President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has launched the integration of PayPal services in the Maldives, at a special function hosted by Ooredoo Maldives in Barceló Nasandhura.
The launch, delivered through Ooredoo Fintech, allows customers to receive international payments directly by linking their PayPal accounts with M-Faisaa. Speaking at the event, the President described the milestone as the fulfilment of a key pledge made to citizens before he took the oath of office in November 2023.
President Dr Muizzu recalled conversations with young creators and innovators who had long been able to send payments abroad but not receive them, and could buy from the world but not easily sell their talents to it. He said this era of artificial limitations had now come to an end.
The President framed the integration as part of a wider blueprint guided by Vision 2040, the Government's roadmap to a fully developed, high-income nation, with the digital economy targeted to contribute at least 15 per cent of GDP by 2030 under the Maldives 2.0 digital transformation agenda.
Turning to the tourism sector, the President said the integration would allow guesthouse operators to receive deposits directly from travellers, dive schools to secure overseas bookings, and artisans and freelance developers to sell their products and services internationally, regardless of geography.
The President outlined support measures for the country's creative and entrepreneurial community, including tailored financing and microfinancing options, and the Creative Economy Council, which gives young entrepreneurs a direct role in shaping national policy through Youth Council representation.
He also noted that the Government's flagship Creator Hub in Malé is set to open on 11 November this year, alongside regional facilities under development in B. Thulhaadhoo and GDh. Gadhdhoo, and reiterated that 2026 has been designated the National Year of Productivity.
Representatives from Ooredoo Group and PayPal APAC commended President Dr Muizzu for his vision in advancing the Maldives' digital future, and his Administration for its leadership in bringing the project to fruition.
President Dr Muizzu, in turn, extended his gratitude to the leadership of Ooredoo and PayPal for their partnership, as well as the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) for their work in delivering the project.
Closing his remarks, he described the initiative as Maldives 2.0 in action, framing it not as a promise for the future, but as a commitment already delivered.
The event was attended by Cabinet Ministers, the Governor and executive leadership of the MMA, and representatives from Ooredoo and PayPal, among other distinguished guests.
