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Media Release
Unilever raises the bar on private sector leadership to achieve the SDGs through digital payments
In a significant step towards integrating social benefits into business strategy, the UN-based Better Than Cash Alliance announced its newest member: Unilever.
Resource
The role of Financial Services in Humanitarian Crises
This paper recommends actions that policy makers and donors can take to improve the provision of financial services to crisis-affected populations.
Resource
Decade Edition of the State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money
The impact of mobile money has been felt well beyond transactions and accounts: people’s lives have been enriched by greater personal security, a sense of empowerment, and more.
Media Release
Nuevo estudio de las Naciones Unidas destaca progreso del Perú en finanzas digitales
Así como el Instituto Global McKinsey (MGI) revela que las finanzas digitales tendrían un impacto de US$ 3.7 trillones en el aumento del PBI en las economías emergentes, el nuevo reporte destaca cómo el Perú puede continuar avanzando en su agenda de finanzas digitales
Media Release
New United Nations Study Shines Spotlight on Peru’s Progress on Digital Finance
As McKinsey Global Institute reveals a potential $3.7 trillion GDP boost in emerging economies, the report outlines how Peru can continue to advance its digital finance agenda
Case Study
Country Diagnostic: Peru
Building from a Strong Foundation: A Path Forward for Digitizing Sub-national Government Payments in Peru
Case Study
Diagnóstico de País: Perú
Construyendo sobre bases sólidas: un camino para el avance de los pagos de gobierno a nivel subnacional en el Perú
Resource
Universal Financial Access Global Payment Systems Survey 2015
During the 2013 World Bank–International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings, the World Bank Group (WBG) President Dr. Jim Yong Kim announced that the WBG envisions that adults worldwide will have universal financial access (UFA) by 2020. That is, adults will be able to have access to a transaction account to store money, and make and receive payments as the basic building block to manage their financial lives.
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2016 Mobile Industry Impact Report: Sustainable Development Goals
This report is a critical input into the development of a comprehensive SDG implementation plan for the mobile industry.
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Alliance featured in Anatalya outcome document
Better Than Cash Alliance featured in Anatalya Comprehensive High-level Midterm Review
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IRC: Financial transfers an essential part of humanitarian response
A report by International Rescue Committee's (IRC)
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Making Electronic Payments Work for Humanitarian Response
This report builds the case for electronic payment preparedness to support humanitarian interventions by providing a baseline analysis of existing donor support for electronic payment preparedness and actual electronic payment preparedness needs in select high-risk disaster prone countries.
Blog Post
UNFPA joins the Better Than Cash Alliance to improve programme delivery
Today, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, joined The Better Than Cash Alliance, committing to boost the use of digital payments to improve programme delivery, by generating cost savings and increasing transparency and security.
Webinar
Modelo Perú Webinar
The Better Than Cash Alliance recently held a live webinar with key players behind the launch of Peru’s new mobile wallet. "Bim" is the first product of Modelo Perú, which plans to bring digital payments to five million Peruvians over the next five years.
Resource
Basel standard setter: improving payments infrastructure accelerates financial inclusion
Payment Aspects of Financial Inclusion (PAFI)
Blog Post
In the hands of women: A reflection on the gender gap in financial inclusion
Did you ever wonder why there is not an International Men’s Day? There actually is such a day, by the way—it’s on November 19th, but there aren’t too many people marking it with a night off from cooking or cleaning or childcare for the guys!
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Guide to the Use of Digital Financial Services in Agriculture
This guide is based on four in-country assessments conducted jointly by the USAID Bureau for Food Security’s (BFS) Office of Market and Partnership Innovations (MPI), the U.S. Global Development Lab DFS team and USAID’s FHI 360-led Mobile Solutions Technical Assistance and Research (mSTAR) project.
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Beyond Cash: Incentivizing Merchant Acceptance in India
India has made remarkable progress towards financial inclusion, but the use of digital payments remains limited
Media Release
El Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo será el primer banco regional de desarrollo en unirse a una alianza que promueve pagos digitales
La organización se une a una alianza organizada por la Naciones Unidas para unir gobiernos, empresas y organizaciones internacionales en el esfuerzo para avanzar pagos digitales
Media Release
Inter-American Development Bank becomes first regional development bank to join partnership to advance digital payments
The organization joins a UN-hosted alliance of governments, companies and international organizations to accelerate the move towards digitization of payments
Resource
World Development Report 2016: Access to the Internet inadequate
Digital Technologies: Huge Development Potential Remains Out of Sight for the Four Billion Who Lack Internet Access
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Grameen Foundation finds mobile payments improve resilience
Measuring The Impact Of Microfinance: Looking To The Future
Blog Post
Ugandan farmers – majority women - devise new mobile solution
Farmers are adapting mobile technology to meet market needs and drive progress on their own terms rather than waiting for telecommunications companies to deliver solutions
Resource
First U.S. Financial Inclusion Forum brings together governments and private sector
Video Resource
Report
Innovative Digital Payment Mechanisms Supporting Financial Inclusion Stocktaking Report
A report by the World Bank Group’s Payment System Development Group, the Better Than Cash Alliance, and the Alliance for Financial Inclusion for the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion
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MIT Press Journal The end of financial marginalization is in sight: Here's the roadmap
The End of Financial Marginalization Is in Sight: Here's the Roadmap
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Chilling effect of anti-money-laundering policies for poor countries
Unintended Consequences of Anti–Money Laundering Policies for Poor Countries
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International Organization for Migration: relocation grants paid remotely worldwide with prepaid cards
International Organization for Migration: relocation grants paid remotely worldwide with prepaid cards
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Launching a new toolkit: Digitising payments for businesses, governments and NGOs
The toolkit is available on request to mobile operators via the GSMA website
Blog Post
Watch: Inspirational speeches at UN Global Goals Summit
The President of Tanzania, H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, as well as Ministers and other high level figures from Peru, Belgium, Bangladesh, Colombia, the Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and South Africa, delivered powerful speeches on how digital payments and greater financial inclusion are accelerating progress towards key Sustainable Development Goals.
Media Release
Media Briefing - Making cash history
Making cash history: How digital payments can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
Blog Post
Heads of State & Governments Event on Digitizing Payments & Inclusive Finance at UN Summit
Governments Leading the Way: Digitizing Payments and Advancing Inclusive Finance to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, Saturday 26 September, 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST, United Nations Headquarters
Report
The Journey Toward Cash Lite-Addressing Poverty Saving Money and Increasing Transparency by Accelerating the Shift to Electronic Payments
This study:
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How new technologies affect small businesses – recent research findings from DCED Research
DCED Research and Evidence Update
Media Release
Leading global experts priotize key measures to optimize digital finance for world's poorest people
ANTALYA, Turkey - How are phones and cards changing the ways the global poor access and manage their money, and what should governments and financial institutions do to ensure innovative products and services meet the need of low-income customers? These and related topics were the subject of intense discussion and debate by leading global experts at a G20-backed event this week in Antalya, Turkey, one of the countries being transformed by digital innovation.
Blog Post
Tribute to Reuben Summerlin
It is with great sadness this week that the Better Than Cash Alliance, Mobile Money for the Poor and UNCDF mourn the passing of our friend and colleague Reuben Summerlin, UNCDF’s Advisor in the Pacific region and the Programme manager of the UNDP/UNCDF Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (PFIP).
Blog Post
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.
Media Release
Grupo Bimbo joins the Better Than Cash Alliance to help small businesses in Mexico boost profits
Through Red Qiubo, Grupo Bimbo provides small businesses with the necessary technology to accept digital payments in their operations.
Resource
DaviPlata: Taking Mobile G2P Payments to Scale in Colombia
Insights and Lessons from the payment of Familias en Accion through DaviPlata wallets in Colombia
Blog Post
Closing the gender gap in mobile phone access and use
Guest post by Shireen Santosham, GSMA Connected Women
Blog Post
The Better Than Cash Journey: Mercy Corps & Women’s World Banking
This is the first in a series of articles on the achievements of several Better Than Cash Alliance members
Blog Post
Mercy Corps recognized for providing emergency e-transfers to 25,000 Typhoon survivors in the Philippines
Beneficiaries received electronic transfers via mobile savings accounts
Resource
Case Study: Shifting Food Assistance in Kenya to E-Payments
Cash for Assets: World Food Programme’s Exploration of the In-Kind to E-Payments Shift for Food Assistance in Kenya
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A payments diagnostic toolkit shows countries where to accelerate a digital ecosystem
Digital Ecosystem
Blog Post
Electronic transfers in humanitarian response: Good news, bad news and how-to
Digitizing the delivery of humanitarian aid has so much appeal. By taking cash out of the equation, electronic transfers (often called e-transfers or e-payments) promise a faster, more secure and more transparent (so less corruptible) means of getting help to those who need it, even in the most hard to reach places.
Blog Post
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.
Blog Post
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.
Case Study
Colombia’s Online E-Payments Platform: Private Sector Innovation Inspired by Government Vision
Private Sector Innovation Inspired by Government Vision
Blog Post
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.
Blog Post
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.
Blog Post
The International Fund for Agricultural Development joins Better Than Cash Alliance to bring financial inclusion to rural communities
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is pleased to accept an invitation to join the Better than Cash Alliance (BTCA) in our shared commitment to bringing financial access to rural communities through digital payments.
Blog Post
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.
Blog Post
In China, UN Special Advocate Queen Máxima Sees Great Potential for Digital Financial Inclusion
At the invitation of the government of China, Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands visited the country from 24 to 28 November in her capacity as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA).
Blog Post
Twitter Chat: Digital Payments in Developing Countries
Join the Better Than Cash Alliance and our partners for an online discussion about safety and transparency in digital payments.
Resource
Every dollar spent on Syrian refugees generates $2.13 in local Lebanese markets
A new study by IRC analyzed the spending of 90,000 Syrian refugee families who received $100 ATM bankcards
Media Release
World Bank Report: Digital payments vital to economic growth
Gates Foundation and Better Than Cash Alliance urge governments to embrace digital financial services, offers concrete action steps
Blog Post
Paving the Way for Responsible Digital Finance
By Beth Porter, Policy Advisor, Financial Inclusion, UNCDF, Advisor, Better Than Cash Alliance
Blog Post
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.
Blog Post
In Learning Exchange with Kenya, Nigerian and Malawian Banks Focus on Reaching Women With Cashless Solutions
Guest post by Allegra Palmer, Women’s World Banking
Resource
Cash Transfers Poised to Aid National Governments in Times of Crisis
Aid National Governments
Blog Post
Is Cash the Enemy of Financial Inclusion?
The Better Than Cash Alliance, hosted by UNCDF, gathered with colleagues at the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) Council of Governors Annual Meeting last month in Urubamba, Peru. The event brought together over 30 international organizations dedicated to expanding global financial inclusion.
Blog Post
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.
Media Release
Women’s World Banking Joins the Better Than Cash Alliance
One Million Low-Income People to Reap Benefits of Digital Money
Blog Post
Better Than Cash Alliance Recognized As Example for Effective Development
On April 15-16, 2014 the Better Than Cash Alliance presented at the First High Level Meeting for Effective Development Cooperation in Mexico City, Mexico. The meeting was organized by the Mexican government with support of the OECD and UNDP. Tidhar Wald, Government and Corporate Relations Specialist shares insights from the event.
Blog Post
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 is home to a pilot project testing whether an electronic delivery model for aid can be viable on a larger, commercial scale. Drought prone Merti is a small town in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), of northern Kenya where The World Food Programme, MasterCard and local partner Equity Bank have been running a pilot point-of-sale electronic payments programme. .
Blog Post
Electronic cash aid gives Rwandan refugees more options
As part of its commitments to enhance food security, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has introduced mobile phone facilitated cash transfers to feed the 14,500 refugees in Gihembe refugee camp in northern Rwanda.
Blog Post
Davos Shines a Light on Financial Inclusion Via Electronic Payments
World Economic Forum recognises electronic payments as a driver for financial inclusion
Blog Post
Ethiopia scales up mobile and other digital finance services
Better Than Cash Alliance discusses digital financial strategy with government
Media Release
Catholic Relief Services Joins Better Than Cash Alliance
CRS Commits to Increase Electronic Payments to Strengthen Local Economies
Media Release
WSBI contributes its expertise to the Better Than Cash Alliance in shifting cash to electronic payments
In joining the Better Than Cash Alliance, the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute will work to increase the number of electronic transactions undertaken throughout its global membership as well as share research on the lessons learned
Case Study
Electronic Payments within a Limited Financial Infrastructure: Uganda’s Search for a Viable E-payments Solution to deliver Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE)
Reaching nearly 100,000 of Uganda’s senior and vulnerable citizens, Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) has demonstrated the need for tenacity and flexibility as it works to create a transparent and efficient social protection system in a country with limited payment infrastructure that is prone to a lack of transparency and leakage.
Blog Post
E-donate to help Typhoon Haiyan survivors
Two months ago, Mr Paolo Baltao, President of G-Xchange, a subsidiary of Globe Telecom, one of the leading telecommunications services providers in the Philippines
Blog Post
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 will allow hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees to meet their food needs and help boost the local economy.
Resource
Gates Foundation Study Finds Digital Payments Can Produce 90 Percent Cost Reductions and Better for Poor
Fighting Poverty, Profitably Report
Blog Post
Learning From Peers Speeds the Digitization Process
Budget Under-Secretary Richard Bon Moya knew he was being ambitious. The goal was to shift all the financial transactions of the Filipino Government to a digital format—and to do it in five years. Most countries attempting such a feat had taken seven to 10 years. But there was one that had managed a quick, relatively seamless transition: Kenya.
Media Release
Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion Key to Poverty Alleviation and Economic Growth, say World Leaders
Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion Key to Poverty Alleviation and Economic Growth, say World Leaders
Media Release
Mr Bill Gates and Other Experts to Speak on Digital Financial Inclusion and Inclusive Growth
Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development and Mr Bill Gates to Speak on Digital Financial Inclusion and Inclusive Growth
Blog Post
Transforming Financial Systems for the Poor: Report Shows Digital Advances Can Unlock Cost Savings of 90 Percent
In looking at ways to bring financial services to the more than two billion people outside formal financial systems, often the focus has been on piecemeal efforts to improve specific elements such as product design, pricing, delivery, banking regulation, or consumer protection.
Case Study
E-Payments Deliver 15% Greater Efficiency in Kenya – Is This the Future of Food Aid?
Cash for Assets
Blog Post
Debit cards provide flexibility to displaced families in Mali
Eighteen-year-old Djélika Haïdara was pregnant when she fled her home in northern Mali to escape the violent aftermath of a military coup. She and her extended family were among more than 227,000 people displaced within Mali. Djélika and her baby now live in Bamako, the nation’s capital, in a rented apartment with 20 other family members.
Blog Post
Share Your Thoughts: What Are “Responsible” Digital Payments?
The Better Than Cash Alliance and UNCDF participated a meeting of the Responsible Finance Community of Practice (CoP) on June 25th 2013 in Berlin, Germany. Participants agreed that one key issue for the CoP to address in the future is what “responsible” means for new financial service businesses in emerging economies, including digital payments.
Blog Post
As MEDA joins Better Than Cash Alliance, Reflections on progress to a “Cash-lite Zambia”
While in Zambia last week, I was struck by the changes in the mobile money sector that have happened since my last trip in 2011, which admittedly is about 20 years ago in technology years. When MEDA first started our partnership that year with Zoona, a mobile transactions company, they were the new kid on the block in a market pretty unfamiliar with cashless payments. They were doing a fair number of transactions, but many of those were directed e-vouchers for subsidy recipients, and there was not a lot of competition for customers doing cashless transactions. Uptake was slow going, and it wasn’t yet clear: Would cashless payments ever take off in Zambia?
Media Release
MEDA Joins the Better Than Cash Alliance
Pledges to Improve Access to Finance and Markets for the Poor by Supporting Shift to Electronic Payments
Blog Post
Joining Central Bankers to Focus on Innovations in Consumer Payments
The World Bank and the Committee on Payment and Settlement Systems (CPSS) recently hosted the Third Meeting of the CPSS – World Bank Retail Payments Forum in Perugia, Italy.
Blog Post
ACDI/VOCA: Why Electronic Payments are Game-Changing for Development Practitioners
At ACDI/VOCA we see firsthand how technological innovations are revolutionizing approaches to global economic development. This is particularly true for electronic payments. Around 2.5 billion people around the world are “unbanked.” Without access to financial services, they can’t save for the future, build assets or get credit. For those who do have access, the services are often rudimentary and inefficient. Electronic payments open doors and create lasting benefits for this underserved population by providing access to robust, modern financial services.
Media Release
Grameen Foundation Joins the Better Than Cash Alliance
Grameen Foundation Joins Better Than Cash Alliance; Pledges to Address Poverty by Shifting to Electronic Payments
Resource
Case Studies on Lessons Learned from Aadhaar Enabled Direct Benefits Transfer
Report by MicroSave
Media Release
ACDI/VOCA Joins the Better Than Cash Alliance
ACDI/VOCA Joins the Better Than Cash Alliance — Pledges to Address Poverty and Grow the Economy by Shifting to Electronic Payments
Resource
M-Shwari: Market Reactions and Potential Improvements
M-Shwari: Market Reactions and Potential Improvements
Resource
Incentives for the Introduction of Agents by Banca de las Oportunidades in Colombia
A CGAP Report
Blog Post
The Global Movement of Electronic Payments at WEF
At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, this morning, the Better Than Cash Alliance hosted a roundtable discussion with Juan Jiménez Mayor, Prime Minister, Republic of Peru; Dr. Mauricio Cárdenas, Minister of Finance, Republic of Colombia; and Florencio B. Abad, Secretary of Budget and Management, Republic of the Philippines.
Blog Post
Better Than Cash Alliance Names Ruth Goodwin-Groen as Managing Director
Alliance Accelerates Work to Transition from Cash to Electronic Payments Worldwide
Blog Post
Better Than Cash Alliance Perspectives: The Development Community
Around the world, 2.5 billion people lack access to formal financial services.
Blog Post
Better Than Cash Launch Event
2012 the Better Than Cash Alliance was launched at an event at the Ford Foundation in New York.
Blog Post
Citi Helps Launch Better Than Cash Alliance, Accelerating Transition to E-payments
This week, Citi helped to launch the Better Than Cash Alliance, a coalition of public, private and NGO partners that will call on governments, the development community and the private sector to adopt the use of electronic payments for programs that support the underbanked — and provide resources to those who commit to make the transition.
Media Release
Ruth Goodwin-Groen Named as Managing Director
Alliance Accelerates Work to Transition from Cash to Electronic Payments Worldwide
Media Release
Editorial Mentions: Better Than Cash Alliance
Editorial Mentions: Better Than Cash Alliance
Media Release
The Better Than Cash Alliance Is Out to Create a “Cash Lite” World
The Better Than Cash Alliance Is Out to Create a “Cash Lite” World
Blog Post
What’s Better than Cash?
“We are excited to be joining our partners in announcing the Better than Cash Alliance today. Committed to moving the global community onto electronic payments in place of physical cash, the Alliance will help the world’s poorest families join the modern economy and realize the benefits of a more transparent, inclusive, cash-light world. I’m optimistic that this Alliance will help usher in a new era of opportunity for some of the most vulnerable people on earth.”
Media Release
Initiative Launched to Accelerate Global Shift to Electronic Payments for the Poor
Initiative Launched to Accelerate Global Shift to Electronic Payments for the Poor
Media Release
Leading Corporations, Foundations and Development Organizations Form ‘Better Than Cash Alliance’
Leading Corporations, Foundations and Development Organizations Form ‘Better Than Cash Alliance’
Media Release
Digital initiative aimed at helping world’s poor
Digital initiative aimed at helping world’s poor
Media Release
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
Blog Post
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
Media Release
Latest Materials
Please find the most recent fact sheets on the Better Than Cash Alliance:
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New Technologies in Cash Transfer Programming and Humanitarian Assistance
New Technologies in Cash Transfer Programming and Humanitarian Assistance
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Plugging into Mobile Money Platforms: Early Experiences of NGOs in the Field
Plugging into Mobile Money Platforms: Early Experiences of NGOs in the Field
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Banking with mobile phones in Haiti: A report on a T-cash pilot program
Banking with mobile phones in Haiti: A report on a T-cash pilot program
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G2P: Expanding Financial Inclusion in the Pacific Report
A report by Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (PFIP)
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Building a Mobile Money Distribution Network in Papua New Guinea
A report by Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (PFIP)
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World Bank Presents Outcomes of the Global Payment Systems Survey 2010
A Report by World Bank
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Beneficiary Perceptions and Attitudes in Fiji: Facilitating Migration from Paper-based to Electronic Benefit Distribution
Report by Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme(PFIP)
