The World Bank, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, has initiated the implementation and support mission for the D’MADD Project, scheduled for October 2023. Leading this mission are Mr. Jerome Bezzina, the Task Team Leader, and Ms. Anna Zita Metz, the Program Officer from the World Bank, who play crucial roles in the project.

Despite initial challenges, the mission was pleased to acknowledge the successful establishment of the Project Management Unit (PMU). The performance of the new PMU has been deemed satisfactory, considering the short time it has been in existence. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry also confirmed that the PMU is making progress without any critical issues. However, the mission expressed concerns about potential institutional changes due to the upcoming political transition. The impact of these changes on the project remains uncertain, but the team believes that the project will continue as its objectives and components align with the priorities of the incoming administration.

Mr. Ibrahim Rishad, the Operations Officer from the World Bank, attended the kickoff. From the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Aminath Nashia, the Resource Mobilization Executive; Mr. Mohamed Jilau Moosa, the Finance & Resource Mobilization Specialist; and Ms. Fathimath Saeed, the Public Development Economist, were present.

Representing the stakeholder organisations, Mr. Ajwad Musthafa, the Permanent Secretary, attended on behalf of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology (MoECCT) and the National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT). Mr. Ilyas Ahmed, the Chief Executive, represented the Communications Authority of Maldives, while Mr. Mohamed Riznee, the Director General, represented the Department of National Registration.

Dr. Ibrahim Waheed, the Project Manager; Mr. Ahmed Haleem, the Communications Specialist; and Ms. Fathmath Shafa Hussain, the Project Officer, represented the D’MADD Project.