrum management and electronic communications. A 5G spectrum auction was held in December 2022, and in the coming months operators will be able to extend their spectrum rights for an additional five years. According to the Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (EKIP), 5G service is now available in every municipality, with the target of covering at least 50 percent of the population by the end of 2026 already achieved. Continued investments in next-generation infrastructure are expected to create opportunities for U.S. technology providers, as all populated areas, highways, and main roads are slated for coverage by 2030.

Digitalization of Public Services

The government continues to digitalize administrative procedures, prioritizing the tax administration, judiciary, customs, inspections, and health services.  These ongoing reforms create consistent demand for advanced IT solutions, consulting, and software services.

Smart Cities

Several municipalities are piloting smart city projects in areas such as smart lighting, public Wi-Fi, e-mobility charging infrastructure, and digital security.  These initiatives are supported by both EU and bilateral donor funding, opening space for providers of urban tech solutions.

Blockchain and FinTech

Montenegro’s blockchain initiative, launched in 2025, positions the country as an early mover in the region. Combined with the World Bank–supported payments modernization program, this provides openings for U.S. and European companies in fintech, secure digital identity, and cross-border digital trade solutions.

Gaming and Creative Industries

Montenegro’s digital creative sector, including indie gaming and design studios, is growing with support from regional accelerator programs. This is an emerging sub-sector for export-oriented digital services.

Regional and International Initiatives

In April 2025, EBRD launched a €377 million “Go Digital” program for SMEs in the Western Balkans, including Montenegro. The program combines loans, grants, and technical assistance to drive digital transformation, automation, and adoption of green technologies in the private sector.

Digital Economy-related trade events

  • InfoFest (Budva, annually in late Sept) – Along-running, government-backed ICT festival and B2G/B2B meeting point. arhiva.infofest.comvijesti.me
  • Spark.me (Tivat, typically early June) – A regional digital/business conference powered by .ME; useful for startups and marketers. Porto Montenegrospark.me

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