President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially launched PayPal services in the Maldives, introducing a major advancement in the country’s digital transformation agenda and expanding opportunities for Maldivian creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses to participate more fully in the global economy. Speaking at the launch ceremony, the President described the development as an important step in delivering on a key national commitment to strengthen digital access and create practical pathways for Maldivians to connect their talents, services, and products with international markets.
Addressing the audience, President Muizzu said that one of the greatest challenges faced by Maldivian creators and innovators over the years has been the lack of simple, secure, and internationally recognised channels to receive payments and market their work beyond national borders. He stated that the Maldives should never be constrained by its size, noting that the introduction of PayPal provides a direct and credible gateway for individuals and businesses across the country to engage with customers and partners around the world. He encouraged local creators to use the platform confidently and strategically to build an international presence and generate new economic value from their skills and ideas.
The President said the introduction of PayPal forms part of the Government’s broader plan to build a digitally driven economy capable of creating high-value employment, encouraging innovation, and widening participation in global trade. He outlined the national target of increasing the contribution of the digital sector to at least 15 percent of gross domestic product by 2030, describing it as an ambitious but achievable objective that will be supported by continued investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital. He also highlighted the importance of the Dhivaru International Submarine Cable project in partnership with Google, stating that the initiative will further strengthen the Maldives’ digital capacity and provide the resilience needed for modern commerce, digital entrepreneurship, and international connectivity.
President Muizzu noted that the Maldives is now entering a new phase of development in which digital connectivity will play a role as significant as the maritime connections that shaped the country’s history. Reflecting on this continuity, he said that while earlier generations connected the Maldives to the wider world by sea, today the nation is being connected through the digital economy. He added that the country now possesses advanced digital infrastructure capable of supporting modern business activity, innovation-led growth, and global commercial engagement, positioning the Maldives to compete more confidently in an increasingly connected world.
As part of this wider strategy, the Government is also developing the Creator Hub, a modern facility scheduled to open on 11 November. The Hub is expected to provide contemporary studios, co-working spaces, and specialised facilities designed to nurture talent across a broad range of creative industries. The President said the project is intended to create an enabling environment where artists, designers, digital creators, media professionals, and other innovators can refine their work, collaborate more effectively, and access the tools required to bring their products and services to international audiences. He also noted that regional facilities are being rolled out across the atolls so that access to these opportunities is not limited to the capital, but extended to communities throughout the country.
The launch is expected to bring significant benefits to a wide range of Maldivian enterprises, including small businesses, artisans, manufacturers, freelancers, and service providers seeking to expand their customer base beyond the domestic market. For a country widely recognised around the world for its hospitality industry, natural beauty, and entrepreneurial potential, stronger digital payment access also offers added support for businesses linked to tourism, creative services, and export-oriented activity. The availability of trusted international payment solutions can help enterprises improve their visibility, build stronger relationships with overseas clients, and participate with greater confidence in digital trade.
President Muizzu called on Maldivian manufacturers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and creators to make full use of the new opportunities now available to them. He urged them to present Maldivian talent and ingenuity to global audiences with confidence and ambition, and said the Government will continue building the infrastructure, institutions, and support systems needed to help them succeed. The launch of PayPal services, together with ongoing investments in digital infrastructure and creative industry development, reflects the Maldives’ commitment to shaping a forward-looking economy that is innovative, inclusive, and globally connected.
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