NAIROBI, Kenya- Visa and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have joined forces to advance digital government infrastructure and financial inclusivity across emerging markets.
Announced this week, the five-year partnership aims to create open, secure, and inclusive digital government systems that can better connect citizens with essential services, promote economic growth, and foster digital financial literacy in underserved regions.
The collaboration comes on the heels of USAID’s recent launch of its Digital Policy, focusing on building digital infrastructure that supports access to public services.
Targeting regions in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Caucasus, the partnership will initially concentrate on countries where digital development could have a transformative impact.
By creating government-backed digital platforms, Visa and USAID hope to increase transparency and streamline the delivery of services, ultimately helping communities and small businesses access the tools they need to thrive.
Chris Newkirk, Visa’s Global Head of New Flows, Commercial, and Money Movement Solutions, shared sentiments on the project’s potential.
“Digital government systems can enhance transparency and efficiency between communities and governments, fostering a more favorable environment for entrepreneurs and economic development.” Newkirk said.
The digital platforms under development are also expected to boost financial inclusion by enabling easier access to digital payments and services.
Visa and USAID are set to combine their expertise to address the challenge of digital literacy, a significant hurdle in many emerging markets.
Beyond building infrastructure, the partnership emphasizes educating citizens on digital and financial literacy, aiming to empower individuals, particularly those in underserved communities, to participate in the digital economy.
Christopher Burns, USAID’s Chief Digital Development Officer, noted that public-private collaboration is essential for successful digital development, stating, “Digital development works best when governments and the private sector work together toward a shared vision of an inclusive digital future.”
The plan includes initiatives to teach financial literacy and responsible digital practices to ensure that digital transformation benefits communities broadly.
By addressing these foundational needs, the program aims to close the digital divide and create equitable access to economic opportunities.
Visa’s longstanding partnership with USAID reflects both organizations’ commitment to global digitization and financial empowerment.
With this new collaboration, they aim to create digital solutions that help underserved populations access resources, improve livelihoods, and enhance economic resilience.
As the program grows, there is potential for expanding these services to additional regions, building on the progress made in the initial markets.
