The Government of the Maldives has commissioned Nexia Maldives, a local consultancy firm, to prepare the country’s 20-year National Development Plan (NDP). The assignment was made by the Ministry of Finance and Planning following the announcement by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who introduced the initiative on 17 September last year.

Explaining the choice of consultancy, the Ministry noted that Nexia Maldives was entrusted with the project due to its extensive experience in policy advisory and national planning. The firm has operated in the Maldivian public sector for over 18 years, contributing to various areas such as policy formulation, institutional governance, and long-term development efforts.

At the core of the NDP is the objective of creating a long-term framework that addresses the country’s evolving economic, social, environmental, and infrastructural needs. The Ministry highlighted that this framework will serve as the guiding reference for Government policies, national development programmes, and public investment strategies over the next two decades.

To ensure relevance and effectiveness, Nexia Maldives has been tasked with developing a plan grounded in evidence and informed by the needs of communities throughout the country. The Ministry further emphasised that the process will be inclusive, gathering input from individuals across all regions and sectors.

This emphasis on inclusion comes amid growing national challenges. According to Government officials, the Maldives is currently facing pressures on multiple fronts, including climate vulnerability, socio-economic disparities, and infrastructure gaps. The NDP is therefore intended to chart a long-term course for addressing these concerns and guiding future Government action.

Consultations with stakeholders are already underway and, according to the consultancy, are expected to conclude within four months. The planning process itself is scheduled for completion by mid-January next year.

Preparatory steps have included consultation sessions involving participants from a range of backgrounds. President Dr Muizzu has taken part in some of these engagements.

Looking ahead, the Government stated that the 20-year plan will provide a clear and unified vision for the country’s future. It is intended to incorporate the views and aspirations of people from every inhabited island and sector, ensuring that the national development agenda remains informed by local realities and lived experiences.