NASSAU, BAHAMAS- The Government has completed its first Digi Innovative Projects Grant Programme, a $1 million national initiative that empowered eight Bahamian-owned businesses to develop tech-based solutions aimed at transforming public service delivery.
Hosted at the Digital Transformation Unit (DTU) office in New Providence, the closing ceremony brought together public officials and stakeholders from across multiple ministries to celebrate the milestone. The programme was established under the “Digital Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness” agenda and was led by the Ministry of Economic Affairs through the DTU, in collaboration with Access Accelerator, the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), and the Bahamas Development Bank (BDB). The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) served as the key funding partner.
Minister of Economic Affairs Senator Michael Halkitis called the initiative an example of “transformative governance in action,” and said the solutions presented showed that Bahamians are capable of designing and building their own digital future.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Mrs. Prenell King-Rolle, underscored the programme’s role in modernising government operations. “These innovations will promote transparency in government transactions, reduce costs, improve the way government does business, and minimize bureaucracy,” she said.
IDB Country Representative Shirley Gayle added that the programme reflects a broader regional shift toward digital development, stating that “governments worldwide are embracing digital transformation as a key enabler of development.”
A total of $1 million was allocated to support the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based solutions tailored to specific inefficiencies within government ministries, agencies, and departments. Each participating company received phased funding based on project milestones and impact evaluations.
The eight companies awarded were Bahamas Agricultural Solutions, The Bridge Solutions, Cleaner Greener Bahamas, Hospitality Group Ltd., Professional Pathways Consultants, SmartyPants, MADE Digital, and WILL Connect Business Solutions LLC.
The overall programme winner was Michael Flowers Jr., founder of Bahamas Agricultural Solutions, whose team developed a digital platform for food system planning and agricultural data management to support the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.
