The World Bank has reported the Maldives can leverage digital technologies to build back better for a more green, resilient, and inclusive development following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the “World Bank Maldives Development Update: A Digital Dawn” report released on April 15, the World Bank stated the Maldives is firmly on the road to recovery post a massive pandemic led downturn. The report noted successful marketing campaigns and relatively straightforward entry requirements have helped the Maldives record more than 300,000 tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2021. Assuming that a million tourists visit the country this year, the World Bank forecasts real GDP to grow by 17.1% in 2021.
The special focus section of the report shed light on how digital technologies can be game changers for Maldives’ growth and development. The report noted the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation that was already underway, thanks to relatively high broadband and mobile internet penetration in the country. As such, the report stated about 63% of the population used Internet in 2019, a higher proportion than in other South Asian countries and peers outside the region. Therefore, the report noted there is tremendous potential to use digital technologies to improve the delivery of services such as health, education, and disaster risk management, especially to outer atolls.
The report further stated in order to leverage the digital dividend, Maldives needs to address policy, legal and regulatory gaps that currently inhibit the adoption of digital technologies. It also noted the Maldives needs to boost the digital capabilities and skills of the people to ensure that all Maldivians can take advantage of new technologies in an increasingly digital world.
The Maldives Development Update is a World Bank publication that discusses the country’s recent macroeconomic developments and outlook, as well as relevant development challenges. It also provides a more in-depth examination of selected economic and policy issues.