Visa (NYSE: V) has partnered with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to advance secure, inclusive, and open digital government systems globally. This five-year collaboration follows the launch of USAID’s Digital Policy, aiming to develop and support digital platforms that connect citizens with government services, promote financial inclusion, and drive economic growth, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Visa and USAID will initially focus on developing digital government infrastructure in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Caucasus, with potential expansion to other emerging markets. The partnership is committed to enhancing financial inclusion and improving government transparency through secure digital payment systems and citizen access to government services.
Chris Newkirk, Visa’s Global Head of New Flows, highlighted the benefits of digital government systems: “Digital government systems can help enhance transparency and efficiency between communities and governments, fostering a more favorable environment for entrepreneurs and economic development. Through shared interests and goals, Visa and USAID will empower communities with digital and financial literacy.”
Christopher Burns, USAID’s Chief Digital Development Officer, emphasized the importance of partnerships: “Digital development works best when governments and the private sector intentionally work together. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Visa to drive financial inclusion and strengthen digital infrastructure across emerging markets.”
Visa and USAID have collaborated extensively on digital and financial inclusion initiatives, such as Diia in Ukraine, which connects over 19 million Ukrainians to government services via a mobile app. The Visa Foundation and USAID are also founding members of the Climate Gender Equity Fund, a part of the Women in the Sustainable Economy (WISE) Initiative, providing support to gender-equitable, climate-focused small businesses worldwide.
