Crisis response

LEARNING SERIES >> Collaborating to scale the responsible digitization of humanitarian payments

There is an urgent need and powerful opportunity to further boost the outreach, efficiency, and efficacy of digital humanitarian payments through enhanced coordination between UN agencies.

The importance of partnerships in humanitarian response

Crises of all sorts, from conflicts to natural disasters to health emergencies, are happening at unprecedented rates around the world — so much so that the United Nations convened the first World Humanitarian Summit this week.

Electronic transfers in humanitarian response: Good news, bad news and how-to

By taking cash out of the equation, electronic transfers promise a faster, more secure and more transparent (so less corruptible) means of getting help.

Done Right, Digital Finance Could Transform Humanitarian Response

Originally published on CGAP.org

The role of Financial Services in Humanitarian Crises

The report provides evidence on role of financial inclusion in bringing efficiencies to emergency transfers through digital and mobile distribution channels.

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.

The IRC joins the Better Than Cash Alliance

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is pleased to join the Better Than Cash Alliance, in support of our commitment to provide essential services within the first 72 hours of crisis.

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

Sierra Leone’s experience shows the critical importance of preparing early for digital payments before crises hit.

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.

Empowering People One Transaction at a Time

Empowering People One Transaction at a Time: Leading Corporations, Foundations and Development Organizations Form “Better Than Cash Alliance” to Accelerate Global Shift to Electronic Payments

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….

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.

Marks & Spencer Joins the Better Than Cash Alliance on International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, Marks & Spencer (M&S) is joining the Better Than Cash Alliance to help advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

The International Labour Organization commits to expanding the use of responsible digital payments to advance decent work

New partnership will result in promoting digital payments as an important tool to increase security, financial inclusion and economic opportunities in the workplace.

Thousands of Ebola workers paid in Liberia

Monrovia, LIBERIA - UNDP has helped the Liberian government pay thousands of Ebola workers. Over $1 million dollars in cash payments were distributed across the country in January alone….

Mobile money for 16,000 Ebola workers

December 24 , 2014. Sierre Leone: Marion Sesay gossiped with her two work colleagues while they waited in the shade of a local money handler for their names to be called….

Putting Digital Payments to Work in the Time of COVID-19

As the tragic human costs of COVID-19 mount, the need for practical, scalable, quick and effective solutions is urgent. Now more than ever, it’s time to put digital payments to work.

UN Helping to Coordinate Payments to Thousands of Frontline Ebola Responders

The Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA) is supporting the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) work with the authorities in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone to coordinate payments for thousands of treatment centre staff, lab technicians, contacts tracers and burial teams.

Seeing the Benefits of Electronic Aid Delivery Up Close in Rwanda

Earlier this year, we shared the story of the World Food Programme (WFP) introducing cash transfers on mobile phones at the Gihembe refugee camp in northern Rwanda. …

Inclusive digital payments solutions for the garment sector workers in Bangladesh