Digitalization of public services - World Bank approves additional support of 80 million USD
The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved an additional $80 million in financing to support Albania's ambitious agenda for modernization and digital transformation of the public sector, improving access to key services for citizens, especially vulnerable groups.
The World Bank estimates that Albania has taken important steps in public sector modernization and digital transformation, which has improved public services and contributed to economic development. However, there is still room for further improvements by taking advantage of these innovations. According to the global financial institution, digital transformation can help Albania move towards more advanced public sector reforms, improve public service delivery, strengthen human capital, and foster more sustainable and inclusive growth.
The additional funding comes as a result of the progress of the main project "Improving Equal Access to High-Standard Public Services through GovTech" (of $65 million), which aims to increase access and quality of public services. The project is currently implementing several activities, including the redesign and improvement of the E-Albania platform, a digital platform that provides services to citizens and businesses, the creation of innovation centers for young people to acquire digital skills, and the establishment of 200 SmartLabs in primary schools that will serve to increase knowledge on numeracy, reading and digital skills.
The newly approved additional funding will expand the program's activity in three important areas. First, the remodeling and digitalization of local government services. This will ensure efficiency in access to a wide range of municipal administrative services, bringing benefits to citizens and businesses.
Second, the development of a new digital platform for public procurement. By integrating innovation based on artificial intelligence, this platform will increase transparency, efficiency and accountability in public procurement processes, bringing savings and efficiency to the contracting processes of government institutions.
Third, the implementation of a new public finance management system. Through the design and implementation of a new digital public finance management system, the program will help central and local governments manage the public investment budget for the local population more quickly and accurately.
According to the World Bank, the additional funding is expected to have a significant impact on citizens' lives. It is expected to increase the processing of online applications for public services by at least 25%, which will lead to improved access to services, including for vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities.
This project is in line with the World Bank's commitment to improve the delivery of public services by a more modern and citizen-oriented administration, strengthen human capital, and foster more sustainable and inclusive growth in Albania.
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