The World Bank will be providing the Maldives with a USD 10 million -- MVR 154 million grant to increase the competition and enhance services in the broadband internet market in the Maldives.
Announcing the World Bank's Executive Directors Board's decision, the bank said in a statement that it was helping the Maldives to increase competitiveness in the broadband internet market, overcome climate change challenges and increase the use of digital IDs in accessing online services.
The statement further said that although internet services are widely available in the Maldives, there are challenges in accessing internet services in the atolls. The current digital infrastructure and internet platforms have made it difficult to use the internet safely in the Maldives, the statement read.
The World Bank's assistance will expand broadband internet services in the Maldives, strengthen the infrastructure used to provide internet services and enhance the legal and administrative frameworks needed to build a digital economy.
World Bank's Country Director for the Maldives, Faris H. Hadad-Zavos, said the World Bank's assistance would provide the Maldives with new opportunities to overcome challenges and build a better economy.
The government is working on expanding digital technology in the Maldives and is expected to introduce digital ID cards later this year.
Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer and Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail with World Bank officials
