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How Well-Designed Digital Public Infrastructure Can Fulfill the Maldives’ Digital Transformation Dreams

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the foundation upon which nations can build efficient, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystems. For the Maldives, a nation of dispersed islands and unique challenges, a well-designed DPI has the potential to unlock its full digital transformation potential, fostering economic growth, improving governance, and enhancing citizen services. Here’s how:

Understanding Digital Public Infrastructure

Digital Identity Systems: Providing citizens with a secure, unique identifier to access public and private services seamlessly. In the Maldives, eFaas already acts as the cornerstone of digital identity.

Data Exchange Platforms: Enabling secure and interoperable data sharing between government agencies and private entities. The Maldives is working towards this through the World Bank-funded DMADD project, which aims to establish an X-Road-style system.

Digital Payment Systems: Facilitating fast, secure, and inclusive electronic payments. The Favara Instant Payment System is a prime example of progress in this area, connecting banks for seamless financial transactions.

Together, these elements form the backbone of a connected and efficient digital government.


The Maldives’ Digital Transformation Challenges

Despite progress, the Maldives faces hurdles in achieving its digital transformation dreams:

  • Fragmented Systems: Over 200 siloed government portals reduce efficiency and complicate service delivery.
  • Funding Constraints: Sustainable financing for digital initiatives is critical, yet resources are limited.
  • Public Trust: Citizens remain skeptical about data privacy and security.
  • Infrastructure Gaps: The absence of a unified, scalable data exchange platform slows interoperability.
  • Private Sector Integration: Innovation is limited by underutilized local private sector capabilities.


Solving Digital Transformation Challenges Through DPI

1. Sustainable Funding with Strategic Reinvestment

The Maldives can learn from countries like Eswatini, which reinvests telecommunications licensing revenue into its technology sector, including cybersecurity and communications infrastructure.

Establishing a Digital Transformation Trust Fund fueled by telco licensing revenue can ensure sustainable investment in DPI.

This model could support critical infrastructure like eFaas, interoperability platforms, and cybersecurity measures.

2. Empowering Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

A well-designed DPI relies on collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector.

Leverage Local Providers: With Dhiraagu and Ooredoo investing over MVR 60 million annually in upgraded data centers, the Maldives can adopt a cloud-first policy where private providers supply infrastructure.

Boost Startups: Empower local startups to innovate under government-enforced standards, creating a dynamic ecosystem.


3. Centralizing Identity and Data Management

The DMADD project’s modernization of the Department of National Registration database will create a single source of truth, streamlining identity verification for eFaas and ensuring data accuracy across all services.

A centralized identity database fosters trust and efficiency in public services.

Mandatory eFaas integration for all government and private platforms ensures universal access and adoption.


4. Enhancing Citizen Trust

Building public trust in DPI requires robust governance and transparency.

Data Privacy Laws: Accelerate the implementation of the Data Protection Act to safeguard citizen data.

Education and Awareness: Conduct campaigns to educate citizens on the benefits and security of digital systems like eFaas and Favara.


5. Fostering Innovation Through Ecosystem Development

Countries like Singapore and the UAE have shown the value of transitioning from technology consumers to innovators.

Government as a Facilitator: Instead of controlling all aspects, the government can regulate and empower others to develop digital services, focusing on owning assets while allowing others to innovate.

Cloud-First Strategy: Public cloud providers like Google and Microsoft, alongside local providers, can create a multi-layered infrastructure for scalability and resilience.


Benefits of a Well-Designed DPI for the Maldives

  • Streamlined Governance: A centralized, interoperable platform improves efficiency and transparency in government operations.
  • Economic Growth: Digital payments and integrated services enable entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and foreign investment.
  • Inclusive Access: A unified digital identity ensures equal access to services across the islands.
  • Enhanced Security: Strengthened cybersecurity measures protect critical data and infrastructure.

A well-designed DPI is more than just technology; it is the foundation for innovation, trust, and growth. By addressing funding challenges, empowering partnerships, and fostering an inclusive ecosystem, the Maldives can transform its digital dreams into reality. Leveraging existing projects like DMADD, adopting sustainable funding models, and embracing private-sector collaboration will enable the Maldives to build a future-ready digital infrastructure that benefits every citizen, business, and institution.

The vision is clear: a Maldives where digital transformation connects islands, bridges divides, and empowers generations.

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