The Maldives Innovation and Digital Company is moving to formalise the country’s use of artificial intelligence and data across government with the creation of a dedicated AI and Data Competency Centre, in partnership with Bank of Maldives.
The initiative, to be led by Maldives Innovation and Digital Company, is intended to function as a shared national capability supporting government institutions and key economic sectors in adopting AI-enabled and data-driven solutions. The centre is positioned as part of the broader Maldives 2.0 digital transformation agenda, with a focus on improving public service delivery, operational efficiency, and evidence-based policymaking.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two organisations, Bank of Maldives will serve as a strategic partner during the development and early implementation phases of the centre. MINDCo will oversee the establishment process, while BML will contribute technical expertise drawn from its experience in digital payments, financial technology, and large-scale data and AI applications.
According to the joint statement, the centre is expected to support the design and deployment of practical AI and data tools tailored to real public sector needs. A key element of the model is collaboration with local technology firms, startups, and industry specialists, with the aim of building solutions that are scalable, secure, and suitable for use within government systems.
The partnership is also framed as a way to align public sector digital reforms more closely with the country’s evolving financial and payments infrastructure. By leveraging BML’s experience in secure digital platforms and AI-enabled services, the centre is expected to support more coordinated adoption of emerging technologies across state institutions.
Beyond technology deployment, the initiative places emphasis on building long-term national capacity, including the development of local skills and a workforce capable of supporting AI and data-driven governance. The centre is scheduled to begin operations by April 2026, following a phased rollout.
