The government has officially launched the National AI and Data Competency Centre, also known as the Maldives AI Lab, with officials describing the initiative as a major step toward advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda under President Mohamed Muizzu’s “Maldives 2.0” vision.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan said the centre is intended to function as a collaborative platform bringing together government institutions, private businesses, and the technology sector to build national expertise in artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation.
According to the minister, the Maldives must move beyond simply consuming technology and instead develop the capability to create systems and services that align with national priorities and interests.
He noted that the government is currently working on legislation aimed at strengthening secure digital infrastructure, adding that the newly launched centre is not designed to operate as a symbolic technology hub, but rather as a facility focused on improving institutional decision-making and modernising public services through AI solutions.
“The centre serves as an open invitation to the private sector,” Ihusaan said, stressing that the government’s digital transformation strategy depends heavily on collaboration with industry partners, financial institutions, and technology companies.
He added that many of the world’s most successful public-sector AI initiatives have emerged through partnerships between governments and private industry, where the state provides governance and accountability while businesses contribute technical expertise, innovation, and operational efficiency.
A key objective of the AI Lab, the minister said, is to gradually introduce artificial intelligence systems across government agencies while also developing local talent and reducing long-term dependence on foreign expertise.
The inauguration ceremony also featured the launch of Co.Lab 26, a joint initiative between Bank of Maldives and MINDCo.
Speaking at the event, Bank of Maldives CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef described technology as a driving force behind economic inclusion and national development.
Shareef pointed to the transformation of the banking sector as an example of how digital innovation has reshaped access to services across the Maldives.
“In the past, many citizens had to travel long distances, complete paperwork, and spend significant time to access banking services,” he said. “Today, digital banking and automation have made financial services accessible to people across the country, regardless of where they live.”
He added that the new centre is expected to serve as a space for experimentation, learning, and innovation as the Maldives prepares for rapid technological change across multiple sectors.
As part of the initiative, industry experts are expected to share insights on emerging technologies and digital transformation trends in the coming days, while programmes such as the Co.Lab 26 Hackathon will encourage participants to develop practical solutions to national challenges.
