Visa, a leader in digital payments, said it is working jointly with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to improve access to open, secure and inclusive digital government systems across the world.

Following the recent launch of USAID’s Digital Policy, Visa and USAID will work together for five years to focus on developing programs to assist governments in creating and adopting platforms that connect their constituents with local government services, it said.

It stated that the joint work aims to promote economic development and growth in select markets by combining capabilities and expertise in digital government systems, and digital payments as well as support for constituents and small and medium enterprises.

“Digital government systems can help enhance transparency and efficiency between communities and governments, fostering a more favourable environment for entrepreneurs and economic development,” said Global Head of New Flows Commercial and Money Movement Solutions, Chris Newkirk, said.

USAID’s Chief Digital Development Officer and Director of USAID’s Technology Division, Christopher Burns, said: “Through shared interests and goals, Visa and USAID will empower communities with digital and financial literacy and support access to digital systems that will help drive financial inclusion for everyone, everywhere.

“Digital development works best when governments and the private sector intentionally work together toward a shared vision of an inclusive digital future.”