TC&IT Strategic Plan 2021–2024 | Marshall Islands

The Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Transportation, Communications and Information Technology of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (TC&IT Strategic Plan 2021–2024) lays out a comprehensive framework for strengthening national infrastructure in transportation and communications, while aligning with the country’s National Strategic Plan (NSP) and National Infrastructure Investment Plan (NIIP).

Vision and mission

The vision is to provide reliable oversight and regulation in maritime safety and communication services across the Marshall Islands. The mission focuses on fostering reliable, sustainable, and affordable infrastructure in transport, communications, and IT for all residents.

Core values

The ministry operates on seven core public service values: responsiveness, integrity, accountability, impartiality, ethics, respect, and leadership. These values guide daily conduct, governance, and organisational culture.

Strategic objectives and divisional roles

The strategy identifies four main divisions, each with tailored operational plans:

1. Office of the secretary (Division 1.1)

Responsible for overarching leadership, coordination, and policy alignment. It manages:

• International and regional partnerships (e.g., ITU, APT, GIZ, World Bank)
• Projects like Digital RMI, Pilotage Training, and new building development
• Maritime training centers and annual reports to Cabinet
• Annual work priorities such as HR development, regulatory reviews, and coordination with SOEs

2. Administration, finance & personnel (Division 2.1)

Handles strategic planning, budgeting, and interagency coordination. It leads:

• Budget planning, performance monitoring, and KPI reporting
• Capacity-building in procurement, finance, and disaster logistics
• Leadership in the National Disaster Management Office’s logistics cluster during emergencies
• Coordination of capital assets and training with international stakeholders

3. Communications (Division 3.1)

Focuses on communications regulation, compliance, and technological evolution:

• Management of radio licenses, spectrum allocation, and Title 40/Title 11 compliance
• Revisions of legal frameworks (e.g., ICT Policy, Computer Crimes Act, E-Transaction Bill)
• Drafting of Cybersecurity Strategic Plan and Satellite Internet Regulation
• Implementation of Smart Islands and Digital RMI initiatives

4. Maritime and safety (Division 4.1)

Oversees safety, inspection, and licensing of domestic and international vessels:

• Revisions of the Domestic Watercraft Act
• Development of the Domestic Maritime Transport Roadmap
• Training and certification efforts via the Maritime Training Center
• Partnerships with MSCT, IMO, and other regional bodies
• Safety campaigns for small boats in Majuro, Ebeye, and outer islands

Work program (2021–2024)

Ongoing activities

Divisional responsibilities include:

• Policy enforcement, licensing, training, and inspections (e.g. port state control)
• Reporting (quarterly and annual KPIs)
• Strategic budgeting and project implementation across the four divisions

Planned activities

• Maritime safety training for outer islands (2022–2025)
• Procurement, ICT, pilotage, and emergency logistics training
• Coordination of APIPA, Digital RMI Project, and MCST initiatives
• Development of contingency plans (e.g. disaster resilience, Emergency Telecommunications Cluster)

Emerging demands

Anticipated needs include:

• Support for PAC-WIMA (Pacific Women in Maritime Association)
• Finalisation of the ICT Policy 2012, Telecom Act, and Cybersecurity Act
• Sector modernisation through IT support, training, and network upgrades

Risk analysis

The strategic plan acknowledges:

• Global shifts in transport and communications due to privatisation, globalisation, and rapid tech evolution
• Challenges in inter-island transport, including fleet expansion and schedule reliability
• Pressure for large-scale investment in communications infrastructure (e.g. 5G, broadband, cybersecurity)

This strategy aims to transition the Marshall Islands into a digitally connected, safety-conscious, and resilient nation capable of meeting its national development objectives through a phased, well-coordinated approach across its critical transport and communication sectors.