Paycode at the Women’s World Banking Financial Inclusion Forum 2025: Unlocking Growth Opportunities for All
- Paycode
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
On 9 - 10 September 2025, global leaders, policymakers, financial service providers and innovators gathered in Johannesburg for the Women’s World Banking Financial Inclusion Forum 2025, under the theme Unlocking Growth Opportunities for All. This high-impact convening brought together voices from across the world to advance practical solutions for closing the gender gap in financial access.
Despite women being vital drivers of global economic growth, nearly one billion remain excluded from the formal financial system. This Forum served as a platform to sharpen strategies, ground solutions in local realities and transform commitments into catalysts for change.
The agenda focused on three foundational pillars of financial inclusion: consumer protection, digital identity, and inclusive payments. These building blocks are essential to create financial systems that truly work for everyone - especially women.
Paycode on the Global Stage
Paycode was proud to be part of the Forum, with our Chief Marketing Officer, Heidi Patmore, invited to speak about “Solving for Scale: Innovation & Women MSME Economic Empowerment Showcase.” Heidi shared Paycode’s groundbreaking work in Afghanistan, in partnership with Afghanistan International Bank (AIB).
Transforming Access in Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, financial access remains deeply limited. With only 15 bank branches nationwide, many people face day-long journeys to access services. Cultural barriers, cash dependency, and lack of verifiable ID further exclude people from participating in the financial system.
Together with AIB, Paycode introduced a biometric smart card solution that is reshaping financial access in the country:
Biometric registration in under three minutes, giving people a secure digital identity.
Smart cards linked to identity, enabling secure salary, stipend or aid payments.
Cash withdrawals with biometric verification, ensuring funds reach the right person.
Over 80 access points established within six months, extending reach far beyond AIB’s initial footprint.
Offline functionality, making the system reliable even in areas with poor connectivity.
Real Impact for everyone
Since its launch, adoption has accelerated:
Six organisations have already onboarded their staff.
Major UN agencies including UNOPS and UNICEF are rolling out pilots expected to reach up to 1.3 million beneficiaries
Beneficiaries describe the system as safe, simple, and empowering - offering control over finances in a way cash never could.
For MSMEs, the impact is transformative:
Identity as empowerment - a first step into the formal financial system.
Financial control and safety, reducing reliance on intermediaries.
Flexibility to balance household and business needs.
A financial footprint, enabling future access to credit and growth opportunities.
A Pathway to Scale and Dignity
Paycode’s work in Afghanistan demonstrates how digital identity, inclusive payments, and consumer protection come together to create financial dignity. What began as small-scale pilots is now expanding to reach millions and holds potential for micro-loans, savings, and insurance in the future.
As Heidi reminded the Forum, “Inclusion is not just about having a bank account. It’s about having an identity, protection, and control over your financial future.”
The biometric smart card initiative is more than a technological solution. It’s a step toward empowerment, dignity, and resilience for women entrepreneurs in one of the world’s most challenging environments - and a model for inclusive growth globally.
Paycode is honoured to have shared this story at the Women’s World Banking Financial Inclusion Forum 2025 and are a proud member of the Women's World Banking Global Network. We remain committed to building inclusive financial systems that unlock growth opportunities for women and communities everywhere.