Scan, tap, done: How digital payments are changing disaster relief in Nepal
Summary
After devastating floods in Nepal, donations to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund poured in through QR codes, mobile banking and international cards, showing how digital payments are transforming disaster relief. More than Rs10 billion was collected within 11 days, with contributions coming from people in Nepal and abroad as well as companies and schoolchildren.
Key Points
- Donations to Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund were collected through QR codes, mobile banking and international card payments after the Bhotekoshi floods.
- More than Rs10 billion had been raised by the 11th day, with large volumes coming through Fonepay, NCHL and eSewa.
- The Nepal Rastra Bank removed transaction limits for relief donations, while payment providers waived fees to encourage small and large contributions.
- Experts and industry leaders said Nepal’s digital payment infrastructure has matured rapidly, but still needs better interoperability and a more open payments system.
