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Welcoming Karl Mehta
The Mobile Solutions Division of the Office of Innovation and Development Alliances (IDEA) is thrilled to welcome Karl Mehta. As the new Presidential Innovation Fellow for USAID’s 20% Initiative, Karl Mehta champions the ‘USAID 20% Initiative Electronic Payments’ project, marking a pivotal shift. The project aims to enhance transparency and efficiency of USAID’s programs through electronic payments. This initiative is designed to reduce fraud and achieve significant cost savings. With his Silicon Valley entrepreneur background, Karl offers extensive experience in media, technology, and payments. Additionally, his achievements include building and successfully exiting three companies. Most notably PlaySpan, which collaborated with industry giants such as Warner Bros, Nickelodeon, Disney, and Facebook.
Subsequently, Karl’s mission involves collaborating with both the White House and USAID to spearhead the 20% Initiative. The initiative aims to enhance transparency across US Government international programs through the adoption of efficient electronic payment methods. This initiative seeks to transition US government programs from traditional cash payments to electronic alternatives, including mobile money. Thus, supporting various activities ranging from foreign policy and development assistance to government and commercial operations.
The Mission of the 20% Initiative
Furthermore, the 20% Initiative targets 20% in efficiency and cost savings by moving to electronic payments by 2016. Additionally, it anticipates significantly increased transparency and reduced fraud. Originating within USAID, the initiative’s goal is to expand its reach to as many U.S. government agencies operating overseas as possible.
USAID is leading by example by taking decisive steps toward fostering a shift in operational and programmatic payment methods. Thereby, demonstrating our commitment to enhancing development outcomes by incentivizing partners with our budget to adopt electronic and mobile payment solutions. These include increased financial inclusion, reduced corruption, and improved safety, alongside generating substantial cost savings for US taxpayers, host country governments, and the private sector, including U.S. businesses operating internationally.
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