Guinea-Bissau: Japan finances construction of ITMA
Japan will finance the construction of the Technological Institute for the Modernization of Administration (ITMA) in Guinea-Bissau with 1,93 million euros, revealed today in Bissau, Alessandra Casazza, the representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) , remembering the relevance of ITMA for the digitalization and modernization of Guinean public administration.
The digitalization of public administration is a crucial step for Guinea-Bissau's progress and the construction of the Technological Institute for the Modernization of Administration (ITMA) represents a significant milestone in this process. This institute promises to modernize public services, boost transparency and promote the country's socioeconomic development.
The Guinean Prime Minister, Rui Duarte de Barros, also highlighted the importance of the future ITMA building which, he said, will house, among other services, the 'Data Center' of Guinea-Bissau and will also help drive the country's transformation.” towards digital”.
Benefits of Digitization
With the construction of this institute, Guinea-Bissau will take a significant step towards improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public services. Through the implementation of modern technologies and the training of public servants, ITMA is expected to promote transparency, agility and quality in the country's administrative processes.
Furthermore, the digitalization of public administration will also bring benefits to Guinean citizens. With the introduction of electronic service systems, it will be possible to reduce bureaucracy and waiting times, making services more accessible and efficient. This will contribute to strengthening citizens' trust in the government and the country's socioeconomic development.
Japan's financing for the construction of ITMA demonstrates this country's commitment to supporting the development of Guinea-Bissau. Through international partnerships like this, it is possible to boost progress and promote the evolution of developing countries.
Japan, recognized for its knowledge in technology and innovation, has played an important role in promoting sustainable development in various parts of the world. With the completion of the construction of ITMA, Guinea-Bissau will be better prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century.
The modernization of public administration is essential for the country's growth and stability, allowing for more efficient management of resources and better provision of services to citizens. ITMA will be a reference center for training and knowledge exchange, contributing to the strengthening of institutions and the progress of Guinea-Bissau.
ITMA already formally exists in Guinea-Bissau, but it did not have its own building. With the construction of ITMA, the country will be able to drive the “digital revolution” and keep up with the world in terms of digitalization. Furthermore, ITMA will also benefit the interior regions of Guinea-Bissau, such as Gabu, Cacheu and Bijagós.
Digitization and Development
The project aims to support the priorities of the State of Guinea-Bissau, especially in the fight against corruption, strengthening capabilities related to transparency, integrity and prevention of corruption risks.
Digitalization is also seen as a strategy to create more jobs, increase access to healthcare through telemedicine, provide accessible education for all and ensure financial inclusion in the country. The construction of the ITMA building marks an important step towards the digitalization of public administration in Guinea-Bissau.
Until then, ITMA operated in rented spaces, which limited its capabilities and resources. With the construction of its own building, ITMA will have an adequate infrastructure to develop and implement digital solutions that aim to modernize the country's public administration.
The “digital revolution” driven by ITMA is essential for Guinea-Bissau to keep up with progress in terms of digitalization. Digital transformation is taking place across the world and countries that do not adapt to this reality risk being left behind.
“The project aims to support the priorities of the State of Guinea-Bissau, in the fight against corruption, with emphasis on strengthening capacities, particularly related to transparency and integrity and prevention of corruption risks”.
The UNDP noted in a note released today. With ITMA, Guinea-Bissau will have the opportunity to strengthen its position in the digital landscape, improving the efficiency of public services and promoting digital inclusion across the country.
Development of the Regions
Furthermore, the construction of ITMA will also bring benefits to the interior regions of Guinea-Bissau. Gabu, Cacheu and Bijagós are areas that are often neglected in terms of development and access to public services.
With ITMA's presence in these regions, it will be possible to bring the benefits of digitalization to local communities, providing better public services, employment opportunities and access to health and education services.
The ITMA project is not limited to just modernizing public administration. It also aims to support the priorities of the State of Guinea-Bissau, especially in the fight against corruption. Digitalization can play a key role in this regard, strengthening transparency, integrity and preventing corruption risks.
By digitizing processes and making them more transparent, ITMA will help reduce the possibility of corrupt practices, promoting a more efficient and accountable government. Digitalization is also seen as a strategy to boost Guinea-Bissau's economic and social development.
Job creation is one of the main benefits expected from digitalization, as the demand for qualified professionals in information and communication technology tends to increase. Furthermore, digitalization also enables access to healthcare through telemedicine, which is especially important in remote areas where access to healthcare services is limited.
Education also benefits from digitalization, allowing access to online educational resources and the opportunity to provide an accessible education for all. And finally, digitalization can also contribute to financial inclusion in the country, allowing access to banking and financial services for those who were previously excluded from the system.
International Partnerships
Alessandra Casazza, UNDP representative in Bissau, announced during the event that the agency will hold, in partnership with the government of Bissau, private partners and the embassies of Nigeria, South Africa and Cape Verde, an international conference later this year.
The “Guiné-Bissau Digital” conference will bring together experts from several African countries and other parts of the world to share knowledge and experiences about digitalization and discuss the future of Africa in this context. This conference will be the beginning of the elaboration of Guinea-Bissau's national digitalization strategy, according to the UNDP representative in Bissau.
The conference will also be an opportunity to establish strategic partnerships with international organizations and private companies that can contribute to the country's technological development.
During the event, possibilities for investing in telecommunications infrastructure, optimizing human resources and creating digital inclusion programs will be discussed. The presence of the embassies of Nigeria, South Africa and Cape Verde at the event demonstrates the interest of these countries in strengthening cooperation ties with Guinea-Bissau in the field of technology.
The conference will also feature the participation of the African Union and the World Bank, among other representatives of international organizations that will be able to offer technical and financial support for the implementation of the national digitalization strategy.
National Strategy
In addition to discussions on digitalization, the conference will also address topics such as cybersecurity, management and digital inclusion. Lectures, panel discussions and workshops will be held to promote experiences among participants and the sharing of knowledge.
The event will be held in a strategic location that will allow interaction between participants and the carrying out of practical activities related to digital transformation. The ITMA building, which will host the conference, will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and will serve as a reference center for technological innovation in Guinea-Bissau.
The “Guiné-Bissau Digital” conference’s main objective is to boost the country’s economic and social development through digitalization. It is believed that the adoption of digital technologies can improve the efficiency of public services, boost the digital economy and promote social inclusion.
Conclusion
The construction of the ITMA building and the holding of the “Digital Guinea-Bissau” conference mark an important step towards the digitalization of public administration in Guinea-Bissau and highlight the country's commitment to advancing in the digital era. With ITMA, the country will be able to drive the “digital revolution” and keep up with the world in terms of digitalization.
The project also aims to support the State's priorities, especially in the fight against corruption, and promote the country's economic and social development through digitalization. Furthermore, ITMA will benefit the interior regions of Guinea-Bissau, promoting development and access to public services in these areas.
With these international partnerships and local initiatives, Guinea-Bissau is now prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century, promoting economic, social and technological development throughout the territory.
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