The arrival of PayPal in the Maldives stands as a landmark achievement of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership, with a global financial giant placing its confidence in the nation and opening the door for many more payment gateways to follow, Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said.
Speaking on the “Trade Desk with Ana” podcast, the minister celebrated the introduction of PayPal as a direct result of the president’s determination and foresight. The service, launched this month by President Muizzu, connects PayPal with Ooredoo Fintech’s m-Faisaa wallet, finally allowing Maldivians to receive international payments with ease and ending a barrier that had held the country back for years.
Saeed explained that the roots of this success reach back to before the president took office. During the campaign, the then-candidate sat down with content creators and entrepreneurs, listened to their concerns, and committed to solving them. That promise has now been honoured, the minister said, a testament to a government that follows through on its word.
The minister noted that the Maldives has long leaned on a narrow set of economic sectors, and that the president clearly understands the country cannot depend on these alone in a fast-changing technological world. By acting decisively, President Muizzu has positioned the nation to embrace the opportunities of the digital age.
Describing the president’s “Maldives 2.0” vision as the very future of the country, Saeed said PayPal has already begun unlocking opportunities for young Maldivians that were once unimaginable. The trust shown by such a major global platform in a nation as small as the Maldives, he said, is a powerful endorsement of the president’s leadership and a stepping stone for further investment.
“The coming of PayPal, their belief and trust in the Maldives, will become a stepping stone that brings many similar e-wallets and payment gateways, and further modernises the Maldives in integrating its financial system,” the minister said.
He also highlighted the president’s discussions with Google, pointing to the company’s project in the Maldives as yet another milestone secured through strong and visionary leadership. That a global leader would place its trust in a small nation, Saeed said, is a source of pride for every Maldivian citizen.
Looking ahead, the minister said the government is pressing forward with plans to help Maldivians earn income through platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, ensuring that the benefits of this new digital era reach creators and entrepreneurs across the country.
