Stellar Expands Partnership with UNDP

The Stellar Development Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a multi-year agreement running through 2027 to expand the use of blockchain-powered digital payments. The partnership aims to turn successful pilot projects into a permanent payment infrastructure used across UNDP operations.

The decision follows 16 months of research and field testing in 17 countries. The initiative is designed to provide a scalable and sustainable infrastructure for humanitarian payments, reducing dependence on short-term project funding.

Early pilot programs have already delivered measurable results. In Syria, the Cash for Work initiative reduced payment distribution costs from around 10% to just 2%. By recording every transaction on a public blockchain, a larger share of the funding reached beneficiaries directly instead of being absorbed by intermediaries.

The trials also demonstrated the resilience of the Stellar network. In Haiti, the payment system continued operating even during a complete mobile network outage. All transactions were processed successfully, allowing recipients to access their funds immediately.

Pilot programs are currently running in Haiti, Syria, Kenya, Guatemala, and The Gambia. Active prototypes are also being developed in Colombia and Papua New Guinea, while research and consultations have been conducted across a total of 17 countries.

According to UNDP, digital wallets can significantly improve access to financial services for people without bank accounts. Lower transaction fees—reduced by as much as 8% in some cases—allow more aid funding to reach those in need rather than being spent on processing costs. The use of a public blockchain also creates a transparent record of every transaction, making audits easier and increasing donor confidence.

The expanded partnership marks a shift in how distributed ledger technology (DLT) is used within the organization. Instead of remaining a series of isolated pilot projects, blockchain is expected to become part of UNDP's everyday operations. However, the organization notes that wider adoption will require effective risk management and compliance with local regulations.

The agreement also reflects the broader growth of cryptocurrency adoption worldwide. In 2026, around 559 million people—nearly 9.9% of global internet users—use cryptocurrencies. Adoption is accelerating particularly in Africa and Latin America, where digital assets are widely used for cross-border payments, protecting savings against inflation, and expanding access to financial services. In Africa alone, the number of cryptocurrency users grew by 19.4% in 2025. At the same time, 78% of crypto users access digital assets through mobile devices, making payment solutions that remain reliable even under poor network conditions increasingly important.