On May 17, 2024, the World Bank Board of Directors approved a project aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure resilience, modernizing emergency management, and improving digital public infrastructure in the State of Espírito Santo in Brazil. The initiative is designed to enhance the delivery of digital services and bolster the state's capacity to respond to climate-related disasters.
The Espírito Santo Digital Acceleration Project, valued at US$76.52 million, is projected to generate approximately 2,800-3,500 new jobs over a decade. This development is expected to have substantial social and economic impacts on the state. Moreover, the digitalization of public services will decrease administrative costs and increase service efficiency.
A unique portal will be developed as part of this project. It will consolidate all government information and services on a single integrated platform, simplifying procedures and enhancing accessibility. Furthermore, it aims to promote an inclusive digital user experience by reducing the digital gap and facilitating interactions between citizens and the government.
One significant initiative within this project is the establishment of an Integrated Center for Social Defense (CIDES). This emergency response center is anticipated to coordinate emergency activities across all 78 municipalities in the state using advanced technology for improved communication. CIDES will also host a Computer Emergency Response team to counter cyber threats against state data infrastructure. In addition, it will implement Next Generation Emergency Numbers (NGEN) to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of emergency services.
To back these efforts, improvements will be made in digital infrastructure and skills. This includes creating a resilient data center that adheres to international energy-efficiency standards. Digital skills training for individuals and entrepreneurs will be provided to help them adapt better to the digital economy. A special emphasis will be placed on women's equal participation through targeted programs and prioritized access to digital services with an aim to advance gender equality in the digital sphere.
Espírito Santo Governor Renato Casagrande stated: “Public administration exists to serve society and needs to be increasingly efficient. Being digital, cutting red tape, and speeding up service is essential to achieve our goal of serving our client well, which is the society of Espírito Santo. We want to provide quicker responses, save resources, and transform the lives of those who need it most. These resources will be fundamental for the implementation of such services.”
Johannes Zutt, World Bank Country Director for Brazil, said: “This project aims to transform the digital landscape of Espirito Santo, enhance the state’s emergency response capabilities, and improve the lives of its residents. With a focus on resilience, innovation, and inclusivity, Espírito Santo is paving the way for a more digitally advanced and climate-resilient future in Brazil”.