Bahrain’s Information and e-Government Authority collaborates with Microsoft and Think Smart to develop the skills of government sector employees.

The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA)  signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Microsoft and ICT training provider, Thinksmart, to upskill government employees for meeting the challenges posed by the global digital economy.

iGA’s Chief Executive Mr. Mohamed Ali AlQaed stated: “Our wise leaders have a vision for this country in which supports achieving the eTransformation in all working fields, in addition to empowering young people to thrive in our shared digital future,”. He added: “Our collaboration with Microsoft and Thinksmart will help us build the foundations of that success and improve government eServices, accelerate innovation, boost employment and economic growth in the Kingdom. We look forward to working with our partners to enhance the overall competitiveness of the country in line with Bahrain Vision 2030.”

Under the terms of the MoU, iGA, Microsoft and Thinksmart will work together on an initiative known as ‘FORSATI for Government Employees’. Microsoft will work to provide courses, certifications and technical guidance. Potentially thousands of Bahraini government employees will be upskilled through the initiative. Training paths will include Microsoft basic tools, professional IT, cloud training, digital transformation and exposure to technologies that have emerged as part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Each path will be customised to align with the job role of the participant.

“Microsoft has enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with the Government of Bahrain, and our work with the iGA has continued that tradition of committing ourselves to help every Bahraini individual and organisation to achieve more,” said Sheikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni, Country Manager, Bahrain and Oman, Microsoft. “Digital transformation has the power to engage citizens, empower government employees, optimise operations and reinvent service-delivery models. It is a vital component of achieving the goals of Vision 2030 and we are delighted to work with iGA and Thinksmart to help government departments realise that vision.”

As the leading ICT training provider in Bahrain, Thinksmart will manage the programme, which it originally designed to enhance youth employability and productivity across the nation. For government employees, FORSATI will help develop skills that can be used to accelerate digital transformation across all departments.

“Thinksmart exists to upskill the people of Bahrain in the technology talents they will need to be relevant in the new global digital economy,” said Ahmed Al Hujairy, Group CEO, Thinksmart. “Our government’s economic vision is steeped in the innovative use of technology. Our work with iGA and Microsoft will ensure our public servants are able to work without impediment towards a better life for every Bahraini.”