Ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has proposed establishing a national innovation and research centre in Addu named after Abdulla Afeef Didi, the former President of the United Suvadive Republic.
The vision is included in the party’s Greater Addu Vision manifesto unveiled during a campaign event at Artificial Beach on Saturday night ahead of the upcoming local council elections.
The United Suvadive Republic, which included three southern atolls, existed during former President Ibrahim Nasir's tenure as Prime Minister.
Key pillars of the Greater Addu vision
The manifesto outlines six main priorities for Addu’s development:
- Establish a national centre for scientific research while preserving Addu’s identity
- Transform Addu into a destination where tourists experience the city rather than simply transit through it
- Bring technical jobs in the tourism sector to Addu
- Strengthen links with Addu residents living abroad and expand scientific capacity
- Develop Addu as a green hub for investors, innovation and youth participation
- Position Addu as a transport and trade hub in the Indian Ocean.
Suvadive Museum and Afeef Innovation Centre
According to the manifesto, Addu currently lacks a dedicated institution to preserve its history or conduct research on the region.
The proposed Suvadive Museum and Innovation Centre would function as a national-level institution bringing Addu’s history, heritage and future development planning under one roof.
Plans for Afeef Innovation Centre include:
- Research on economic diversification, tourism and business development
- Studies on youth employment, education, health and sports
- Research on environmental protection, sustainable development and healthy living policies
- Identification of structural development strategies and research-based projects
- Documentation and archiving of cultural heritage
The centre would work in consultation with government ministries, public institutions, academics, technical experts, businesses and the wider community.
The manifesto also proposes several initiatives aimed at strengthening Addu’s economic role, including:
- Establishing an island-wide transportation system
- Creating a tourism network connecting southern atolls
- Developing a business park in Addu
- Launching an “Addu Open City” platform to expand the technology sector
- Introducing an “Addu Corridor Desk” to expand import and export opportunities
- Developing a logistics and cold storage corridor to strengthen trade capacity
The plan also aims to encourage Addu residents living abroad to return by providing government support and creating new economic opportunities.
