The initiative to digitise public services provided by local councils has made significant progress, with agreements made with as many as nine councils to date, Tradenet Maldives Corporation Limited has revealed.
The incumbent government has launched a wide-reaching digital overhaul named 'Maldives 2.0' designed as a multi-institutional effort to reform state operations through technology.
Tradenet, which is spearheading the initiative, is working to connect government agencies with its One Gov online platform, designed to provide a one-stop shop for all government agencies.
TradeNet Managing Director Saidha Umar told the Parliamentary State-owned Enterprises (SOE) Committee that the company last year had initiated efforts to bring local councils under the One Gov umbrella.
As part of the efforts, agreements have been signed with nine councils, she revealed, adding that work is now underway to streamline the services provided by the councils and connect them to the system. According to Saaidha, 40 more councils have expressed interest to incorporate services through the One Gov portal.
TradeNet aims to complete the initiative and digitise all councils by 2027, she said, assuring that the state-owned firm has the capacity to execute the initiative with further room to expand its capacity if needed.
The government's 'Maldives 2.0' initiative is expected to deliver significant benefits for businesses and investment, according to the government.
The comprehensive digital transformation effort aimed at modernising governance, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies, and bolstering economic growth.
Government officials believe that the initiative will do more than streamline state operations. They anticipate its impact will extend to the private sector, stimulating investment and strengthening economic stability. Minister Saeed reiterated that collective cooperation, rather than political division, is key to ensuring its success.
Over the next three years, officials plan to integrate digital tools that will accelerate public service delivery, improve transparency, and curb corruption.