Maldives Innovation and Digital Company has entered into a strategic partnership with Bank of Maldives to establish a national AI and Data Competency Centre, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey
The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, positioning the new centre as a flagship initiative under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Maldives 2.0 Digital Transformation agenda. The initiative reflects the administration’s policy direction to embed artificial intelligence and data-driven systems at the core of modern governance and public service delivery.
The AI and Data Competency Centre is designed as a shared national capability to support government institutions and key economic sectors in adopting AI-enabled solutions. Its focus will be on improving service efficiency, strengthening evidence-based policymaking, and modernising public sector operations through secure and scalable technologies.
A central pillar of the initiative is structured collaboration with the local private sector. The centre will actively engage Maldivian technology firms, startups, and industry experts to co-create practical AI and data tools that address real public sector challenges. This co-creation model aims to ensure that innovation aligns with national priorities while remaining adaptable, secure, and fit for public service deployment.
MINDCo will lead the establishment and governance of the centre, while Bank of Maldives joins as a strategic partner to support its development and early implementation phase. BML’s involvement underscores its broader commitment to strengthening the country’s digital and financial ecosystem and supporting national digital modernisation efforts.
As the Maldives’ largest financial institution, BML brings extensive experience in digital payments, financial technology, and the application of data and artificial intelligence at scale. Through the partnership, the bank will contribute industry expertise and operational insights to help shape AI-driven solutions that enhance public sector systems and improve service delivery across government institutions.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen alignment between public sector digital transformation and the rapidly evolving financial and payments infrastructure of the Maldives. By leveraging BML’s experience in secure digital platforms, payment systems, and AI-enabled services, the centre aims to accelerate the responsible adoption of emerging technologies within government.
Both MINDCo and Bank of Maldives emphasised that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to building national AI and data capabilities, developing a future-ready workforce, and ensuring that investments in digital transformation translate into tangible benefits for citizens, institutions, and the wider economy.
The AI and Data Competency Centre is scheduled to commence operations by April 2026, following a phased implementation approach.
