The D’MADD team met with the international experts from Telecommunications Management Group (TMG) today. The meeting started as the kickoff to craft the Digital Identity and Services Bill for the Maldives. Dr. Ibrahim Waheed (Project Manager), Mr. Ahmed Haleem (Communications Specialist), Ms. Ahlam Abdull Satar (Finance Management Specialist), and Ms. Fathimath Shafa Hussain (Project Officer) represented the D’MADD PMU. Mr. Daniel Leza (Legal Expert/Team Leader), Dr. Ted Dunston (Digital Development Expert), and Uz. Hassan Maaz Shareef (Local Legal Expert) participated from the TMG team.

The teams planned the goal and expected outcome of the individual stakeholder meetings and the workshop scheduled for the visit. The teams also planned the timelines. Dr. Waheed provided valuable insights into the current state of the government's digital development efforts and offered guidance to the team on the selected organisations and sectors identified for individual consultations. The teams also further discussed and agreed on detailed deadlines that will complement the main timeline of the contract.

TMG will study existing legal frameworks and review international models. The team will conduct stakeholder consultations and produce multiple drafts of the bill, incorporating feedback from government agencies, civil society, and technical experts. The final version will be produced in both English and Dhivehi. The document will also include actionable recommendations to guide implementation. This effort marks a foundational step toward establishing a secure and inclusive digital identity system in the Maldives.

The D’MADD awarded the TMG group task for US$182,150, and the contract became effective on April 10, 2025.