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On October 20th, 2026, the Ministry of Finance and the National Institute of Statistics of Timor-Leste, I.P. (INETL, I.P.) presented the Summary Report on Poverty from the 2024 Survey on Living Standards in Timor-Leste (TLSLS 2024), which shows a reduction in poverty over the past decade, accompanied by improvements in access to electricity, safe drinking water, sanitation, housing, and education.
According to the report, using estimates that allow consistent comparison between the two periods, the poverty rate fell from 48.4% in 2014 to 37% in 2024, a decrease of 11.4 percentage points. The TLSLS 2024 was conducted by INETL between April and October 2024 and covered 7,424 households, with national and municipal representativeness.
The improvement in living conditions is also evident in other indicators. Between 2014 and 2024, the proportion of the population without access to electricity fell from 27.9% to 1.7%, and the proportion without access to safe drinking water dropped from 25.4% to 9.1%. The proportion without access to improved sanitation decreased from 39.6% to 24.4%, while the proportion living in adequate housing increased from 22.4% to 42.6%. The report also notes progress in education indicators, with a reduction in illiteracy and in the proportion of households with primary school-age children who do not attend school.
During the presentation of the report, the Vice-Minister of Finance, Regina de Jesus de Sousa, highlighted the progress achieved and the use of the new data to guide public policies aimed at reducing poverty.
“The TLSLS 2024 shows significant progress in reducing poverty and improving living conditions. The data demonstrate how we can reduce disparities and accelerate poverty reduction. The Government will use the new data to guide policymaking, as we are committed to achieving these goals for the people of Timor-Leste,” she stated.
Despite the progress recorded, the report shows that poverty continues to affect rural areas more severely, with the rate reaching 44.5% in 2024, compared with 18.4% in urban areas. It also identifies differences across municipalities and between the living conditions of poor and non-poor households.
The report was prepared with technical support from the World Bank Group. Its Resident Representative in Timor-Leste, David Freedman, stated that “this report shows positive changes in living conditions in Timor-Leste since 2014” and reiterated the institution’s commitment to working with the Government and partners to reduce poverty and promote shared prosperity.
The TLSLS 2024 data will inform a Poverty and Equity Assessment, to be developed by the Government and the World Bank Group, to deepen analysis of the main causes of poverty and support the identification of priority measures to accelerate its reduction. The survey microdata will also be made available for research and public policy development, with the necessary safeguards to protect participants’ confidentiality and privacy.
From October 19th to 22nd, 2026, in Seoul, Republic of Korea, the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, participated in the Global AI & Digital Summit 2026, where he presented Timor-Leste’s progress in digital transformation and called for stronger international cooperation to support developing countries in the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). On the sidelines of the Summit, the Minister also met with representatives of the Republic of Korea and Estonia to explore opportunities for cooperation in digital transformation, e-government, and cybersecurity.
The Global AI & Digital Summit 2026 was organised by the World Bank Group in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea. The Summit brought together government officials, development partners, private-sector representatives, researchers, and other stakeholders to discuss how AI and digital technologies can be applied to development, including job creation, increased productivity, and improved public services.
Discussions also covered the conditions required for inclusive digital transformation, particularly the expansion of connectivity and access to technology, the development of digital public infrastructure, preparedness for AI adoption, and the establishment of mechanisms to ensure its responsible use.
During his participation, Minister Miguel Manetelu presented details of ongoing investments to strengthen Timor-Leste’s digital infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the submarine fibre-optic cable and the national connectivity project, which is intended to extend the fibre-optic network to the country’s more remote areas.
“We highlighted these two projects because telecommunications and digital infrastructure are essential foundations for the development of artificial intelligence. Without adequate infrastructure, it is difficult to develop and use AI effectively. These two projects will serve as key pillars to facilitate the adoption and use of AI technologies in Timor-Leste in the future,” stated the Minister.
The Minister also presented plans to establish a National Data Centre and dedicated cybersecurity facilities. The Government is preparing a feasibility study for the National Data Centre, which aims to address the technological requirements of digitalisation—including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology—and to provide mechanisms for system recovery and operational continuity.
Miguel Manetelu also called for stronger international cooperation to support developing countries in building the technical, institutional, and legal capacities required for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The Minister warned of risks associated with the misuse of these technologies, particularly those affecting privacy, personal reputation, and the spread of false information. He also emphasised the need to promote digital literacy and to develop appropriate legal frameworks.
In this context, the 9th Constitutional Government, through the Ministry of Transport and Communications and TIC TIMOR, I.P., is implementing digital literacy initiatives to promote the safe and responsible use of digital platforms and technologies.
On the sidelines of the Summit, Miguel Manetelu met with the Second Vice-Minister of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, Ryu Je-myung, alongside representatives from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Mongolia.
During the meeting, participants presented updates on their respective countries’ progress in digital transformation and in readiness for AI adoption and discussed potential areas of cooperation with the Republic of Korea.
“We all presented on the progress of digital transformation in our respective countries. Timor-Leste explained that the effective adoption of AI depends on the availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure. We shared this information to explore opportunities for cooperation with South Korea,” Miguel Manetelu stated.
Identified possibilities included the sharing of knowledge and experience, and capacity building for Timorese technical personnel, particularly in cybersecurity and the application of artificial intelligence technologies. The discussions were exploratory in nature and may continue at the technical level to identify specific areas for collaboration.
On October 21st, Minister Miguel Manetelu met the Director-General of Estonia’s Department of Digital and Cyber Diplomacy, Priit Turk, to discuss potential areas of cooperation in digital transformation, e-government, and cybersecurity.
“The bilateral meeting with the Estonian delegation took place following an invitation we received. The delegation sought to learn about Timor-Leste’s plans and vision for the future and to discuss opportunities for joint initiatives and support, particularly in digital transformation and e-government,” the Minister stated.
Estonia has extensive experience in the digitalisation of public administration, including digital identity, system interoperability, and the delivery of electronic public services. During the meeting, participants discussed opportunities to share this experience with Timor-Leste and to develop technical capacities in digital transformation and cybersecurity.
The meeting built on contacts established the previous week during Singapore International Cyber Week, when Miguel Manetelu received an invitation from Estonia’s Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, to deepen bilateral cooperation in these domains.
Timor-Leste and Estonia agreed to continue technical-level discussions through the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Office of Digitalisation and Cybersecurity, and other relevant entities to identify specific areas of cooperation before proceeding to formal instruments.
Timor-Leste’s participation in the Global AI & Digital Summit is part of the Government’s broader efforts to develop the infrastructure and capacity required for national digital transformation, while expanding international technical cooperation in digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on October 21st, 2026
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and decided to approve the National Roadmap for the Implementation of ASEAN Economic Commitments 2026–2030, presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel.
This Roadmap establishes the national framework for guidance and coordination to ensure the phased fulfilment of Timor-Leste’s economic commitments within the ASEAN framework from 2026 to 2030, setting out priorities, actions, and institutional responsibilities. The Roadmap is accompanied by 19 Sectoral Strategic Action Plans for 2026–2030 and 19 Sectoral Work Plans for 2026–2027, which translate these commitments into sectoral priorities, reforms, and concrete actions.
The resolution stipulates that the ministries, institutions and other public bodies involved must ensure the implementation of the actions set out within their respective areas of responsibility, whilst the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, under the coordination of the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, is responsible for overall coordination, monitoring and consolidation of progress in implementing the Roadmap.
The responsible bodies must provide regular reports on the implementation status of the measures, including progress made, constraints identified and proposed measures to address them. The Roadmap will also be subject to periodic monitoring and review, considering developments in Timor-Leste’s commitments within ASEAN, the decisions of its competent bodies and national priorities.
With this decision, the Government aims to ensure a coordinated and coherent national approach to fulfilling the economic commitments undertaken within the framework of ASEAN and to deepen Timor-Leste’s participation in the ASEAN Economic Community.
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The Council of Ministers approved four draft Law Proposals, presented by the Minister for State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, to amend electoral legislation and the electoral register, update and harmonise electoral procedures, modernise the voter registration system, and facilitate the exercise of the right to vote.
The approved proposals cover the second amendment to Law No. 22/2021 of November 4th, the Municipal Electoral Law; the second amendment to Law No. 6/2016 of May 25th, the Electoral Register Law; the sixth amendment to Law No. 6/2006 of December 28th, the Electoral Law for the National Parliament; and the seventh amendment to Law No. 7/2006 of December 28th, the Electoral Law for the Presidency of the Republic.
The main measures proposed include improving access to the electoral process for people with disabilities, notably by introducing Braille ballot papers, supporting voters with mobility difficulties, and providing assisted voting, where provided for by law. The law also extends voting hours abroad for elections to the President of the Republic and the National Parliament until 8.00 pm, to facilitate the participation of Timorese citizens living in the diaspora.
In the context of voter registration, the amendments aim to consolidate the digitisation of the system by establishing the use of electronic forms, recording biometric data, including the voter’s fingerprint and photograph, and introducing new security features on voter cards, namely a QR code. Provision is also made for the establishment of electoral registration committees in countries where Timor-Leste has no diplomatic representation, comprising two Timorese citizens of proven integrity residing in the respective country.
The proposals also include updating the requirements for submitting candidacies, adjusting the number of certain electoral officials to match the number of registered voters at polling centres and polling stations, and other amendments to improve the organisation of electoral processes. In municipal elections, candidacies for President and Vice-President submitted by groups of citizens must continue to have the support of at least 5 per cent of registered voters in the respective municipality. They must now include at least 50 proposers from each sub-unit comprising that municipality.
These amendments aim to modernise and harmonise the electoral framework, make voting and voter registration more accessible, and align the legislation with technological developments and the experience gained from conducting electoral processes in Timor-Leste.
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Following proposals from the Minister for State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Council of Ministers decided to approve the theme “51 Years of History – Consolidating Stability and Promoting Sustainable Development” for the celebrations marking the 51st anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste’s Unilateral Proclamation of Independence.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Health, Élia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, on the scheme for the extraordinary promotion of staff in the public administration’s healthcare professions for 2026.
This legislation builds on the 2025 extraordinary promotion scheme and establishes 1,874 posts to promote healthcare professionals who were not promoted last year. The scheme covers doctors, nurses, midwives and diagnostic, therapeutic and public health technicians. The promotions will take effect from July 1st, 2026.
With this measure, the government aims to enhance recognition and motivation among healthcare professionals, promote career progression, and strengthen the National Health Service.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Law Proposal for the first amendment to Law No. 15/2017 of August 23rd, the Private Investment Law, to strengthen the conditions for attracting large-scale investment and reinvestment projects of strategic interest to Timor-Leste’s development.
The proposal retains the general scheme for granting tax benefits and customs incentives and introduces a specific scheme for investment or reinvestment projects deemed to be of major national interest, within the framework of the Strategic Development Plan. For these projects, benefits may be granted for 25 years, renewable for an equal period, subject to recognition by Government Resolution, considering the scale or nature of the investment and its economic, social, environmental, or technological impact.
The legislation also clarifies and expands the framework for special investment agreements, setting out in greater detail the conditions for their conclusion and investors’ commitments, particularly regarding the creation of jobs for Timorese workers and their vocational training, the procurement of goods and services from local suppliers, environmental protection, and support for local communities.
Guarantees of legal and fiscal stability are also established in relation to the benefits granted, without prejudice to the application of rules in the public interest. Mechanisms for monitoring and supervising projects are strengthened, as are the consequences in the event of non-compliance, including the possibility of terminating the agreement and forfeiting the benefits granted.
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Following the draft presented by the Minister for Public Works, Samuel Marçal, the Council of Ministers resolved to approve a temporary adjustment to the reference unit prices for petroleum products and cement used in the execution of public works, taking into account the rise in the costs of these materials on national and international markets, linked to armed conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
The decision stipulates that the National Development Agency (ADN, IP) shall update the reference prices to US$1.65 per litre of fuel, US$5 per bag of cement, and US$1.25 per kilogramme of bituminous material.
The measure aims to align the costs of public works with market realities, prevent projects from being put on hold, and ensure the continuity and quality of public infrastructure construction. The ADN is also responsible for regularly monitoring price trends and making the necessary adjustments to protect the interests of the State and the public corporations involved.
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Lastly, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Filipus Nino Pereira, presented to the Council of Ministers the memorandum of understanding to be signed between the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Timor-Leste and the Ministry of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), with a view to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of intellectual property.
The Memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation to strengthen Timor-Leste’s institutional capacities in this area by sharing knowledge and experience, training technical staff, and exchanging specialist personnel. It also provides for cooperation in developing policies and legislation, protecting intellectual property rights, and promoting their economic use, including the commercialisation of products and innovations. END
On October 16th, 2026, the Government marked World Food Day at a ceremony in Dili, organised by the National Council for Food and Nutrition Security and Sovereignty of Timor-Leste (CONSSAN-TL) in collaboration with relevant ministries, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), and development partners. The celebration highlighted investment in innovation, increased and diversified local food production, and improvements in food and nutrition security.
The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, and President of CONSSAN-TL, Mariano Assanami Sabino, chaired the ceremony. The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz; the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste, Funmi Balogun; and representatives of public institutions, international organisations, development partners, farmers, and communities also attended.
Under the global theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow” and the national theme “Investing in Innovation to Ensure Food and Nutrition Security”, celebrations focused on identifying solutions to increase local food production, improve dietary quality, and facilitate families’ access to a diverse range of nutritious foods.
CONSSAN-TL is the interministerial body responsible for coordinating the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of public policies on food and nutrition security and sovereignty.
In his address, Mariano Assanami Sabino highlighted the challenges Timor-Leste continues to face in relation to agricultural productivity, the effects of climate change, post-harvest losses, the diversity of available food, and producers’ access to technology and markets.
The Vice Prime Minister called for investment in quality seeds, efficient irrigation systems, appropriate technologies, scientific research, and technical training for producers. He emphasised the need to improve rural extension services and to develop infrastructure for storing and processing agricultural products. He also highlighted the importance of facilitating access to financing, knowledge, and market opportunities for farmers, fishers, women, and young people.
Mariano Assanami Sabino further stressed that innovation should integrate traditional community knowledge with new technologies and sustainable practices to increase productivity, protect natural resources, and strengthen the capacity to respond to the effects of climate change.
The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, emphasised that innovation is not limited to adopting new technologies or equipment. It also involves improving cultivation techniques, livestock rearing, fisheries and aquaculture, water and soil management, local product storage and processing, and links between producers and markets.
The Minister also emphasised the need to reduce post-harvest losses and to promote solutions tailored to the needs of farmers, livestock breeders, and fishers. These solutions should combine local knowledge, good practices developed within communities, and applied research.
The celebrations included a National Fair held on October 15th and 16th, featuring participation from farmers across several municipalities, public institutions, United Nations agencies, and development partners. The exhibition showcased agricultural products, traditional foods, and food-processing initiatives, highlighting the diversity of national production.
The programme also included the launch of the World Food Forum Youth Chapter in Timor-Leste and panel discussions on food production, investment, and nutrition, including a dedicated session on innovation in local food production and market access.
World Food Day is celebrated annually on October 16th, marking the FAO’s founding in 1945. In Timor-Leste, the 2026 celebrations were part of CONSSAN-TL’s initiatives to promote coordination among public institutions, municipalities, producers, and development partners on food and nutrition security.