In a decisive move towards digital advancement, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has unveiled a comprehensive framework aimed at revolutionizing the Maldives’ digital landscape. This initiative, endorsed during a recent Cabinet meeting, seeks to bolster the nation’s Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, thereby enhancing productivity and maximizing the benefits of the digital economy for all Maldivians.
Key Initiatives of the Digital Framework:
- Modern Legislative Reforms: The government plans to introduce contemporary legislation and finalize a regulatory framework to expedite national digital transformation projects. This includes establishing a conducive governance structure within the ICT sector to drive economic development.
- Interoperable Open Data Sharing Platform: An innovative platform will be developed to facilitate seamless data exchange among government agencies. Specific bodies will be designated to maintain centralized registers, serving as the fundamental ‘Single Source of Truth’.
- National-Level E-Government Platforms: The initiative aims to develop and implement platforms that deliver citizen-centric services, thereby enhancing the existing e-Government system.
- Digitalization of Public Services: All government agencies and state-owned companies will undergo digitalization to strengthen and expand the e-Government system, ensuring more efficient service delivery.
- National Sovereign Cloud: A secure cloud infrastructure will be established for the management of government data, alongside expanding data center capabilities and enhancing the digital archive system.
- E-Faas Implementation: A secure electronic identification system compliant with international standards will be introduced, including the implementation of digital signatures to facilitate secure online transactions.
- Cultivation of a Digitally Competent Workforce: The government plans to integrate advanced technology modules into school curricula, provide training in emerging technologies, and establish a dedicated fund for research, development, and innovation in the digital field.
- ‘Local First’ Policy: A policy prioritizing Maldivians in the procurement of ICT and other technology services for government requirements will be implemented to support local talent and businesses.
- Establishment of an Innovation Hub: An Innovation Hub will be created to foster research and develop innovative solutions within the technology industry.
During the Cabinet meeting, ministers discussed detailed implementation strategies and established timelines to achieve these objectives, signaling a unified commitment to the nation’s digital future.
This ambitious plan aligns with President Muizzu’s vision of a digitally empowered Maldives, where technology serves as a catalyst for economic opportunity and social equity. By embracing digital transformation, the Maldives aims to position itself as a leader among Small Island Developing States (SIDS), leveraging technology to overcome unique challenges and enhance public service delivery across its dispersed islands.
The government’s commitment to digitalization is further evidenced by recent collaborations with international partners. Notably, the Maldives has engaged with Estonia, renowned for its digital innovations, to gain insights and explore potential collaborations. President Muizzu’s visit to Estonia underscored the administration’s dedication to learning from global leaders in digital transformation to inform the Maldives’ own initiatives.
As the Maldives embarks on this transformative journey, the focus remains on creating an inclusive, resilient, and just digital society that leaves no citizen behind.
