Montenegro’s journey toward interoperable government
The Digital Transformation of Local Self-Governments in Montenegro project set out to strengthen local digital governance and enable interoperable, citizen-centred public services across the country. It is a compelling example of how strong national leadership, combined with targeted international expertise and close institutional collaboration, can turn digital policy into tangible results that benefit citizens and businesses alike.
Launched in December 2024, the project was designed as a practical, implementation-oriented intervention. Implemented jointly by the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), in close coordination with Montenegro’s Ministry of Public Administration, the project aimed to equip municipalities with the tools, skills, and frameworks needed to design and deliver real digital services. The project was undertaken under the umbrella of the Montenegro SDG Acceleration Fund.
Throughout 2025, BDT led a structured capacity-building programme that combined three intensive in-person GovStack workshops and eight targeted online technical sessions. These activities brought together local and central government representatives, technical experts, and institutional partners in a collaborative learning environment.
This hands-on approach allowed participants to translate GovStack principles into concrete digital solutions tailored to local needs. Municipalities strengthened their capacity to design and implement scalable digital services using a Whole-of-Government approach.
A major outcome of the project was the co-creation of three high-impact digital services, selected jointly with national and local stakeholders based on citizen demand and feasibility:
- Social Aid for Newborns
- Annual Property Tax Payment
- Business Registration for Hospitality Services
On 23 December 2025, the Inter-Municipal Cooperation Agreement on access to the Unified System for Electronic Data Exchange was signed. This marked a major milestone toward sustainable, interoperable digital government.
This is an ITU Development #BDT4Impact story
About the Project
The overall objective of this UN Joint Programme (UNJP) intervention is to contribute to improved quality of life for citizens through increased accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, and efficiency and effectiveness of local public administration.
Specific objective of the intervention is to support further development of the local eGovernance system in Montenegro.
Visit the project page for more details.