The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology in Muscat recently released its annual report on digital transformation for 2023, outlining key performance metrics. The report revealed that the overall performance of the ‘Tahwaul’ government digital transformation programme reached 53 per cent, with Government Entities achieving an average performance of 72 per cent during the same period. The governorates achieved an average performance of 54 per cent out of 56 Government Entities, with particular entities excelling in digital transformation performance for 2023 including the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Finance, among others.
Efforts made by governorates to achieve digital transformation were also highlighted in the report, such as launching digital services for various regions and completing consultancy studies projects. Dr. Ali Amer Al Shidhani, Chairman of the Technical Committee for the Government Digital Transformation Programme, emphasized the importance of factors such as improved governance, policy development, and national guidance frameworks in driving Oman’s strategic shift towards digital transformation. He also highlighted the role of the ministry in providing oversight, support, and guidance to facilitate digital transformation across Government Entities.
The report further discussed the importance of dedicated digital transformation teams within Government Entities, as well as shared digital platforms and supportive digital service systems that have significantly enhanced efficiency and productivity. These platforms offer a wide range of digital services to beneficiaries, including the Social Protection Services Management Portal and the Electronic Customs Data System. The simplification of government procedures was also emphasized, with a focus on streamlining work processes to improve service delivery and efficiency before transitioning to automation or digitization.
En. Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Al Khuraisi, Director General of Digital Transformation at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, underscored the ministry’s commitment to continuous improvement within the Government Digital Transformation Programme. The ministry conducts reviews and assessments, engaging the Oman Vision 2040 Monitoring Unit for neutral performance evaluation. Digitisation efforts have already digitized 61 per cent of the total services targeted for digitization by 2025, with the launch of new digital platforms offering a unique user experience.
Initiatives to enhance national competencies in specialized areas of government digital transformation were also highlighted in the report, including workshops, training courses, and collaboration with international organizations like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to analyze the digital innovation environment in Oman. The report also discussed key targets for the Government Digital Transformation Programme in 2024, such as completing the implementation of the Electronic Government Integration Acceleration Project and launching the National Open Data Platform.
In conclusion, the annual report on digital transformation for 2023 in Muscat highlights the progress made in government digital transformation and outlines key initiatives and targets for the future. The commitment of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology to driving digital transformation in Oman, along with the efforts of Government Entities and governorates, demonstrates a strong dedication to enhancing digital services and efficiency across the country. Through continuous improvement and collaboration, Oman is on track to further strengthen its digital capabilities and services in the coming years.
