The Global Public Impact of GovTech 2025

GovTech represents a new era in digitalization, evolving from traditional government systems to fully digital governance. Azlinda Jan, Director, Director, Strategic Development and Digital Architecture, National Digital Department, MalaysiaKey initiatives –MyDigital ID: Malaysia is enhancing its national ID system to streamline public service access and improve data use. This initiative aims to build citizen trust and make interactions with government services more efficient through a unified identity system. –Public Sector Open Data Platform (DTSA): The Public Sector Open Data Platform, under the Public Sector Digitalization Strategic Plan 2021-2025, is cultivating a vibrant open data ecosystem, connecting data owners with data users and driving the development of innovative applications, data products and research. By promoting open data sharing and collaboration, the platform supports the development of new tech solutions and integrates the private sector into the digital landscape. As of 2024, the platform is regularly used by more than 8 million visitors. –SME digitalization: Recognizing the vital role of SMEs, Malaysia is rolling out a comprehensive digital transformation roadmap aimed at supporting them. The plan focuses on helping businesses adopt technological solutions to boost their competitiveness and better integrate into the digital economy. By doing so, Malaysia hopes to position its SMEs as key drivers of growth in the evolving digital landscape. 4.6 Rwanda: advancing to a knowledge economy with GovTech Rwanda is experiencing a significant transformation as it shifts from a service-driven economy towards a knowledge-based economy. Central to this vision is the strategic adoption of GovTech, positioned as a key driver of the country’s development agenda. Rwanda’s commitment to harnessing technology is underscored by its National Information and Communication Infrastructure (NICI) plans, which have evolved from building foundational infrastructure to delivering innovative digital services. Over the course of 20 years, the NICI liberalized the telecommunications sector, attracted investment through a robust legal framework and rapidly expanded IT infrastructure. The NICI plans (2000- 2020) laid the groundwork; NICI I (2000-2005) created the legal framework; NICI II (2006-2010) expanded IT infrastructure; and NICI III (2011-2015) harnessed this infrastructure to improve public services and stimulate growth. These efforts have transformed public services, with a focus on skills development, cybersecurity, e-government and private sector growth. Building on the NICI plans, the Smart Rwanda 2020 Master Plan continues to drive the country forward with an ambitious agenda for its continued digital transformation. Rwanda’s GovTech strategy is closely aligned with its national development goals, using technology as a key driver for socioeconomic progress. Key initiatives –IremboGov: This initiative, championed by the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of ICT, is a government-to-citizen platform offering seamless access to public services from various ministries, including health insurance registration, driving test applications, visa processing and national ID applications, reducing paperwork and streamlining interactions with government. Built by a local team of engineers, Irembo now hosts 250 government services, and the government aims to expand this to 400 services in collaboration with the private sector. By leveraging digital solutions, Rwanda has improved service delivery and enhanced trust between the government and citizens. The commitment to GovTech aligns with Rwanda’s broader vision of harnessing technology to drive inclusive growth and economic resilience for all. Crystal Rugege, Managing Director, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Rwanda The GovTech strategy in Rwanda is closely aligned with the national development goals, using technology as a key driver for socioeconomic progress. The Global Public Impact of GovTech: A $9.8 Trillion Opportunity 20