The Algorand Foundation, a blockchain ecosystem for developers, has partnered with Paycode, a provider of biometric and offline digital payment systems, to improve financial services access in underserved and remote regions. Paycode operates in countries including Afghanistan, Ghana, Zambia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where many people remain outside the formal financial system. The collaboration will enhance secure digital identity, increase transparency, and support access to financial tools by adding the Algorand blockchain technology into the Paycode’s system. Paycode currently supports over 6 million users across eight countries. Its platform has been used to distribute more than $250 million in aid and government payments through biometric identification, offline digital wallets, and real-time transaction capabilities. The partnership will involve hosting parts of Paycode’s system on Algorand, with a focus on transparent aid delivery, stablecoin-based settlements, and offline financial services. This effort supports the Algorand Foundation’s commitment to advancing digital public infrastructure and expanding financial inclusion in emerging markets. Image: Freepik