While these elections brought a mix of continuity and change in public administration, one challenge remains universal: meeting growing public expectations for efficient governance and modernized services. With demands for digital services on the rise and public debt mounting, governments worldwide face the critical task of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to foster economic growth and ensure transparency.

In recognition of this challenge, and amid growing public debt, inter-governmental organizations  and commentators have stressed the need for policymakers to prioritize actions that foster greater economic resilience including strengthening government finances and revitalizing economic growth prospects. So what opportunities are available to governments to unlock inclusive economic growth, while delivering greater efficiencies and enhanced transparency?

Fundamental to a healthy public purse are well-managed payments — this is the effective management of money flowing to and from governments, which enables the delivery of public services, infrastructure and social programs. Simply put, payments are the operational backbone of government financial systems.

For many governments, harnessing advancements in digital payment systems and the effective use of data insights will be crucial for enhancing efficiency, creating seamless financial ecosystems and fostering transparency — collectively building trust with citizens.