The Maldives is on the brink of a major digital milestone, as Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed confirmed that the system enabling PayPal’s services in the country has now been successfully established.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Minister Saeed announced that PayPal will enter the Maldivian market through a strategic partnership with local financial technology company Ooredoo Fintech. He described the move as a “transformative initiative” and a key step in realising President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision for a modern, inclusive, and innovative digital economy.
Soon after, Ooredoo Maldives confirmed the collaboration, stating that Ooredoo Fintech and PayPal have “announced their intent to collaborate in the Maldives” and are “actively working on finalising the details of the partnership.”
According to Minister Saeed, the introduction of PayPal marks a significant step in advancing the nation’s digital technology sector and fostering innovation within its financial system. He noted that this development will broaden opportunities in the digital and creative economy, particularly empowering freelancers, entrepreneurs, and content creators to access global markets through secure and convenient payment solutions.
The Minister explained that the Government has been working for over two years to establish the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks to make PayPal’s services available locally. This effort involved extensive coordination between PayPal and Maldivian financial authorities to ensure compliance with national regulations while cultivating an environment conducive to international digital finance.
He further expressed confidence that the launch of PayPal will enhance cross-border trade, improve the ease of conducting online transactions, and open new avenues for local talent to participate in the global digital marketplace.
“This development marks a new era in the Maldives’ transition towards a digitally empowered economy,” Minister Saeed remarked, adding that the initiative reflects the Government’s ongoing efforts to facilitate modern, flexible financial solutions such as digital wallets and international payment gateways.
The intended partnership between PayPal and Ooredoo Fintech is expected to benefit both consumers and businesses in the Maldives. Expected to go live in 2026, consumers will be able to shop with PayPal merchants globally and transfer funds between their PayPal and m-Faisaa accounts. Maldivian businesses will also gain the opportunity to reach and sell to new customers overseas, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward a fully digital economy.
For years, Maldivians have faced challenges receiving international payments — a barrier that limited the growth of freelancers, remote workers, and small enterprises looking to serve clients abroad. With PayPal’s introduction, this long-standing obstacle is finally being addressed.
The platform’s arrival is expected to transform the earning potential of local creators, software developers, designers, and online service providers, who will soon be able to receive payments securely from clients around the world.
Small and medium-sized enterprises stand to benefit significantly, as PayPal’s trusted infrastructure could streamline cross-border transactions, reduce dependency on intermediaries, and enhance access to global e-commerce platforms.
Moreover, integrating PayPal into the Maldivian financial ecosystem will likely encourage greater participation in the digital economy, attract international partnerships, and strengthen the nation’s credentials as a forward-thinking hub for fintech innovation.
While exact rollout procedures are still being finalised, the coordinated announcements by the Government and Ooredoo signal a decisive step toward a more connected, inclusive, and globally competitive Maldivian economy.
