President Dr. Muizzu’s Bold Vision for a Fully Developed Maldives by 2040

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu participating emergency Arab-islamic summit

Blessed with immaculate beaches, clear blue waters and an abundance of marine life, the Maldives – a tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean is gearing to transform itself into a fully developed nation by 2040 as envisioned by its President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Speaking about his vision at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Dr. Muizzu said that achieving this goal requires increased productivity, digital transformation, and leveraging the country’s natural beauty and marine resources.

To support this vision, the President announced plans to boost productivity through institutional reforms, enhance digital connectivity, and improve ICT infrastructure and digital literacy. He also aims to make the digital economy contribute up to 15% of GDP by 2030.
A story of resilience 
During his address Dr. Muizzu recalled the status of the country at the time of regaining independence in 1965. He said that one-third of the population was illiterate; more than one out of every 10 babies were dying before they reached one year of age; there were no industries and barely any exports and even fewer prospects. But that in just five decades, the nation had bounced back stronger than before, reaching upper middle-income status. He described it as a ‘feat to be incredibly proud of.’ 
He further said that by 2040 he wishes to see the Maldives as a fully-fledged developed nation. “A nation that commands respect, is relevant, and one that embodies resilience. A society that is inclusive and just. A country that exemplifies sustainability and democratic governance,” he added. 

His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu attending the 
Maldives–UK Business Forum held in London

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at inaugurating ceremony of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA)

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu participating the public consultation process for the 20-Year National Development Plan

Dr. Muizzu said that he believes the Maldives can become a developed country by investing in the country’s productive capacity, and increasing its productivity. “It could also be done by transforming our economy into one that is fully digitised and driven by artificial intelligence. And most importantly, by leveraging the natural beauty and marine resources of the country,” he explained. 
In order to adjust to an intelligence-driven future, the Maldives is working towards establishing a digital economy that could contribute up to 15 percent of its GDP by 2030. According to Dr. Muizzu it could be achieved through investing in ICT infrastructure. “We are using and expanding artificial intelligent systems to deliver essential services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. We are also delving into cutting-edge applications of 5G technology. Using drones for medical supply delivery, implementing smart road systems, and utilizing AI-enhanced technology for erosion detection and environmental monitoring,” he added. 
An era of digitalization 
Digitalization is the cornerstone of the government’s national vision. In an era where digital tools are at our fingertips, and where physical boundaries no longer limits us, the Maldives is committed to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of geographic location, has access to the digital tools they need to thrive. 
Dr. Muizzu said that over the past decade, the government has made significant strides in building the digital infrastructure necessary to connect its islands. “Today, 100% of our population has access to high-speed internet, and we continue to enhance its efficiency. But digitalization is not just about infrastructure; it’s about our people. Our focus is on empowering our citizens with digital literacy, ensuring that they are not just consumers of technology but also creators and innovators,” he said.
Through initiatives like the Digital Maldives Program, the youth are equipped with skills to succeed in the digital economy. He drew examples of how digitalization offers a powerful tool to combat environmental challenges. From early warning systems that protect communities from natural disasters to smart technologies that optimize the use of scarce resources, digital tools are helping to build a more sustainable and resilient future.
Digitalization also enables to bridge gaps in service delivery by offering remote access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and government services.
The newly established Digital Transformation Council under the auspices of Dr. Muizzu has been mandated to facilitate, guide, and oversee the implementation of the roadmap formulated to realise the “Maldives 2.0 – Digital-First Nation” vision. The Council will be chaired by Dr. Muizzu himself.
Maldives 2.0 charts a reformative digital transformation whereby all State institutions work in tandem towards providing prompt, safe, and transparent services to the public. The programme would see revolutionary changes, placing digital transformation at the core of governance and service delivery.
A mission to end corruption 
According to Dr. Muizzu, the primary objective of ‘Maldives 2.0’, is to eliminate corruption. 
In governance, digital systems are reducing corruption, enhancing accountability, and streamlining public services. With efficient digital governance, both citizens and investors benefit, strengthening the foundations of our society. 
However, the challenges of the digital age are complex. Issues like cybersecurity, data privacy, misinformation, and the digital divide require global cooperation.
The President explained that automating and digitalising public services would significantly reduce opportunities for abuse of power, improve access to information, eliminate corruption, and enhance transparency. He noted that, under such a digitalised system, the entire Government, along with key service providers and private sector institutions, would be interconnected and integrated through a unified network. He also revealed that a draft of the necessary legislation to support this initiative is currently being prepared.
The President emphasised that the four-year digitalisation project will be carried out in collaboration with Estonia, a country renowned for its digital advancements. He further stated that the goal is to realise the vision of Maldives 2.0 within a short timeframe. 
Community engagement in 
national development 
A substantial portion of the 2026 national budget will be allocated to digitalisation initiatives. Underscoring the importance of transparency and public engagement in development planning, President Dr Muizzu affirmed that citizens will play an active role in shaping the forthcoming 20-year development master plan. He noted that dedicated teams will visit islands to consult with communities, ensuring that local needs are accurately reflected. The President further stated that the primary purpose of the master plan is to safeguard continuity in development, irrespective of political transitions. In this regard, he revealed that legislation is currently being drafted to support the implementation of the plan.
President Dr. Muizzu also inaugurated the public consultation process for the 20-Year National Development Plan. This development masterplan focuses on modern technology, the digital economy, and addressing the core challenges faced by the people. The government is committed to complete the plan within a year.
A discussion panel on the 20-year National Development Master Plan too was appointed. This panel includes parents, teachers, students, institutions, civil society members, individuals in need of medical assistance, and participants from various backgrounds.
‘Viluntheri Rajje 2045’
The Ministry of Finance and Planning confirmed to media that the team working on the ‘Viluntheri Raajje 2045’ (Resilient Maldives 2045) plan started its travels with a visit to K. Guraidhoo, where they met with the island council and the public. The discussions focused on social and economic development priorities, long-term visions, and local perspectives on the nation’s future.
According to the ministry, the consultation process will cover all inhabited islands in the coming days. Island and atoll councils, government agencies, businesses and community organisations will be able to meet the team and contribute to shaping the masterplan.

His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China

His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with His Excellency Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of the Republic of Singapore

The National Development Masterplan is designed to set out a long-term strategy for national initiatives, ensuring sustainable use of resources for the public good. The plan also aims to build resilience against climate change while adapting to global economic and technological shifts.
Youth participation 
According to Dr. Muizzu, young people constitute around one-third of the country’s population. As such, his greatest hope is to see the youth fully engaged in shaping the nation’s future, especially as the Maldives evolves into a digital economy. While acknowledging that young people already play a crucial role, he voiced his desire to see them leading across all areas. He also highlighted his aspiration for every young Maldivian to grow into a proud citizen who values their national identity and Islamic faith.
In his message on International Youth Day, Dr. Muizzu noted that today’s youth have amplified their voices, facilitating inclusive and impactful dialogue across regions and islands. He stressed that Maldivian youth continue to prove that age is no barrier to making a difference. With young people projected to make up 57 per cent of the global population by 2030, empowering them to take on decision-making roles is more critical than ever.
Maldives as a key financial centre on Islamic finance 
The launch of the Maldives Islamic Social Finance Initiative was inspired by the National Financial Inclusion Strategy and marks a strategic step forward in advancing the nation’s development agenda. Dr. Muizzu emphasised that the Maldives’ unified identity is grounded in enduring values of compassion, justice, and social equity — principles that form the essence of Islamic social finance and which this initiative seeks to uphold. He announced that the National Master Plan and Roadmap for Islamic Economics and Finance is currently underway with the assistance of the Islamic Development Bank. He stated that the Master Plan would outline a comprehensive ecosystem for Islamic Finance and digital innovation in the Maldives. To support this bold vision, the Government is committed to legal reforms to optimise the current legal framework.
The President also inaugurated the Maldives Monetary Authority’s Islamic Social Finance research report and received a ‘commitment letter’ from the Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank.
The spirit of working together 
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the aspiration of making the Maldives a developed nation by 2040 can only be realised through the collective effort of all Maldivians, working together with a unified vision.  
Underscoring the importance of national stability, the President noted that the spirit of political vengeance has been eliminated from the country today. He emphasised that over the past year and a half, not a single action has been taken against any individual on political grounds. The President reiterated that his administration upholds the dignity and worth of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation. He stressed that every Maldivian, their voice, their views, and their actions, holds significance. The President stated that uniting for national development should be a source of pride in being Maldivian, with other considerations, such as political differences, taking a secondary role. He characterised this unity as a vital contribution to the nation.

His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with 
His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

Reaffirming the constitutional rights of every citizen, President Dr. Muizzu assured that the current Government will guarantee these rights. He reminded citizens that they are free to pursue any lawful activity, whilst emphasising that no one has the right to act outside the law.
In addition, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has expressed his commitment to working closely with world leaders and international partners to achieve his vision of transforming the Maldives into a fully developed nation. Emphasizing cooperation, innovation, and sustainable growth, President Dr. Muizzu reaffirmed that global collaboration is essential to realizing the Maldives’ long-term development goals and ensuring prosperity for future generations.