Humanitarian

IRC: Financial transfers an essential part of humanitarian response

The 2015 Annual report of International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) highlights their work on the frontlines of Syrian crisis.

Quality of service more important than cost for humanitarian workers

The report provides key findings from the mobile money workshops conducted by Electronic Cash Transfer Learning Action Network (ELAN) in January 2016- one in Dakar (Senegal) and other one in Gisenyi (Rwanda).

New Technologies in Cash Transfer Programming and Humanitarian Assistance

The research examines the constraints to the uptake of these technologies in humanitarian programming, and has identified barriers to wider adoption of new technology that can be broadly gr…

Shifting from cash in the midst of crisis: Electronic transfers in the Democratic Republic of Congo

There is growing consensus in the humanitarian community that cash (digital or physical) – as opposed to delivery of food and materials – is often the best way to help communities bounce back from crisis.

WFP's new e-card reduces Syrian refugees suffering

As part of its massive humanitarian response to the Syrian crisis, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is rolling out an innovative electronic voucher programme in Lebanon that wil…

Five Ways Digital Payments Are Coming to the Rescue in Emergencies

The ability to make and receive payments electronically has emerged, in recent years, as a technology hero during natural disasters and health pandemics. At a time when more people than ever…

The IRC joins the Better Than Cash Alliance

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New United Nations study finds digital payments to Ebola response workers saved lives and $10 million

By using digital payments to pay Ebola response workers, Sierra Leone massively cut payment times, avoiding large-scale strikes and ensuring a stable workforce to defeat Ebola. Sierra Leone…

The Better Than Cash Journey: Concern and CARE

This is the fourth in a series of articles written by Maura Hart on the achievements of several Better Than Cash Alliance members. These highlights capture the innovative work by governments, businesses and development organizations to fulfill their commitment to transition from cash to digital payments.

First There Was Cash-for-Assets – Could WFP’s New E-Payments Model be Scaled Up Too?

Kenya has been hailed as one of the developing world’s leaders in electronic payments. So it should come as no surprise that a sparsely populated, dusty village 500 kilometres from Nairobi i…

At a Moment’s Notice: Mercy Corps Tests and Deploys an E-Voucher System for Crises in the DRC

The following is a guest post by Sara Murray, Electronic Payments Program Manager at Mercy Corps, a Better Than Cash Alliance member….

Saving Money, Saving Lives: A Case Study on the Benefits of Digitizing Payments to Ebola Response Workers in Sierra Leone

This case study sets out key lessons from Sierra Leone’s experience using digital payments to help combat Ebola.

Une nouvelle étude des Nations unies révèle que les paiements numériques versés aux équipes d'intervention contre Ebola ont permis de sauver des vies et d'économiser 10 millions de dollars

L'expérience de la Sierra Leone montre qu'il est crucial de se préparer tôt aux paiements numériques avant l'émergence d'une crise.

Cash Digitization: UN Collaboration, Coordination, and Harmonization Opportunities

New digitization study recommends strengthening cash assistance collaboration across UN agencies & partners, to improve coordination and harmonization.

Cash Transfers Poised to Aid National Governments in Times of Crisis

This summer, the Cash Learning Partnership, UNICEF, and the European Commission came together to discuss the use of emergency cash transfers in humanitarian responses and national social wel…

Every dollar spent on Syrian refugees generates $2.13 in local Lebanese markets

Branchless Banking in Pakistan: Opportunities and Challenges

The paper examines strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of branchless banking and recommends some strategies around the identified challenges with a focus on Pakistan.