A Virtual Digital Transformation Expert Series dubbed: DIGI Expert Series has continued its second online session yesterday where experts provided local and international insight on best practices, benefits and uses for ‘mobile wallets’ in Dominica.
The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project funded through the World Bank aims to enhance the use of technology in the public sector as well as the private sector to conduct business transactions, build a robust and resilient IT infrastructure and to develop modern platforms to facilitate and enhance these business transactions. The Project Development Objectives (PDO) are to increase access to digital services, technologies, and skills by governments, businesses, and individuals in the participating Eastern Caribbean countries, including Dominica.
Coordinator of the digital economy Robert tongue states that Hurricane Maria highlighted the need to make the governments, private sector and citizens more resilient so that we can all better prepare for and respond to incidents and restore operations and services quickly.
Covid-19 also had the same impact on all of us, while we were at home and unable to conduct business seamlessly or what I call Frictionless.
“ We had to stand in multiple long lines to receive much-needed services and handle money that could have been infected.”
The session spoke about many topics including a cashless payment Method which is when someone makes a payment via digital means, including bank to bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards, online, digital banking, QR codes and of course, mobile wallets and mobile money.
“Well, for many people, we are seeing cashless payments made all around the world either through QR codes or tap-payments made by cards or mobile phones, which are offering convenience, more safety, security and time savings as your transact during your day.”
He said the Government of Dominica recognizes the role that digital technologies and solutions can play in strengthening the island, and its inhabitants’ climate resilience, as well as the importance of integration with the global digital economy to expand markets and drive sustainability of businesses, government, and individuals.
National-level activities will be financed from an IDA credit to Dominica in the amount of US$28 million. The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (called “project” going forth) comprises four components that address key bottlenecks and harness opportunities to develop the Eastern Caribbean Digital Economy as a driver of growth, job creation and improved service delivery.
It aims to ensure that every individual and business in Dominica is empowered with the access to broadband, digital financial services, and skills needed to actively participate in an increasingly digital marketplace and society. It leverages public sector modernization and digitization to improve service delivery and drive the creation of a digital culture across Dominica.
