Oxfam in Somalia. INNOVATIVE E-CASH RESPONSE IN SOMALIA: CASH TRANSFER THROUGH MOBILE PHONES South Somalia. Date: 11/12/2013 Presenter Maryam Hassan

Transcription

1 Oxfam in Somalia INNOVATIVE E-CASH RESPONSE IN SOMALIA: CASH TRANSFER THROUGH MOBILE PHONES South Somalia Date: 11/12/2013 Presenter Maryam Hassan

2 The future of humanitarian assistance...? 2

3 RATIONALE FOR THE INNOVATION Telecommunications Industry in Somalia Despite the endless conflict, commercial companies have been providing necessary services in Somalia. Among sectors that have thrived is the telecommunication industry, where digital technology has provided more opportunities for investment. Somalia now offers some of the most technologically advanced and competitively priced telecommunications and internet services in the world. 3

4 4 Continued... According to the World Internet Usage number of Internet users in Somalia went from 200 in year 2000 to 106,000 in 2011 and is still growing. There were about 512,682 mobile subscribers in Somalia in year 2008 and it is expected to be 6.1 Million by 2015.

5 Fun Facts -CIA World fact book, 2012 & World Bank, 2012 Somalia has the lowest international call rates in Africa and one of the cheapest in the world 34% of adults in Somalia use mobile money $1.6bn money remittances are handled annually Somali's online Dahabshiil is one of the largest money transfer companies in Africa, operating in 155 countries 5

6 Mobile Banking in Somalia there are about 11 licensed local mobile phone operators in Somalia. It is in this environment that mobile banking has taken root as service providers and the informal banking industry (Hawala) cooperate to enhance communications, information sharing and service provision. In a country where there is no formal banking system, mobile banking has bridged the gap. 6

7 Initial time investment, quicker thereafter Less time is spent travelling to the cash distribution site and queuing in long lines as there are alternative points to redeem the cash, rather than just the designated Hawala(2011/2012 response included 5$ for transport cost in some region 7

8 Security and choice on cash use This system also provides the beneficiary with the choice of when to redeem the money, increasing security as compared to carrying the physical cash. In addition, for most of the population without access to a bank account, having a mobile wallet offers options for saving some money. 8

9 Technological inclusion The E-cash system creates an opportunity to use information technology to empower those in need, exposing them to a formal financial service thereby promoting increased financial and technological inclusion. Furthermore, mobile phones can facilitate the enhanced exchange of information. There are numerous communication opportunities created by placing mobile technologies in the hands of those previously without access. 9

10 Private sector participation E-cash programming offers an exciting opportunity for NGO and private sector partnership to uniquely enhance the effectiveness of emergency response and diversify the approaches necessary for early recovery. 10

11 DESCRIPTION OF THE Oxfam E-CASH program After 2011/2012 cash response in Somalia, Oxfam conducted assessment to understand the challenges involved in traditional cash transfer programming in 2011 and early After wide consultation and research, they concluded that mobile phone based money transfer would be an effective alternative. This led to the development of an E-cash programme 11

12 Continue- In partnership with money transfer company (Bakaal ), Oxfam is implementing E-Cash in Four regions of south central Somalia. Bakaal was chosen as the service provider for the transfer and payment of funds to the beneficiaries for both Hawalla and mobile money transfers. The main reason with the choice of Bakaal is that they are able to provide both the hawalla and mobile payments and incase of any challenges the modality of paying the beneficiaries can be switched easily. 12

13 Continue E-cash is designed to transfer cash between individuals and can hold up to 150 (3.75m Somali shillings). This project targets 7,000 hh during lean season with 65 $ per hh, per month (for 3 months) 13

14 Preferred mode of payment 100% Mobile Phone Preferance: Middle Shabelle 100% Mobile Phone Preferance: L.Shabelle 80% 80% % of Households 60% 40% 69% 67% % of households 60% 40% 52% 58% 20% 20% 0% Male Female 0% Male Female 14

15 Preferred mode of payment 100% Cash Tranfer Preferance: Bay 80% % of Households 60% 40% 67% 62% 20% 0% Male Female 15

16 How the system/ partnership works Oxfam provided the list of beneficiaries to Bakaal and the details were keyed into a database that was uploaded onto the E- system. The database contained full beneficiary names, total amount due and contacts/mobile phone numbers. 16

17 Cont. Each of the beneficiaries was assigned a personal mobile money account opened with the service provider and linked to their phone number. After registration, the beneficiaries were mobilized and informed about the program so that they activate their SIM cards After completing the aforementioned steps, the money was transferred to all the beneficiaries simultaneously 17

18 Cont. The beneficiaries could then: Use direct electronic cash to pay bills and buy goods and services Send the electronic cash to any other mobile phone user in Somalia Use it to buy airtime Redeem the physical cash at any agent 18

19 Cont. All these steps are in place to minimize risk and ensure that the money reached the intended recipient. Oxfam and Bakaal staff will call (randomly) all the recipients before and after the funds are disbursed to verify that indeed the money was received by the correct person. In addition, an easy toll free number/hotline is provided to call in case there any concerns. 19

20 Wider preferences An overwhelming number of those interviewed,stated that E-cash system gave them more choice in making certain decisions compared to the traditional cash programming systems 20

21 Time management E-Cash is a faster way to transfer money to those in need and will undoubtedly become more efficient as processes and systems are refined 21

22 Increased security E-cash system has safety benefits. Mobile transactions are traceable, making it harder for corrupt officials to embezzle undetected. Furthermore, using the mobile phone as a wallet provides a safe place for beneficiaries to store the money, reducing the risk of theft and loss and over come challenge from gate keepers 22

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