The Maldives is set to accelerate its transition towards a more connected and technology-driven public sector, with the proposed 2027 State Budget allocating provisions for the introduction of a Smart ID system, the establishment of a National Sovereign Cloud Data Centre and new artificial intelligence-based urban management solutions.
Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Hassan Zareer announced on Thursday that the proposed budget includes several major digital infrastructure projects under the Government’s “Maldives 2.0” initiative, launched by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to modernise public services, strengthen administrative efficiency and improve transparency across government institutions.
A central component of the programme is the planned National Sovereign Cloud Data Centre, which is expected to provide secure national infrastructure for hosting and managing government digital systems and information. Minister Zareer said the initiative is designed to strengthen the country’s digital security while supporting the continued expansion of technology-enabled public services.
The Government also plans to introduce a Smart ID card aimed at making access to public services more convenient and efficient. The system is expected to support a more integrated digital service environment, allowing citizens to interact with government agencies through secure and increasingly streamlined platforms.
Supporting the wider digital transformation programme, Parliament has received the Maldives 2.0 Digital Transformation Bill and the Digital Identity Bill. The proposed legislation is intended to establish an interoperable national digital ecosystem built around trusted registries, while also providing a governance framework for digital identity and data protection. The proposed Digital Identity framework includes the establishment of a Digital Identity Technical Advisory Committee to support technical oversight and safeguard data privacy.
The 2027 budget also extends the Government’s digital development agenda into urban mobility. Plans include the deployment of an artificial intelligence-driven Smart Traffic Enforcement System, alongside funding for the Greater Malé Transport Mobility Plan. These initiatives are expected to support improved traffic management, road safety and more efficient movement across the densely populated Greater Malé region.
The investments form part of the Muizzu Administration’s broader effort to strengthen the Maldives’ digital foundations as demand for faster, more secure and accessible public services continues to grow. With sovereign cloud infrastructure, digital identification, interoperable government systems and AI-supported transport management progressing under a coordinated national programme, Maldives 2.0 is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the country’s future public service landscape.
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