Vietnam is making significant strides in its digital transformation journey, with state-owned enterprises (SOEs) taking the lead in this endeavor. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on SOEs to spearhead the nation’s digital transformation efforts, setting a precedent for other enterprises to follow. During a meeting with SOE representatives in Hanoi, Chinh emphasized the importance of embracing emerging technologies and outlined plans to support these initiatives financially.
With nearly 700 SOEs in Vietnam boasting a combined assets worth US$216 billion, the government is committed to providing additional funding to facilitate the digital transformation process. Many SOEs are exploring the use of blockchain technology for enhanced transparency and automation through smart contracts. AI, Big Data, and Internet of Things (IoT) are also key focus areas for SOEs as they embark on their digital transformation journey.
The push for digital transformation in Vietnam is driven by various factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and macroeconomic uncertainties. In light of global trade tensions, PM Chinh stresses the importance of self-sufficiency and diversification of the economy through the adoption of emerging technologies.
While some critics question the readiness of Vietnam’s SOEs to lead the digital transformation charge due to bureaucratic hurdles and slow technology adoption, Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyễn Đức Tâm emphasizes the need for improved operational efficiency and increased investment in digital technologies.
In a bid to position itself as a regional digital leader, Vietnam is forging partnerships with countries like Singapore, Belgium, and China to advance its digital transformation agenda. The country’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh, is already making significant investments in blockchain and AI technologies to drive innovation and economic growth.
Meanwhile, Morocco is also making strides in digitizing its healthcare sector through strategic partnerships with industry players. At GITEX Africa 2025, the country signed two key deals aimed at integrating next-gen technologies into its healthcare systems. One of the partnerships involves collaboration between Morocco’s Ministry of Health and the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG) to leverage AI and blockchain solutions for improved service delivery and governance.
The Ministry of Health welcomed these partnerships as a step towards building a smarter and more efficient healthcare system. The collaborations with CDG and the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sciences and Health underscore Morocco’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and logistics.
As healthcare continues to embrace emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, the sector is poised for significant growth and innovation. The global healthcare smart contracts market is expected to reach $10 billion, while blockchain technology is set to revolutionize healthcare in Southeast Asia with a projected market capitalization of over $1 trillion by 2034.
In conclusion, the integration of next-gen technologies into various sectors, including healthcare, is key to driving economic growth and innovation in countries like Vietnam and Morocco. By embracing digital transformation and forging strategic partnerships, these nations are paving the way for a more tech-savvy and resilient future.