Following 16 months of research and field testing, the initiative is moving beyond project-based funding cycles to provide UNDP country offices with a reliable, scalable infrastructure for humanitarian aid.
The partnership’s expansion is built upon a comprehensive foundation of research and field-tested solutions across 17 countries, with specific operational deployment in the following areas:
The initial 16-month phase focused on field trials that provided measurable, real-world data. In Syria, the deployment of a “Cash-for-Work” stipend program demonstrated the cost-efficiency of on-chain transactions; by recording every payment on the public ledger, the UNDP successfully reduced distribution costs from approximately 10 percent of total funds, the standard rate under conventional banking methods, to just 2 percent.
Beyond cost-efficiency, the pilots proved the technical resilience of the Stellar network in volatile environments. In Haiti, the system was tested under extreme conditions of low connectivity. During a total cellular network failure, the pilot maintained a 100 percent success rate, ensuring that beneficiaries received and cashed out their payments instantly.
By shifting to blockchain-based payments, the UNDP is fundamentally improving the “last mile” of aid delivery. Digital wallets expand access to financial services for unbanked populations who lack traditional bank accounts, while technologies like those tested in Haiti help keep aid accessible even when banking systems and cellular infrastructure fail during crises. Lower transaction costs, often by as much as 8%, allow a greater share of funding to reach beneficiaries instead of intermediaries. At the same time, recording transactions on a public blockchain creates a transparent, tamper-proof audit trail that strengthens donor confidence and helps ensure aid reaches its intended recipients efficiently.
The transition of this partnership signals a fundamental shift in how international development organizations view Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). By integrating Stellar’s infrastructure into a “standing capability,” the UNDP is moving beyond isolated pilot programs toward embedding blockchain into long-term operational workflows. That shift also requires a framework that can scale globally while remaining flexible enough to meet local regulatory and operational needs.
The partnership also reflects a broader shift in global digital asset adoption. As of 2026, approximately 559 million people worldwide use cryptocurrency, representing roughly 9.9% of the global internet population. In many emerging markets, adoption is increasingly driven by practical financial use cases rather than speculation.
Adoption continues to accelerate across emerging markets, particularly in Africa and Latin America, where digital assets are increasingly used for practical purposes such as remittances, protecting savings from inflation, and expanding access to financial services. Africa alone recorded 19.4% year-on-year growth in 2025. At the same time, with 78% of global crypto users accessing platforms through mobile devices, the UNDP’s emphasis on low-connectivity solutions reflects the reality that mobile infrastructure has become the primary gateway to digital financial services for millions of people..
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.
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