The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has released concrete results from its blockchain payment pilots across 17 countries, in partnership with the Stellar Development Foundation. In Aleppo, Syria, distribution costs for the "Cash-for-Work" program dropped from 10% via traditional banking to just 2% after switching to blockchain. Haiti's pilot achieved a perfect 100% success rate on all payment transactions. Initial pilots also covered Kenya, Guatemala, and Gambia, while working prototypes were built for Colombia and Papua New Guinea.
Pilot Outcomes: Cost and Transparency Gains
UNDP emphasized that these field trials went far beyond proof-of-concept, delivering measurable results. Beyond cost reduction, every pilot established permanent on-chain records tracking exactly where each dollar went—a feature UNDP says is especially valuable for donor-funded programs. The partnership, ongoing for over 16 months, leverages Stellar's open-source blockchain to enable fast, low-cost digital transactions.
From Pilots to Permanent Infrastructure by 2027
The next phase shifts from experimentation to building a durable operational platform for widespread adoption, coordinated through UNDP's Alternative Finance Lab in Istanbul and running through 2027. Under the new agreement, UNDP will develop a governance framework and integrate existing payment tools into national programs. Stellar Development Foundation will provide technical guidance and coordinate with developer ecosystem, while UNDP retains program operational responsibility.
Rising Interest in Blockchain and Stablecoin Payments
UNDP's move coincides with surging interest in blockchain and stablecoin solutions for underbanked regions. Ripple has invested in Africa-based fintech Flutterwave to expand RLUSD stablecoin and XRP Ledger use. Countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, and Venezuela are key targets for stablecoin issuers. Former UN Under-Secretary-General Vera Songwe told the World Economic Forum that in some developing nations, stablecoins have surpassed aid in importance by reaching people without bank access. She estimates 650 million people in Africa remain unbanked, yet many own smartphones and can readily access stablecoins, offering a savings lifeline in stable currencies amid high inflation.