Context:
In November 2017, WFP and UNCDF signed a Memorandum of Understanding specifying the synergies to be put in place between the two organizations for the accomplishment of their respective missions in West Africa. It is in this context that a project was initiated in 2018 between WFP Niger and the MM4P program. The objective of this project is to support WFP Niger in digitizing its social cash transfers to households in vulnerable situations.

Objectives:  
PHB was selected to implement the process of digitizing payments of social transfers. More specifically, the objectives were to conduct studies and research that will enable WFP to acquire a good knowledge of the behaviour and attitudes of its beneficiaries, and also to effectively apprehend their needs in order to implement the most appropriate solutions taking into account their immediate environment (geographical, cultural and socio-economic). PHB shall conduct an evaluation of the distribution network selected, in order to highlight the strengths and weaknesses for which the improvement and correction plans should be implemented to ensure the success of the transfer operations.

Deliverables:

• Conducting a human-centred study to better identify the needs and constraints in terms of adoption and use of digital financial services, which will have to be addressed later through adequate training;
• Evaluation of the DFS provider agent network in the project area and discuss the value proposition of the financial service provider
• The development of training curricula based on the results of the study and the conduct of training sessions for trainers with WFP's operational partners (NGOs, etc.)

Context: Urwego Opportunity Bank wanted to provide its customers with access to savings accounts and allow repayments of loans via the mobile phone using the mVisa platform.

Objective: ensure the MFI was well prepared, organized and trained to successfully manage the service.

Deliverables: readiness diagnostic; regulatory analysis; market study; business model and implementation plan (cost model, agent network strategy, customer tariff, savings benefits for UOB and its customers); service provider partnering and negotiations; integrating m-banking service into UOB operations; marketing strategy; training support; friendly user testing, KPIs and launch result evaluation.