Problem

The global need for humanitarian assistance and protection is increasing exponentially, rising from 235 million people in 2021 to 339 million people in 2023, a 44.2% increase in just two years. The United Nations and partner organizations aim to assist 230 million people most in need across 69 countries, which will require US$51.5 billion.

The global aid business is a $202 billion sector that serves hundreds of millions of people per year, but, despite concerted efforts to help those in need, fraud and corruption in the sector is an estimated minimum of 5%, amounting to $10.1 billion per annum that doesn’t go to those most in need.

Of course, investigative cases only capture ‘discovered’ corruption. It is likely that the great majority of corruption isn’t uncovered by investigators. Provided the a great deal of aid is disbursed in the form of paper vouchers, cash, and highly opaque mobile money transactions, there is a lot left to be improved to ensure that global humanitarian assistance actually reaches it intended populations. Additionally, aid programs are oftentimes reactive & unacceptably analog, despite case studies proving that technology has advanced well enough to streamline the delivery, monitoring, & analysis as to how aid is disbursed and spent.

Solution

Umoja Labs's social sector product suite, referred to as 'Umoja Pay' digitizes humanitarian aid programs so that NGOs may disburse aid on-chain to end-beneficiaries anywhere in the world. Aid recipients of digital aid don't need a phone - they can use NFC cards if they don't have a mobile device, or even feature phones if they don't have a smartphone. Even better, such recipients can digitally transact with merchants using Umoja "Commerce" wallet with ease. All transactions within the program are monitored by the NGO's "Management Dashboard," which provides real-time data as to when money is being disbursed, how money is being spent, and who is cashing out.

Impact

Partnered with major NGOs such as Care, World Vision, Save the Children, Oxfam International, and Hope for Haiti
Disbursed over $3 million to over 40,000 people worldwide across Haiti, Vanuatu, Columbia, Venezuela, and Kenya

Learn More

Click here to learn more.

Role

CEO, Co-Founder
Head Blockchain Architect

Umoja: Bringing Humanitarian Aid On-Chain