The World Bank’s Country Portfolio Performance Review (CPPR) spotlighted the “Digital Maldives for Adaptation, Decentralization and Diversification” project. The meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss the project’s progress and issues and outline measures for enhancing project monitoring.

Dr. Ibrahim Waheed, the Project Manager of the DMADD project, presented the project's timeline since the formulation of the PMU, highlighting the most immediate progress of the different components.

Among the discussions was the need to build synergy among various digital development initiatives of government organisations. Special attention was given to the digital identification component, which is seen as a cornerstone for integrating services and improving governance.

The meeting also addressed the critical support required for the project's advancement, including submitting the Data Privacy Bill to parliament, which is a vital disbursement condition. The Ministry of Finance was called upon to play a role in facilitating this process.

The meeting underscored the necessity for project restructuring in light of the recent shift of the technology mandate to the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. This strategic move will align the project closely with the current government's technological innovation goals.

The CPPR meeting concluded with a commitment to continuous support for the DMADD project, recognising its potential to catalyse the country’s adaptation, decentralization, and diversification through digital means. The World Bank reaffirmed its dedication to assisting the Maldives in navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by the digital era.

Ms. Chiyo Kanda (Country Manager for Maldives and Sri Lanka), Mr. Asela Dissanayake (Senior Operations Officer), Ms. Roshni De Silva (Operations Analyst), Ms.Heenaben Yatin Doshi (Senior Procurement Specialist) Mr. Ibrahim Rishad (Operations Officer)Aminath Thuga Shahid (Team Assistant) represented the World Bank.

D’MADD team was led by the Project Manager, Dr. Ibrahim Waheed. With Mr. Ahmed Haleem, Communications Specialist, and Ms. Fathimath Shafa, Project Officer. The co-team task leaders, Mr Jerome Bezzina and Ms. Anna Metz, also attended virtually.

Mr. Hussain Sham Adam (Minister of State for Finance), Ms. Aishath Nashath (Resource Mobilization Executive) and Ms. Mariyam Hamdha (Assistant Resource Mobilization Executive) represented the Ministry of Finance and Treasury