MITA recently hosted a delegation from the RIT – Estonia IT Centre for a two-day visit at the MITA Data Centre.

Written by Sara Cassar

MITA recently hosted a delegation from the RIT – Estonia IT Centre for a two-day visit at the MITA Data Centre. The purpose of the visit was to provide the delegation with a comprehensive understanding of MITA’s operations, services, and strategic approach to delivering digital government solutions.

The visit served as an important platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices between the two organisations.

The visit commenced on first day with a welcome address by MITA’s Chief Executive Officer, Emanuel Darmanin followed by an overview of MITA’s mandate, structure, and core functions. The delegation was also introduced to the RIT – Estonia IT Centre, allowing both parties to outline their respective roles and objectives. Following the introductory session, the delegation was given a guided tour of the MITA Data Centre, including the Service Call Centre, the Network Operations Centre, and the Cyber Security Centre, providing valuable insight into MITA’s operational environment and critical infrastructure.

Following the tour, the delegation attended a number of presentations by MITA’s Heads of Department. Ivan Alessandro, Chief Financial Officer of the Finance and Contracts Department, introduced MITA Services, while Priscilla Bugeja, Head of the eGovernment Services Department, shared key information on eServices and Web Engineering. The day closed with a presentation by Pierre Vella, Head of the Programme Management Department, who highlighted the agency’s Vertical Services and programme management approach.

The second day focused on technology, security, governance, and organisational support services. Keith Aquilina, Chief Technology Officer, together with Mariano Debono, Manager of the Modern Workplace Team, delivered a presentation on the Modern Workplace, software licensing, and the use of CoPilot. Adrian Camilleri, Head of the Digital Enabling Services Department, followed with an overview of the Digital Wallet, eID, and other enabling digital services.

Cybersecurity initiatives were presented by Jonathan Cassar, Chief Information Security Officer, along with his team, who discussed national cybersecurity efforts and the role of the National Co-Ordination Centre. Robert Galea, Head of the Infrastructure Services Department, provided an overview of infrastructure operations, ongoing projects, databases, and hosting services. Ian Bonello, Head of the Service Management Department, and his team presented on configuration and change management, as well as customer care.

Additional presentations provided deeper insight into MITA’s organisational, operational, and strategic functions. Mark Anthony Attard, Acting Head of the Facilities Management Department, delivered a presentation on building services and projects, logistics, facilities management, and the agency’s green initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability. David Sant Cortis, Head of the Strategy and Governance Department, together with his team, outlined MITA’s strategic direction, including planning and budgeting processes, risk management certification, and business continuity planning.

Corporate finance and governance were further addressed by Ivan Alessandro, Chief Financial Officer of the Finance and Contracts Department, alongside Rudiger, Senior Manager within the same department. Their presentation focused on corporate finance and planning, revenue and cost management, EU relations, client liaison, and data protection.

Jesmond Mizzi, Head of the Executive Office, together with Lucia Vella, Manager within Human Resources, presented on human resources management, employee wellbeing initiatives, and the agency’s marketing activities.

The series of presentations concluded with Matthew Catania, Service Manager for Email and the Service Call Centre within the Service Management Department, who provided an overview of MITA’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, highlighting the agency’s commitment to social impact and community engagement.

The visit concluded with a closure meeting led by the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Office, followed by a cultural visit to Mdina guided by Visit Malta, offering the delegation an opportunity to experience Malta’s rich cultural heritage and history.