eSewa Pioneering Digital Payments in Nepal
Overview
As eSewa celebrates its 16th anniversary on January 25, 2025, we look back at an incredible journey that has transformed Nepal’s digital financial landscape and created a lasting social impact. Established in 2009 as South Asia and Nepal’s first digital wallet, eSewa has become a household name and a synonym for payments, empowering over 10 million+ users with seamless digital financial solutions. With a presence in all 753 local bodies, eSewa is a trusted name in households nationwide.
As a pioneering social enterprise under F1Soft Group conglomerate, eSewa is licensed by Nepal Rastra Bank (central bank of Nepal) as a payment service provider under the Payment and Settlement Act and is an ISO 27001:2022 certified company, signifying its commitment to the highest standards of information security and operational excellence.
eSewa Ltd, an ISO 27001:2022- certified organisation, is committed to safeguard customer data through advanced security measures that ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability. It employs multiple layers of protection, including Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) to prevent network-level threats and Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) to shield applications from attacks targeting the application layer.
Milestones
eSewa has come a long way since its launch in 2009. Introducing its mobile application in 2010 and expanding with an agent network by 2012, it set the foundation for digital payments in the country. Recognised for its innovation, eSewa received the Best Technology Award from the Ministry of Information and Technology in 2017 and secured a Payment Service Provider licence from Nepal Rastra Bank. With over five million app downloads by 2022 and an impressive 7.5 million registered customers by 2023, eSewa reached new heights in 2024, surpassing 12 million app downloads and initiating a tech collaboration with National Payments Corporation of India, solidifying its leadership in South Asia's digital payment landscape.
A vision to build digital financial ecosystem that empowers generations
When eSewa began, the idea of a digital wallet was novel in Nepal and South Asia, where cash transactions dominated. The platform’s founders envisioned a future where financial transactions could be conducted with just a few clicks, making payments more accessible and efficient for everyone. Over the years, eSewa has revolutionised the way people pay bills, transfer money and conduct business, offering services that are fast, secure and convenient. From its humble beginnings, eSewa has grown into a comprehensive financial ecosystem serving more than 10 million users.
eSewa has built a digital financial ecosystem that empowers generations creating a seamless, inclusive network of digital financial services that ensures everyone, regardless of age or background, has access to secure, convenient and innovative financial tools. It emphasises fostering financial literacy, driving economic growth, and enabling individuals and businesses to thrive in a rapidly digitising world. By breaking down barriers to financial access and integrating technology with financial services, eSewa aims to create lasting opportunities and a sustainable foundation for future generations.
Driving Financial Inclusion
eSewa has been instrumental in promoting financial inclusion in Nepal by leveraging technology to offer accessible, affordable and secure digital financial services to a broad and diverse population, including underserved communities. With its reach extending across all 753 local bodies in Nepal, eSewa ensures that even the most remote areas have access to essential financial services through its mobile app, website and an extensive network of over 250,000+ agents and 450,000+ merchants. Through partnerships with over 49 banks and financial institutions, eSewa has expanded digital payment options and financial services, enabling users to deposit, withdraw, transfer money and access loans and insurance through our app and website.
With over 5,000 services, including utility bill payments, mobile top-ups, government services and more, eSewa provides users a convenient platform for managing their financial needs digitally, while also empowering small businesses with digital payment systems to boost their operations. By offering an easy-to-use platform and promoting financial literacy, eSewa has helped drive digital adoption and financial education, making it a key enabler of financial inclusion and contributing to Nepal's digital transformation.
Reducing Carbon Emission and Advancing SDG Goals
eSewa has made significant strides in reducing carbon emissions while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the past year, eSewa successfully reduced carbon emissions by 7,807,698.726 kg CO2e, primarily by minimising Scope 3 emissions associated with paper usage, customer commutes and related activities. By replacing traditional paper-based transactions with digital alternatives and reducing the need for physical travel, eSewa has significantly lowered environmental impact. Nearly 1 million NEA users now pay their bills via eSewa, saving paper, ink and fuel. This milestone aligns with SDG Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), demonstrating eSewa's commitment to sustainability. As the company continues to expand its services, it remains dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint, fostering a greener future, and empowering communities through innovation and sustainability.
Vision for the Future: Beyond the Payments
eSewa envisions a future where it evolves from being a leading payments platform to becoming a comprehensive digital ecosystem that empowers individuals, businesses and institutions to thrive in the digital age. Beyond facilitating transactions, eSewa aims to revolutionise how people manage money, access financial services, and experience commerce.
This vision includes expanding into diverse domains such as financial services, wealth management, insurance, lending and e-commerce, while leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, and data analytics to deliver innovative, personalised solutions. By fostering financial literacy, driving inclusivity and enabling businesses with tools for growth, eSewa seeks to create an ecosystem that supports holistic economic development. The focus is on not just meeting current needs but also anticipating and shaping future demands, ensuring that eSewa remains a catalyst for digital transformation and empowerment in Nepal and beyond.
Security and Governance
eSewa Ltd, an ISO 27001:2022-certified organisation, is committed to safeguard customer data through advanced security measures that ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability. It employs multiple layers of protection, including Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) to prevent network-level threats and Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) to shield applications from attacks targeting the application layer. Additionally, eSewa monitors traffic in real-time to detect anomalies and unusual activities, enabling proactive threat mitigation. These measures underscore eSewa's dedication to maintaining a secure environment and continuously improving its information security systems.
Governance at eSewa is driven by transparency, compliance and accountability, reflecting its commitment to being a trusted leader in Nepal’s fintech ecosystem. The company adheres to regulatory requirements set by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and other statutory bodies, ensuring strict compliance with financial, data protection, and consumer protection laws. Its governance framework emphasises ethical practices, risk management, and robust internal controls to maintain operational integrity and build stakeholder confidence.
eSewa’s Board of Directors, having combined more than five decades of working experience in banking and financial institutions plays a pivotal role in overseeing the company's strategic direction, risk management and performance. The company regularly engages with regulators, industry bodies and stakeholders to align its practices with global standards and foster innovation responsibly. By implementing transparent policies and fostering a culture of accountability, eSewa continues to strengthen its position as a reliable platform for millions of users, merchants and partners, driving financial inclusion and digital transformation across Nepal.
Conclusion
eSewa, a pioneer in Nepal’s digital financial revolution since 2009, has transformed the way people conduct transactions by introducing a seamless and user-friendly digital payment ecosystem. Beyond revolutionising payments, eSewa has built a robust platform that empowers businesses across industries to embrace digital transformation, offering tools for growth and innovation in the digital economy. By enabling merchants, agents, startups and enterprises to thrive in this ecosystem, eSewa has not only red‑efined commerce but also played a vital role in shaping Nepal journey toward a cashless economy and fostering widespread financial inclusion.
