UNDP, its AltFinLab, and the Stellar Development Foundation have formalized a blockchain payments agreement, moving Stellar-based tools from pilot projects toward regular use in country offices worldwide. The deal comes after more than a year of rigorous field testing in Haiti, Syria, Kenya, Guatemala, The Gambia, Colombia, and Papua New Guinea.
The agreement runs through 2027 and establishes a payment framework designed for daily operations, not just limited trials. It aims to bring blockchain-powered transparency, lower costs, and faster settlements to aid delivery in fragile regions with weak banking systems. The collaboration builds on the SDG Blockchain Accelerator program and 16 months of joint research.
A standout pilot in Aleppo, Syria, demonstrated the technology's impact: the Stellar-based system reduced transaction costs from 10% to 2%, achieved a 100% payment success rate, and provided near-instant settlements with on-chain transparency for every disbursement. Beneficiaries received digital Cash-for-Work payments even in low-connectivity areas, giving UNDP robust data to justify scaling.
Beyond payments, UNDP has formed a Blockchain Advisory Group comprising 26 organizations to explore blockchain use in public services, identity, and climate programs. The Stellar network's low-cost cross-border transfers and traceable flows are now positioned as a standard tool for humanitarian aid operations globally.
