Digital Public Services

INDIA GOES OFFLINE, DIGITALLY! The Reserve Bank of India has launched the Offline Digital Rupee, a Central Bank Digital Currency that can move from one wallet to another even without internet or mobile network. Imagine paying for a cup of tea in the Himalayas or for groceries in a rural market where connectivity is zero and still completing the transaction in seconds. ✅ Digital trust has reached a new level. Money that works without the internet is not a product of convenience. It is the evolution of trust. When the value can move offline yet remain verified and authentic, we are witnessing the future of financial inclusion, not just technology. ✅ It solves the last-mile problem. For years, digital payments depended on networks, servers, and gateways. Rural India, remote areas, and even disaster zones were often left behind. The Offline Digital Rupee removes that dependency and gives digital money a physical character. This changes how we think of accessibility forever. ✅ It is faster, cheaper, and smarter. No third-party switches. No failed connections. No dependency on payment gateways. The value moves directly from one device to another, just like cash, but secured by blockchain-based architecture and backed by the central bank. The power of digital efficiency now exists without digital dependence. ✅ Programmable money means purposeful money. The RBI’s Programmable Central Bank Digital Currency model means money can be coded for a reason. Subsidies can be released only for their intended use. Corporate payouts can have specific validity. Social benefits can be tracked transparently. It adds responsibility to the currency itself. ✅ It redefines how economies will interact. Offline CBDC is not just a domestic innovation. It opens the door for new models of cross-border settlements, disaster-resilient financial systems, and new layers of fintech innovation. The world will look at this model as a live example of how technology can merge with human need, not just convenience. ✅ It reminds us what innovation truly means. The right innovation is not when a feature gets smarter, but when it becomes more inclusive. When a person in a no-network zone can transact as easily as someone in a metro city, that is when digital transformation turns into social transformation.

In much of the world, digital financial tools are a daily reality—used to process paychecks, pay for dinner, buy groceries, and more. But 1.4 billion adults in low- and middle-income countries still lack access to these tools.    This isn’t just an inconvenience for them; it's a barrier to economic growth and empowerment. According to a 2023 UN analysis, digital public infrastructure—including digital ID, payments, and data exchange—could accelerate GDP growth in these countries by 20 to 33 percent.    That’s where Mojaloop Foundation comes in: Their open-source software makes it possible for countries to build inclusive digital payment systems that allow anyone with a mobile phone to send and receive money securely, instantly, and affordably. This has the potential to drive economic inclusion—and open the doors to financial freedom—for billions.

Australia ❤️ is good at digital govt. But in a world of rapid change, good isn’t good enough 🤷♂️ When people think of world-leading digital nations, they point to Singapore, Estonia, and increasingly, the UAE. Yes - they’re small, agile, and highly coordinated. But size is no excuse. 🇺🇦 Ukraine (pop. ~40 million) is racing toward Gov 3.0 maturity via its Diia platform - even during a war. 🇮🇳 India (pop. 1.5 billion 🤯) is delivering digital transformation at national scale. The India Stack, anchored by Aadhaar, is enabling inclusion, innovation, and economic uplift for over a billion people. ✳️ Why does this matter? One word: Productivity As population growth and participation rates flatten, productivity becomes the key to prosperity. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is right ✅ to put it front and centre - he’s convening a national productivity roundtable on 25 August to build consensus for reform. Last year, I co-led a productivity roadshow across Australia and New Zealand, asking: Which govt services would deliver the biggest productivity dividend if digitised at scale? The result? The GX5 : Five digital initiatives with the biggest productivity upside We assessed 24 govt digitalisation opportunities and filtered them through three lenses: 1. Citizen-facing – high visibility and public benefit 2. Deployment-ready – proven globally, good to go 3. High productivity impact – across govt, business, and individuals The top five: 🟦 Digital ID – secure, streamlined identity verification 🟦 Digital Skills Wallet – verified, portable credentials 🟦 Digital Front Door – one-stop access to govt services 🟦 Digital Health Record – accessible, coordinated medical data 🟦 Digital Licences & Permits – instantly verifiable credentials 📊 According to the attached GX5 report, Digital ID alone could unlock $19–32 billion per year in economic benefits - up to 1.2% of GDP - based on results from Singpass (Singapore) and Aadhaar (India) . Importantly, the Federal Govt passed legislation last year 🙏 to enable an opt-in digital ID system - a critical reform that will boost security, privacy, and service delivery across the country. This attached report was a collaboration between Ember Advisors and ServiceGen, with support from Amazon Web Services (AWS). If we want to stay globally competitive, we must build and embrace public digital infrastructure. It’s how we move from good to great 🙏🏼

In 2021, I became the first woman to head a unicorn in Israel, AKA Startup Nation. In many parts of the world, women are excluded from even the most basic financial services, so leading a fintech company is far from their reality. United Nations data estimates that 3.8 billion women live in the world, 50% of which are adults. According to the World Bank’s Global Findex Database, 1.4 billion of those 1.9 billion adult women, are unbanked. That’s 73.65%. Visit that statistic again. It represents a disturbing gender gap in financial access, with women being far less likely than men to have bank accounts or access formal financial services. This financial exclusion has personal impact. It diminishes women’s economic empowerment by restricting access to education and limiting their potential for personal growth and independence. It makes women more financially dependent, and therefore, more vulnerable. There's economic impact, too. Research by McKinsey highlights the economic loss due to financial exclusion of women, noting that closing the gender gap in labor force participation could add trillions to global GDP. Financial inclusion isn’t just a matter of equality – ensuring the same opportunities for all. It’s a matter of equity - ensuring women have the tools and access they need to fully participate in the global economy. That’s where technology enters the picture to level the field. The rise of mobile banking is a great example of innovation enhancing financial inclusion. According to a report by the International Finance Corporation, mobile money accounts are more popular among women in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where access to traditional banking is limited. Various fintechs provide financial literacy resources, helping women understand financial products, budgeting, and saving strategies. Other solutions include AI-driven platforms that offer personalized recommendations and advice, empowering women to make informed financial decisions. Aside from personal apps and solutions, fintechs can facilitate community-based lending and saving initiatives, allowing women to support each other through group savings or microfinance schemes, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared purpose. This International Women’s Day’s theme is "accelerate action". In my mind, nothing accelerates action like innovation. As we mark International Women's Day, let’s advocate and innovate to enhance financial inclusion for women worldwide. #IWD2025 #financialInclusion Papaya Global

Here's how UPI turned 200 million Indian women into entrepreneurs when banks couldn't!  Before UPI, most women running small businesses worked in cash, with no bank trail, no credit access, and no real way to grow beyond their local circle. Fast forward to 2025, with 536 million women aged 15+ in India and 37% already using mobile internet, the potential market for internet-based UPI solutions is approximately 200 million women. In a country where 65% of women in the workforce are self-employed, digital financial inclusion creates tangible economic empowerment. But UPI is doing more than digitizing payments: ➡️ It builds financial history and business credibility ➡️ Unlocks access to loans, insurance & government schemes ➡️ Helps women manage and grow money independently We're already seeing this in action: — Women dairy farmers in Maharashtra now use UPI to sell directly to cooperatives. — Street vendors in Gujarat track daily income through digital payments. — Self-help groups in Bihar pool savings and access microloans through mobile wallets. Because for many women, the journey to digital confidence starts when someone they trust. These are some schemes that are helping women adopt UPI… 📍 UPI for Her – Tailored digital tools by NPCI & Women’s World Banking for women-led micro-businesses 📍UPSRLM (Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission) – Local women agents trained to onboard others with confidence 📍MAVIM(Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal) – Helping rural women switch from cash to UPI and grow their ventures 📍WEP (Women Entrepreneurship Platform) – A national platform connecting women entrepreneurs with digital and financial support Digital payments give women more visibility. This visibility leads to more control over both their business and household money. How has digital banking changed your business?

For millions in Northeastern Brazil, a lack of internet access isn't just a technical issue, it's a barrier to education and jobs in rural areas. But in working to overcome this barrier, we are also finding new opportunities to scale our community engagement. I recently met with the team at Brisanet Telecomunicações, this region's largest fiber-optic provider. Microsoft has been partnering with them since November 2022. Since then, we've worked together to strengthen network infrastructure to enable Fiber-to-the-Home, which brings high-speed internet directly to homes, and Fixed Wireless Access, which delivers wireless broadband to rural areas where laying cables is difficult. To date, Brisanet has brought 1 million people online, creating unprecedented opportunities for communities that were previously left behind. Three years in, we are on track to meet our shared goals to help these services take root across the community, empowering people to pursue jobs, advance their careers, and improve their overall wellbeing. And connectivity is proving to be the foundation for even more impact. Today, this partnership is a blueprint for integrated progress: helping rural farmers transition to clean energy and use this to also irrigate more sustainably during dry seasons. They are able to diversify crops with options like pitaya and acerola. Digital inclusion and climate action are deeply connected. When communities can access both connectivity and clean energy, they gain adaptability and the capacity to thrive in the face of global challenges. 🎥 Watch this video to learn more: 

I’ve been reflecting on how we often consider future skills, digital transformation, or STEM careers without addressing a hard truth: socioeconomic disadvantage continues to block millions from accessing opportunity. And in the UK, that disadvantage is often as simple—and as serious—as a lack of internet. Here’s what that looks like: 📉 1.5 million UK homes are without internet access. For many students, this means no online homework, no virtual STEM clubs, and no exposure to the digital skills needed for tomorrow’s jobs. 🧪 STEM education is still uneven. Pupils from the most deprived areas are less likely to access advanced science and maths courses, and much less likely to pursue STEM careers. 🔌 Connectivity is key—and telecoms can help. A brilliant example? The National Databank, supported by Virgin Media O2 and Good Things Foundation. It’s been called a “food bank for data,” offering free mobile data, texts, and calls to people who can’t afford connectivity. Many O2 stores across the UK now serve as data donation hubs—bringing digital access right into local communities. 🧠 The result? Students stay connected. Adults can retrain. Families can access services. And no one is locked out of opportunity because they can’t afford data. Tech and telecoms companies have a real role in levelling the playing field—not just in innovation, but in inclusion. 💬 What other examples have you seen of organisations using infrastructure for impact? Let’s build a future where no potential is wasted because of a postcode. #DigitalInclusion #NationalDatabank #STEMAccess #TechForGood #LevellingUp #UKTech #SocialMobility #Telecommunications #DigitalEquity #FutureOfWork #InclusionMatters

Empowering Farmers Through Digital Innovation and Regenerative Agriculture: Solidaridad’s Transformative Impact in India!! During a recent visit to Solidaridad Network’s Smart Agri Hub in Bhopal, I witnessed firsthand the remarkable strides being made to revolutionize agriculture across 12 Indian states. By bridging the digital divide, Solidaridad is empowering over a million farmers with contextual, personalized advisories that address their unique challenges. From real-time hyper-local weather forecasts and pest infestation alerts to tailored agronomic advice, this initiative is equipping farmers with tools to make informed decisions, boost productivity, and mitigate risks in an unpredictable climate. The Smart Agri Hub exemplifies innovation in action. By leveraging mobile platforms and IoT-enabled solutions, farmers receive timely insights—like adjusting irrigation before a drought or treating crops ahead of pest outbreaks—transforming reactive practices into proactive strategies. This digital ecosystem not only safeguards livelihoods but also fosters resilience, enabling smallholders to thrive amid climate volatility. The visit also included the Nico Roozen International Center of Excellence for Regenerative Agriculture, a hub pioneering sustainable farming practices. Here, research and on-ground training converge to promote soil health, biodiversity, and low-carbon techniques, ensuring agriculture remains viable for future generations. None of this would be possible without the visionary leadership of Dr.Suresh Motwani and his dedicated team, whose passion for farmer welfare and environmental stewardship is palpable. Their holistic approach—merging technology, education, and ecology—is setting a global benchmark for inclusive, regenerative agriculture. As India’s farmers face mounting challenges, Solidaridad’s work offers a blueprint for empowerment through innovation. It’s inspiring to see how digital tools and sustainable practices can uplift communities, turning vulnerability into vitality. The future of farming is bright—and it’s being cultivated in Bhopal today.

Digital empowerment goes beyond just access to technology. It’s about creating equity in critical sectors like education, healthcare, finance, and employment, especially for marginalized communities, rural populations, and persons with disabilities (PwDs). To address these needs, tailored digital solutions are crucial, and public-private partnerships (PPP) will play a key role in shaping this transformation. 1️⃣ 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 & 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 Programs focused on digital literacy are the bedrock of empowering rural populations. The PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan), initiated by the Indian government, aims to enhance digital literacy in rural areas. As of 2024, over 5 crore people have been trained, highlighting the immense demand for digital literacy and skilling. Similiary, the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) has been at the forefront, with initiatives like eMitra centers in Rajasthan, where digitizing government services has not only simplified access but also saved community members time and travel costs. In Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, DEF’s program to train rural women in e-commerce skills has increased financial independence and profitability, enabling them to access broader markets. 2️⃣ 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 A critical component of digital empowerment is ensuring that technology serves local needs and is not merely consumer-driven. India’s vast rural terrain demands tailored solutions. Low-bandwidth apps and voice-enabled technology are making access to services more inclusive, especially in remote areas. Private companies like Jio have partnered with the government to extend internet connectivity, but more work is needed to bridge this connectivity gap. 3️⃣ 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 & 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Digital empowerment is also about giving marginalized communities the autonomy to make informed decisions. Persons with disabilities (PwDs) in cities like Jaipur are using voice-enabled apps to access telehealth services and government welfare schemes, thereby gaining greater control over their healthcare and livelihood. Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility initiative has also been instrumental in creating digital tools that cater to PwDs, enabling them to interact more seamlessly with technology. Empowering these communities to have decision-making rights and consent in digital platforms ensures that technology is not just an instrument of access but also an enabler of autonomy and inclusion. 4️⃣ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 & 𝐆𝐚𝐩𝐬 Despite the progress, there are significant challenges such as lack of Modern infrastructure, affordable devices, and quality internet access in rural areas persist. The Indian government’s Digital India initiative aims to address these gaps by establishing more research labs and digital villages.

Fintech for good: Enabling Digital Payments for Women in India 🇮🇳 through UPI When women gain access to #financialservices and opportunities, it creates a powerful #ripple effect that extends far beyond individual economic gains. Access leads to benefits to the individual, the household, the #community and eventually the nation. Benefits include improved household #welfare, increased participation of women in the formal economy, arms women with financial independence which they can use to lift their families out of poverty. There is sufficient evidence that #financial inclusion gives women more decision-making power within households and communities. It leads to better #education and #health outcomes Now, let's delve into the key takeaways from the attached report ‘UPI for Her’ which is a #collaborative initiative by the National Payments Corporation Of India (NPCI) and Women's World Banking that seeks to explore opportunities to increase the participation of women in the digital payments ecosystem – as a driver for financial inclusion and economic #prosperity. This is their first report of the initiative. 🇮🇳 Untapped potential: India has a vast untapped market of 200 million women ready to embrace #digitalpayments 🇮🇳 Persona-based approach: The report identifies two key personas among women: "Cautious Balancers" and "Fence Sitters," each requiring tailored strategies for #UPI adoption. 🇮🇳 UPI-PPI solution: Prepaid Payment Instruments (#PPIs) serve as a safe entry point for Cautious Balancers, providing a sense of control and security. 🇮🇳 UPI for Merchants: Women micro-entrepreneurs (Fence Sitters) are more likely to adopt UPI when shown tangible benefits for their businesses. 🇮🇳 #Phygital onboarding: In-person assistance combined with #digital tools is highly effective in onboarding women and building their confidence in using digital financial services. 🇮🇳 Community partnerships: Collaborating with local community networks and women's groups is crucial for reaching and engaging women effectively. 🇮🇳 Gender-intentional outreach: Tailoring marketing and outreach efforts specifically to women's needs and concerns is essential 🇮🇳 Continuous engagement: Providing ongoing support and gradually introducing more complex financial products is key to retaining women users. 🇮🇳 Transparent communication: Clear explanations of fees, features, and benefits are crucial for building trust among women users. 🇮🇳 Inclusive design: Gathering gender disaggregated #data and using it to inform product design and user experience can significantly improve adoption rates. 🇮🇳 Policy implications: The report suggests that #policymakers should require financial service providers to report payment data by gender and integrate this into financial inclusion indices. 🇮🇳 Ecosystem approach: Digitizing the entire value chain, including small traders and wholesalers, can accelerate UPI adoption among women micro-entrepreneurs.