Ooredoo Maldives’ Chief Commercial Officer, Hussain Niyaz, highlighted the pivotal role of digital finance and fintech innovation in fostering national economic growth and inclusion during a panel discussion at the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) Conference. The event, held yesterday, 16 November 2025, at Villa Nautica, brought together policymakers, financial leaders, and industry experts to explore avenues for diversifying the Maldivian economy beyond tourism.
Speaking on the panel titled “Rethinking Economic Growth Beyond Tourism,” Niyaz emphasized how digital finance acts as a powerful equalizer in geographically dispersed nations like the Maldives. He noted that with m-Faisaa’s upcoming integration with PayPal, freelancers, artisans, and small businesses across the islands will gain access to global markets and new income streams. “Digital finance is one of the greatest equalizers in a dispersed nation like ours. This is how every community becomes part of the digital economy,” he said.
While acknowledging the immense potential of fintech, Niyaz stressed the challenges that remain, including high infrastructure costs, skill gaps, and fragmented digital systems. “To unlock this fully, we must overcome high infrastructure costs, skills gaps, and fragmented digital systems. No single player can do it alone. Strong private-sector partnerships are key to expanding connectivity, digital tools, and financial inclusion so that innovation and opportunity reach every island in the Maldives,” he added.
Highlighting the human-centered nature of digital transformation, Niyaz reinforced that technology alone does not build a digital nation. “Technology doesn’t build a digital nation, people do. Anyone with the mindset to embrace change has a role in shaping the Digital Maldives,” he said.
Throughout the session, Niyaz reiterated Ooredoo’s commitment to delivering advanced digital solutions, enhancing nationwide connectivity, and promoting financial inclusion through platforms such as m-Faisaa. The forthcoming integration with PayPal is expected to simplify access to international payments, creating new opportunities for freelancers, guesthouses, small merchants, and creative entrepreneurs across the country. Ooredoo Maldives continues to collaborate with government agencies, regulators, and private-sector partners to build a resilient, diversified, and digitally empowered economy.