Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology Dr. Mohamed Kinaanath has revealed plans to enhance the National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT) and the digital identity card (Efaas), with the assistance of the World Bank. He made the statement during a press conference held to provide information on the Digital Maldives Adaptation, Decentralisation and Diversification Project, carried out with the World Bank's support.
Addressing the media, State Minister Dr. Kinaanath stated that the World Bank has provided USD 10 million as financial support for the project. The funds will be utilised to cover expenses for four administrative bodies. He stated that the funds allocated for NCIT will be carefully utilised to enhance the centre and further develop Efaas.
The funds will be allocated for various purposes. As such, USD 0.5 million has been allocated to cover the administrative costs of the project, USD 3 million for the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, USD 2.6 million for the NCIT, USD 3 million for the Department of National Registrations and USD 0.9 million for the Communications Authority of Maldives.
The projects Director Dr. Ibrahim Waheed revealed that the practical works of the projects had commenced this year. He stated that the results of the project will be visible from 2027 onwards.
Maldives and the World Bank signed an agreement to carry out the Digital Maldives Adaptation, Decentralisation and Diversification Project, on July 4, 2022. Several initiatives will be undertaken under the projects, including the development of a framework to build people. It will also provide assistance to draft legislations