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Cyprus Enterprises Accelerate Digital Transformation With Advanced Connectivity And AI

Overview Of Digital Advancements

Cyprus enterprises continue to drive a formidable digital transformation, as evidenced by the latest data from the Statistical Service (Cystat). In 2025, businesses across sectors have embraced faster internet connections, broadened the use of artificial intelligence (AI), and increased their reliance on robust business software.

Enhanced Connectivity And High-Speed Internet Adoption

The rapid evolution of digital infrastructure is underscored by key connectivity statistics. An impressive 98.2 per cent of enterprises now have a fixed internet connection, with 87.3 per cent reporting download speeds in excess of 100 Mbit/s – a staggering leap from 44.8 per cent in 2021. Contracted speeds generally occupy the 100–499 Mbit/s range (36.5 per cent), followed by ultra-fast connections of 1 Gbit/s and above (26.2 per cent). Notably, a mere 2 per cent of enterprises continue to operate below 30 Mbit/s.

Rising Momentum In E-Commerce And AI Integration

E-commerce has gained substantial traction with 23.9 per cent of enterprises receiving online orders in 2024. These orders were primarily placed through websites and apps, with company-managed platforms and marketplace sites recording 17.1 per cent and 14.1 per cent, respectively. Private consumers made up 21.9 per cent of online transactions, while business and public sectors accounted for 10 per cent.

The role of AI is also expanding. In 2025, 9.3 per cent of all enterprises have incorporated AI technologies – a significant rise from 2.6 per cent in 2021. This growth is strongly correlated with enterprise size, as large companies now report a 35.1 per cent usage rate compared to 15.3 per cent in medium-sized firms and 7.7 per cent in small enterprises. Among large organizations, AI adoption surged notably from 13 per cent in 2021.

Business Software And Operational Efficiency

Modern business systems in Cyprus increasingly depend on sophisticated software. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems lead with a 41 per cent adoption rate, followed by customer relationship management (CRM) solutions at 33.1 per cent. Additionally, 22.1 per cent of enterprises utilize business intelligence (BI) tools to enhance data analysis and reporting. The adoption of these technologies is more pronounced in larger enterprises, with ERP usage peaking at 82.4 per cent and BI tools employed by 75.3 per cent of large organizations.

Approximately 33.7 per cent of firms rely on in-house teams for data analytics, while 16 per cent opt to outsource these functions, highlighting a preference among medium and large companies for maintaining internal analytical operations.

Environmental Sustainability Through Digital Practices

In parallel with technological adoption, an increasing number of enterprises are integrating ICT tools to mitigate environmental impacts. About 25.4 per cent leverage digital solutions to curb energy consumption, and 22.3 per cent implement practices aimed at reducing material use and boosting recycling efficiencies. When retiring ICT equipment, 68.6 per cent recycle unused devices, 53.2 per cent retain them as spare parts, and 32.6 per cent sell, donate, or return them.

Survey Parameters And Implications

The 2025 survey encompasses 5,232 enterprises with ten or more employees, spanning diverse sectors including manufacturing, construction, trade, transport, hospitality, ICT, real estate, and professional services. Data collection spanned from February to June, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the evolving digital landscape in Cyprus.

New EU Tobacco Tax Rules Trigger Market Stability Concerns

Amid an ongoing European consultation on taxation policies, the Association of Convenience Stores (SYKADE), a member of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held a high-level meeting with the Director of the Customs Department to assess the potential consequences of proposed EU tax revisions on tobacco and nicotine products. The dialogue focused on how pricing shifts could affect both legal retailers and overall market equilibrium.

Price Projections And Consumer Impact

Industry representatives warned that if higher minimum excise duties are introduced, the average retail price of a cigarette pack could rise from approximately €4.50–€5.00 to €7.00–€7.50. Such an increase, they argue, would not only reduce affordability but could also redirect a portion of demand away from regulated sales channels, reshaping purchasing behaviour across the legal tobacco market.

Smuggling And Revenue Losses

A central concern in the discussion was the persistent issue of illicit trade. SYKADE emphasized the importance of strengthening border inspections and upgrading customs monitoring systems, alongside introducing stricter penalties for trafficking offenses. According to industry estimates, illegal cigarettes account for roughly 13% of total consumption, while hand-rolled tobacco products may reach levels of up to 53%. These parallel markets are believed to deprive public finances of more than €50 million annually in lost tax revenue.

Balanced Taxation And Policy Outlook

While expressing support for public-health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking rates, the association urged policymakers to adopt a data-driven and proportionate fiscal strategy. SYKADE cautioned that excessively sharp tax increases risk expanding the shadow market and undermining legitimate businesses without delivering the intended health outcomes. The organization confirmed that further consultations with the Ministry of Finance are planned, with the goal of aligning revenue protection, consumer regulation, and public-health priorities within a stable and predictable policy framework.

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