MUSCAT: The government sector in the Sultanate of Oman has witnessed a notable growth in electronic transactions and digital payments throughout 2023.
The latest annual report released by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) highlights a surge in both the volume and scope of digital activities, reflecting an increasing reliance on electronic systems and platforms.
In the first half of 2023 alone, electronic certification systems processed 903,897 transactions utilizing electronic signatures. This represents a 12 per cent increase compared to the 806,500 transactions recorded in the second half of 2022. Additionally, the adoption of digital IDs has gained momentum, with 12,924,684 digital transactions completed using digital identification methods during the same period, marking a 25 per cent rise from the 10,331,000 transactions in the latter half of 2022.
Since the inception of electronic certification systems in 2013, a total of 115,828,495 digital transactions have been completed. Of these, 13,828,581 transactions occurred between January and June 2023, showing a 15 per cent increase from the 12,031,000 transactions completed in the first half of 2022.
The National Integration Platform, a cornerstone of digital government infrastructure, has expanded significantly. In 2022, the platform featured 30 data providers and served 59 beneficiaries. This year, the numbers have grown to 33 data providers and 71 beneficiaries, reflecting an increase of 10 per cent in data providers and a 20 per cent rise in beneficiaries.
The Oman Net Payment Gateway Portal has seen substantial activity from January to October 2023. The total number of digital transactions conducted through the portal reached 41,617,405, representing a 22 per cent increase from the 34,182,000 transactions recorded in the same period in 2022. Total digital payments amounted to 1,096,333,451, which is a 30 per cent increase compared to 844,683,000 in the previous year.
Significantly, the integration of digital payment solutions and contactless options has facilitated a notable shift toward a cashless society. This transformation is complemented by the implementation of customer relationship management (CRM) systems and data analytics tools, which have enabled banks to offer personalized services and make data-driven decisions. Additionally, the emphasis on robust cybersecurity measures has ensured the secure implementation of digital banking services, safeguarding against potential threats and enhancing overall trust in digital transactions.
The data from 2023 underscores a transformative period for the government sector's digital landscape. The impressive statistics across electronic certification, the National Integration Platform, and the Oman Net Payment Gateway Portal illustrate a robust shift towards digital processes and payments. With substantial percentage increases in transactions and payments, these advancements promise to enhance efficiency, security, and accessibility within the public sector, setting a strong foundation for future growth and innovation.
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