Financial inclusion in Côte d'Ivoire

Contact details

Submitted by: Alpha Diallo, Admin/Finance Officer, UNHCR Cote d’Ivoire Innovation fellow

Email: [email protected]        

Website:

Article about the project launch available on ivoirematin.com (in French only).

Introduction to the project 

Country

Cote d’Ivoire

Duration

October 2018 – Dec 2019

Project aims

• To allow returning refugees (or Protection staff depending on household dynamics and protection risks) to choose their preferred modality of receiving the assistance – e.g. cash in an envelope or through mobile money, to the head of household or different household members, as a lump sum or several payments, at the transit centre or upon return.
• To serve as a single remittance mechanism for return assistance from multiple stakeholders (WFP: monetized food, UNICEF: monetized school kits, etc.)

Resources used

Connectivity for refugees Innovation fund complemented by UNHCR CIV OPS and ABOD resources

Partners

• UNHCR Cote d’Ivoire
• UNHCR Liberia
• UNHCR Guinea
• UNHCR Ghana
• DAARA – main government partner
• WFP – UN agency
• MTN – telecommunication and mobile money company
• ARTCI – telecommunications regulatory body

How challenges were overcome 

The main challenges were as follows:

• The lack of documentation (a regulatory requirement) is a major hindrance to receiving a SIM card.
• A very bureaucratic internal systems (LAS, Procurement, etc.) that is resistant to change.
• Relatively low organizational capacity with regards to Cash-Based Interventions.

These challenges were addressed with leadership, a facilitative protection environment, and advocacy with the national identification body. Some challenges are still being overcome.

Results of the Good Practice

• More choice and less risk for returnees, resulting in a sense of security and dignity enhanced during voluntary repatriation
• Bringing in non-traditional private partners -> partnership base expanded to telecommunications companies
• Revisiting the UNHCR mind-set to perceive commercial stakeholders as partners, not just vendors
• Saving resources: by spending less on contracts (common procurement) or by advocating that telecommunications companies waive fees (for all or a part of the caseload – appeal to corporate social responsibility)