ICDL Asia is delighted to announce that Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT) has officially joined our network as an Accredited Test Centre (ATC). This enables VIT to offer the internationally recognised ICDL programme and certification in Vanuatu, marking a significant milestone for advancing digital skills development and supporting the broader regional agenda for digital transformation.
The official launch ceremony was held at VIT’s campus in Port Vila and was graced by senior officials from the Ministry of Education and Training, including First Political Advisor Mr. Howard Aru, representing the Honourable Minister of Education, along with other representatives from key educational and community stakeholders, thus underscoring a strong national support for digital literacy.
VIT has initiated comprehensive plans to implement ICDL programmes for students, professionals, and the wider community, to equip talent in Vanuatu with essential digital skills that are aligned to global standards.
This includes a comprehensive suite of modules such as Computer and Online Essentials, Documents, Spreadsheets, Presentation, Cyber Security, and Artificial Intelligence, catering to learners at various stages of their educational and professional development.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Wade Evans, Principal of VIT, emphasised the importance of embedding digital literacy across all areas of academic and training programmes. In today’s technology-driven world, digital competence is crucial across sectors such as tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and construction.
By integrating the ICDL programme into its training pathways alongside technical subjects, VIT aims to equip students with both an internationally recognised certification, as well as the confidence needed to succeed in today’s digital economy. This initiative reflects the institute’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence.
On behalf of the Minister of Education, First Political Advisor Mr. Howard Aru commended the leadership of VIT and recognised the initiative as a forward-thinking step towards strengthening Vanuatu’s workforce. The inclusion of ICDL programmes within national institutions represents a strategic investment to ensure the workforce is prepared to participate meaningfully in an increasingly connected and competitive digital environment.
Highlighting with recent statistics, Mr. Aru noted that as of 2025 around 45.7% of Vanuatu’s population—or approximately 151,000 individuals are internet users, with over 315,000 active mobile connections reaching more than 95% of the population. Furthermore, 80% of adults have access to smartphones, either directly or indirectly.
Despite this widespread connectivity, a national survey conducted by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) revealed significant gaps in digital and financial literacy, particularly in rural areas. These findings highlight the urgent need to expand access to digital education for all citizens.
This partnership between ICDL Asia and VIT marks the beginning of a new chapter in our mission to empower individuals with the digital skills to succeed in the modern world. With VIT as part of our network, we are confident this collaboration will play a vital role in shaping digital transformation across Vanuatu.
As the global digital landscape continues to evolve, ICDL remains committed to working alongside governments, educational institutions, and community partners to raise digital competency levels across the Asia Pacific region.
About Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT)
Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT), based in Port Vila, is the country’s leading public institution for technical, vocational, and continuing education. Established in 1970 as the Collège d’Enseignement Technique by the French government and later renamed Institut National de Technologie de Vanuatu (INTV) following independence, VIT began offering dual-language programmes in 1980.
With over 50 years of experience, VIT delivers a wide range of certificate and diploma programmes in high-demand fields, including architecture, engineering, business administration, hospitality, tourism, information technology, humanities and more.
With a student population of approximately 700 and a dedicated academic staff, VIT plays a crucial role in Vanuatu’s economic and social development by equipping individuals with practical skills for employment and further education.
For more information about VIT, please visit: https://vit.edu.vu/
About ICDL
ICDL is a not-for-profit global social enterprise dedicated to raising digital competence standards in the workforce, education, and society. Our certification programmes, delivered through an active network in over 100 countries, enable individuals and organisations to assess, build, and certify their competence in the use of computers and digital tools to the globally recognised ICDL standard.
As a non-profit social enterprise, ICDL Foundation benefits from the unique support of experts from national computer societies and partners worldwide to develop vendor-independent standards, defining the skills and knowledge required to use digital technology effectively. We work with education and training partners, local and regional authorities, national governments, international development organisations, as well as public and private sector employers in all sectors, in the delivery of our programmes.
The quality and reputation of ICDL are built on over 20 years of experience in delivering certification programmes to over 17 million people in more than 40 languages worldwide, with more than 2.5 million ICDL tests taken annually. Our success is maintained by our ongoing innovation in certification programme development, our commitment to rigorous test design methodologies, and our consistent adherence to our quality assurance standards.
For more information about ICDL, please visit https://icdlasia.org/about-us/